Methods and apparatus provide a refill configuration adjacent a back-edge that defines a height of a magnetoresistive read sensor. Milling through layers of the sensor forms the back-edge and may be initially conducted at a first angle of incidence greater than a second angle of incidence. In combination, an insulating material and a polish resistant material, such as a non-magnetic metal, disposed on the insulating material fills a void created by the milling. The sensor further includes first and second magnetic shields with the layers of the sensor along with the polish resistant material and insulating material disposed between the first and second magnetic shields.