Reloading 22 hornet cases with ‘ rings ‘

Pretty new on reloading so please be gentle!
So I bought some so called once fired RWS brass for reloading the 22 Hornet.
Noticed some ‘ rings ‘ on the cases ( after FLS ) and read that these rings can be a sign/warning for possible case head separation.
Also read that these rings are shiny but these are dull, see the picture.
These RWS cases are the only cases who have these rings
What do you guys make of these rings?

Google "paperclip test, reloading" and you will find a sure fire way to check if these cases are ok to use. Any groves internally then you should discard the case as separation is likely iminent.

That said they could just be witness marks from the sizing die.

FT3CrowCall said:

Pretty new on reloading so please be gentle!
So I bought some so called once fired RWS brass for reloading the 22 Hornet.
Noticed some ‘ rings ‘ on the cases ( after FLS ) and read that these rings can be a sign/warning for possible case head separation.
Also read that these rings are shiny but these are dull, see the picture.
These RWS cases are the only cases who have these rings
What do you guys make of these rings?

Click to expand...

A pretty late reply here sorry to admit ‘CrowCall’ but those Rings around the mid to lower third of the cases are almost definitely signs of said “incipient case-head separation”! As per the other respondent here, I would suggest using the bent tip of an opened up, small paperclip, running that bent tip up and down the inside of the case bodies. If the tip notices this ring during that exercise, put the cases aside for very light loads with lead only bullets, or throw them away completely as the very next full load of powder will likely separate the case at this ring and be potentially dangerous and damaging to the chamber!!
Also, getting the front end OUT of the chamber when in the field can be a real pain and generally an end to that trip out - ask me how I know!?…..

Be Warned!!

FT3CrowCall said:

Pretty new on reloading so please be gentle!
So I bought some so called once fired RWS brass for reloading the 22 Hornet.
Noticed some ‘ rings ‘ on the cases ( after FLS ) and read that these rings can be a sign/warning for possible case head separation.
Also read that these rings are shiny but these are dull, see the picture.
These RWS cases are the only cases who have these rings
What do you guys make of these rings?

Click to expand...

Others have mentioned the method to check internally; I do not ever buy used brass. Keeping track of the number of times fired and the paperclip check method will keep you on the path of no separations. Oh, and clean the brass it helps when doing the visual inspection.

i get similar rings for my .17 hornet brass, which is necked down .22 hornet, have reloaded the cases many times, and do check internally for a case head separation issue but yet to find a problem or have one separate.

I can get the ring on first time resizing a fired factory round case.

It just looks to be a function of the resizing process on .22hornet brass.

@FT3CrowCall - again recognising this is a year since you posted but did you ever confirm this was an indicator to incipient case head separation?

Reason I ask is that the signs of this typically present as a bright ring, or line, that is caused as the metal stretches, not a dark ring. The stretching also typically appears at the transition point between the web at the thickest part of the case at the base & the wall of the case. This is also where the transition is from the hardened head of the cartridge & the softer more malleable walls.

That’s not to say that the rings you're seeing aren’t indicators, but to me they look more like marks from the chamber or, more likely, the dies when you’re resizing the cases.

Have a google on t’interweb & look at the photos of cases that have rings around them, ones that have separated & ones that have been sectioned to show what’s going on with the brass.