308 Lapua Brass

[Happy stalker]

Hi Guys, I have been given a load of lapua brass and most of them have this mark around the base, my question is are they ok to use ?

 

[Selous]

They have been resized. Probably fine to use.
But have a read of this about case head separation too.

Case Head Separation

This reloading article describes case head separation. It also shows how to avoid it using our new Digital Headspace Gauge.

larrywillis.com

 

[Foxyboy43]

Hmmm.
Looks like a resizing mark as per above. Incipient Case Separation would normally show as a very fine line slightly further up the case and happens when the case has been fired too often or with stout loads resulting in overstretching the brass. The line caused by resizing can be seen in the examples below and had nothing to do with case failure.
Always good reloading practice to check each case after resizing and before trimming or priming; easy to do with a bent and sharpened paperclip or a little tool - simply slide it up the inside of the case a few times whilst gently rotating the case - the pointed tip will snag on any internal cracks before they appear on the outside.
Simples…

 

[kenbro]

Hmmm.
Looks like a resizing mark as per above. Incipient Case Separation would normally show as a very fine line slightly further up the case and happens when the case has been fired too often or with stout loads resulting in overstretching the brass. The line caused by resizing can be seen in the examples below and had nothing to do with case failure.
Always good reloading practice to check each case after resizing and before trimming or priming; easy to do with a bent and sharpened paperclip or a little tool - simply slide it up the inside of the case a few times whilst gently rotating the case - the pointed tip will snag on any internal cracks before they appear on the outside.
Simples…

View attachment 436649

Just to add to this.
Slide the paper clip up and down near the case head and feel for a grove round the inside that indicates a thinning of the case where it’s started stretching.
Kb.

 

[Happy stalker]

Hmmm.
Looks like a resizing mark as per above. Incipient Case Separation would normally show as a very fine line slightly further up the case and happens when the case has been fired too often or with stout loads resulting in overstretching the brass. The line caused by resizing can be seen in the examples below and had nothing to do with case failure.
Always good reloading practice to check each case after resizing and before trimming or priming; easy to do with a bent and sharpened paperclip or a little tool - simply slide it up the inside of the case a few times whilst gently rotating the case - the pointed tip will snag on any internal cracks before they appear on the outside.
Simples…

View attachment 436649

Thanks yes I see the resizing mark as you say looks very similar to the brass I have

 

[Happy stalker]

Thanks guys, very much appreciate the information

 

[Donkey Basher]

They’re fine - if you’re worried cut one in half length ways & you’ll not only be able to confirm whether there’s any risk of head separation but more importantly will realise that the shiny bit is simply where the brass is solid/thicker at the bottom so doesn't expand on firing & hence doesn't have any witness marks from resizing.

If you are at all unsure about the brass, drop me a PM & I’ll let you have my address so you can post it down to me for me to use!

 

[Stalker-of-the-deer]

That's normal.