Case head separation?

[Hoons]

I was hoping someone could identify the causes of these lines? I understand case head separation is light line around base of the base but these lines are dark and also appear near top of the case? Are these safe to reload?

[JackEllis]

I'm not sure, so I would toss them.

After shooting a few cartridges that developed split necks when they were fired, I now toss any cases with the slightest sign of a split neck. I can buy a whole lot of new brass for the cost of one hospital visit.

[LynnJr]

Looks like the brass was in a tight fitting container?

[Abenaki]

Interesting. Does the rest of the brass look like that?

Take a paper clip. straighten it out, then put a small right angle bend on one end. You can use this to feel for were the separation is. If it is there you will feel it.

Looking at the pics again....It doe not look a head separation to me.
I only had a few head separations, and the thin spot was on the inside of the case. You could see a bright ring on the out side. And when it got bad, you could see a crack.

Hopes this helps
Abenaki

[kcstott]

Looks like the brass was in a tight fitting container?

looks like the brass was in a ammo box one with bullet up one with bullet down and the vibration rattling around caused the rings.

[rsrocket1]

Take a paper clip and bend it into an "L" shape with a short horizontal leg. Use it to feel for a groove on the inside of the case. You can also Dremel or band saw one of your cases to check the inside for thinning. I doubt you will find it in your situation. If in doubt, throw it out, but you are probably OK.

[Hoons]

looks like the brass was in a ammo box one with bullet up one with bullet down and the vibration rattling around caused the rings.

I did have it in that orientation! Didnt think plastic box could cause the rings.

[fguffey]

I have a tool that will install that line in the case body, shoulder or neck. There is no demand for it because I am the only reloader that would have a use for the line.

The line around the case an artifact; problem, no one knows what caused it.

If the artifact was caused by case head separation someone would have to consider the case was chambered and fired while partially greasy. Or the brass thickness was tapered; problem, the two cases would have different tapers.

I can not see the primer pockets but if I had to guess I would say the primer pockets have a radius.

I have a stack of clips for the M1 Garand, I have scratched a few cases while turning them in the block. Problem, your artifacts are located in different locations.

If the two cases belong to me I would know if the cases started with the artifacts or developed after I finished firing.

F. Guffey

And I have tubing type cutters.

[colt11]

Can you provide us more info, are you concerned with a rifle issue, over pressure concern, or reloading safety? I don't think it's worth it to reload those two cases. Some people mark there cases to identify them.

[kcstott]

I did have it in that orientation! Didnt think plastic box could cause the rings.

all it takes is a little road rattle and maybe some range dust. I have boxes of brass like that.

[fguffey]

Case head separation?

The rings that run around your 2 cases are artifacts. At one time the two rings were more defined; and now? The depth of the two rings are more shallow. Reloaders believe they can move the shoulder back, I claim there are events that happen when the case is fired and or sized that reloaders do not understand.

I am sure there is a member on this forum that can explain 'it' and there are enough members that will agree. That does not make it true.

Again, I have a tool that will scribe that line around my cases; not a problem for me, I will not put enough effort into the explanation because of the time required and then there is the ink that is used/wasted.

F. Guffey

[kcstott]

I am sure there is a member on this forum that can explain 'it' and there are enough members that will agree. That does not make it true.


F. Guffey

Remember that the next time you open your fat mouth

[tawadc95]

Looks like something in the chamber framing.
Look with a borescope in the chamber

[fguffey]

Looks like something in the chamber framing.
Look with a borescope in the chamber

Because of the varying diameter of the chamber I would think it would be impossible to create the artifact on two different locations.

F. Guffey

[Syntax Error]

If the cases pass the paperclip feel test and exhibit no obvious "black ring" on the inside of the case when you shine a light on, then the case's structural integrity is intact and probably OK to reload.

But if you do feel a bump inside the case and there's a noticeable shadow ring with a light, then the cases are worn out and should be tossed into the scrap pile.