Brass fit to shell holder?

[JockStalk]

I've found that Hornady and Federal brass fit fine in my (correct for caliber) shell holder. Geco, RWS and S&B don't.

Presumably different manufacturing specs on the brass, but surprised at the difference.

Is that normal?

 

[phaedra]

If they don't fit at all then no, cases should all be made to SAAMI specifications (where there is one) so they should all be within a fairly tight tolerance.

What calibre are you using?

 

[JockStalk]

Its 7x57 - GECO, RWS and S&B simply don't slide into the shell holder.

 

[phaedra]

Is it by any chance a Lee shell holder? my friend has similar problems with a Lee 223 one.

 

[JockStalk]

Yup, sure is. Maybe I'll try another brand.

 

[phaedra]

I have a spare Lee R2 if you want to try it?

 

[Sinistral]

I've found that Hornady and Federal brass fit fine in my (correct for caliber) shell holder. Geco, RWS and S&B don't.

Presumably different manufacturing specs on the brass, but surprised at the difference.

Is that normal?

I deal with a lot of different calibres of rival makes.

The German dimension standards are different for 7x57, and the correct rim diameter size is .4763. You need a 6.5 x 55 (Lee #3) shellholder.

The Americans make everything to fit .243 - .308.

 

[Moray Outfitting]

Weird - you and the post Its was a Lee shell holder that I used on those Geco rounds and fitted just fine - of course I can't remember which number it was! I'll check next time I pass the bench as it'll be at the front of the shelf.

But best I just give you £25 for the old 'gas-pipe' and you can buy a 'proper' calibre....

 

[JockStalk]

Thanks all, and I know your motives towards my Varberger are impure Andy.
I'll try the No3 holder, thanks for the offer Phaedra but looks like it's the no2 that's the problem.
Cheers
Jim

 

[User00001]

7x57 is the only calibre that I have ever had this problem with too. I resolved it by using a different shell holder but I was never really happy about it, one was too tight and one too loose. I can't remember which make or number shellholders I was using as it was a good while ago now.

I am quite often surprised how much difference there is in the case dimensions between manufacturers even in more modern calibre.

 

[Conure]

If they don't fit at all then no, cases should all be made to SAAMI specifications (where there is one) so they should all be within a fairly tight tolerance.

What calibre are you using?

I used to shoot 303 and try finding an American made bit of brass for that that is anywhere near the correct size. The rim diameter is too small the case web is undersize and often the rim thickness is wrong as well. No wonder the 303 has a rep in the US for eating brass as it has to over expand just to reach normal sizes. May I usuggest to measure some American made cases and compare them against the case specs. Bet you will be surprised at how far out they are.

 

[old_n07]

I had problems with some S+B brass in a Lee shell holder, it was just the outer corners of the holder that were preventing the brass entering - I put a radius on the corners with my Dremel and it fits perfectly now

 

[bewsher500]

I had problems with some S+B brass in a Lee shell holder, it was just the outer corners of the holder that were preventing the brass entering - I put a radius on the corners with my Dremel and it fits perfectly now

this happened with some match .222 norma brass I bought
slightly different headstamp and the groove of the extractor is a little tighter

 

[takbok]

this happened with some match .222 norma brass I bought
slightly different headstamp and the groove of the extractor is a little tighter

I've just noticed that with some Norma .223 brass I've got. Some has stamped headstamp and the other seems to be faintly etched? Any idea if there's a difference between the two?

 

[Heym SR20]

Sorry to but in but in my 7x57 I have found that Hornady cases are slightly shorter to the shoulder than RWS- enough that you can see the difference. I have found that primers on Hornady ammo are slightly proud after firing. The Rifle is a Rigby built in the mid 1970s.

 

[Conure]

Sorry to but in but in my 7x57 I have found that Hornady cases are slightly shorter to the shoulder than RWS- enough that you can see the difference. I have found that primers on Hornady ammo are slightly proud after firing. The Rifle is a Rigby built in the mid 1970s.

Could it be that the SAAMI specs are nott he same as CIP ones. Seems to be the case on several cartridge cases of European origin.

 

[bewsher500]

I've just noticed that with some Norma .223 brass I've got. Some has stamped headstamp and the other seems to be faintly etched? Any idea if there's a difference between the two?

I purchased some "match" brass, came in boxes of 20
they are marked like the one on the bottom
the one on the top is factory ammo reloaded

 

[takbok]

I purchased some "match" brass, came in boxes of 20
they are marked like the one on the bottom
the one on the top is factory ammo reloaded

View attachment 66164

Thanks, that must be it. Half of mine looks the same as this stuff:

Cartridge of the Month: Norma .223 TAC and Match