Re-sizing problem

[Maran14]

I am turning my hand at reloading for the first time and I decided I’d do 15 rounds, to hopefully find a ‘recipe’ that my rifle liked.

I noticed that after sizing/de-priming there was a faint line on all of the cases, just above the head.

Is this normal?
If not, does anybody know the cause and potential issues that may arise?

 

[scotch_egg]

Yes that’s normal

 

[Smellydog]

Normal.

 

[Maran14]

Yes that’s normal

Thank you!! Typically, I thought I’d broken it the first time I touched it.

 

[Maran14]

Normal.

Thank you. Any idea what causes it?

 

[Smellydog]

Thank you. Any idea what causes it?

It's probably just how the thinner brass body springs against the die verses the solid case head.

 

[dropmdead]

Remember, when starting out reloading, if in doubt always ask.
It's better to be safe than sorry...

Ask about if there's someone local to keep you right as you take your journey.

 

[Maran14]

Remember, when starting out reloading, if in doubt always ask.
It's better to be safe than sorry...

Ask about if there's someone local to keep you right as you take your journey.

Good advice!
I’ll do that

 

[The_Saltpeter_Sapper]

I am turning my hand at reloading for the first time and I decided I’d do 15 rounds, to hopefully find a ‘recipe’ that my rifle liked.

I noticed that after sizing/de-priming there was a faint line on all of the cases, just above the head.

Is this normal?
If not, does anybody know the cause and potential issues that may arise?

Glad you asked the question, as I had the same thing last weekend!

I’ve reloaded hundreds of straight-walled pistol cartridges, but I wondered if I was doing something wrong with necked cartridges, even with case lube.

 

[finnbear270]

Messaged.

 

[Foxyboy43]

Good to seek advice on any aspect of reloading - especially strange-to-you marks on the case.
This time around those appear to be perfectly regular markings caused by the reloading process but as part of your learning curve at case examination stage you should always factor in Incipient Case Separation which can occur with oft-reloaded brass or even first time with poor quality cases.
The attached photo shows what to look for, how to detect it and the consequences of missing it. You REALLY do not wish to encounter ICS - a stuck part-case can ruin your entire range day or give you a face full of smoke and very fine grit (so wear glasses) if in any doubt dump the suspect case!
The little bent tool can be as simple as a paperclip - in my case a piece of wiper stiffener, sharpened to a fine point to catch any tiny cracks as you run it up the inside of each case.
Good luck and well done for sticking your neck above the parapet….

 

[Maran14]

Good to seek advice on any aspect of reloading - especially strange-to-you marks on the case.
This time around those appear to be perfectly regular markings caused by the reloading process but as part of your learning curve at case examination stage you should always factor in Incipient Case Separation which can occur with oft-reloaded brass or even first time with poor quality cases.
The attached photo shows what to look for, how to detect it and the consequences of missing it. You REALLY do not wish to encounter ICS - a stuck part-case can ruin your entire range day or give you a face full of smoke and very fine grit (so wear glasses) if in any doubt dump the suspect case!
The little bent tool can be as simple as a paperclip - in my case a piece of wiper stiffener, sharpened to a fine point to catch any tiny cracks as you run it up the inside of each case.
Good luck and well done for sticking your neck above the parapet….

View attachment 423602

Fantastic advice! Thank you!
I’ll get right on to making one of these - it’s amazing how many little tips aren’t in the ‘comprehensive’ manual aha

 

[The_Saltpeter_Sapper]

Does anyone have any insights on how much you can reuse necked brass if they are only loaded as ‘pip-squeak’ load?

The reloading course I did said to only reuse necked brass five times. In this case I’ll be loading 7.62x54r with home cast lead heads with 5.5grs of Bullseye; a tried and tested ultra-light plinking load at my club. I was just going to stick to five uses to play it safe?

 

[Twodogs]

Does anyone have any insights on how much you can reuse necked brass if they are only loaded as ‘pip-squeak’ load?

The reloading course I did said to only reuse necked brass five times. In this case I’ll be loading 7.62x54r with home cast lead heads with 5.5grs of Bullseye; a tried and tested ultra-light plinking load at my club. I was just going to stick to five uses to play it safe?

Neck sized only brass will eventually require full length sizing, which may prolong its useful life.
Case life depends on so many factors. If ever in doubt bin it.

 

[The_Saltpeter_Sapper]

Neck sized only brass will eventually require full length sizing, which may prolong its useful life.
Case life depends on so many factors. If ever in doubt bin it.

Absolutely - I’ve bought a case trimmer although, having only fired the brass twice, I’ve not had a chance to use it in anger yet.

 

[Smellydog]

Does anyone have any insights on how much you can reuse necked brass if they are only loaded as ‘pip-squeak’ load?

The reloading course I did said to only reuse necked brass five times. In this case I’ll be loading 7.62x54r with home cast lead heads with 5.5grs of Bullseye; a tried and tested ultra-light plinking load at my club. I was just going to stick to five uses to play it safe?

With that load indefinitely.
Full power maybe around 5 loadings but I've gone further than that often.

My cases used for low power loads in 3030 using jacketed bullets have been reloaded dozens of times.

 

[The_Saltpeter_Sapper]

With that load indefinitely.
Full power maybe around 5 loadings but I've gone further than that often.

My cases used for low power loads in 3030 using jacketed bullets and have been reloaded dozens of times.

Awesome - I’ll keep a close eye on them nonetheless.

 

[Smellydog]

Awesome - I’ll keep a close eye on them nonetheless.

A simple tool as FB says is all you need.
The primer pockets get loose eventually.

 

[markyw]

Pistol cases I run until they show sings of wear and then bin them.
Rifle cases I full length size each time, trim periodically and check on every loading, looking out for signs of split neck or case body, head separation on military (7.62x521 and .303) brass and things like primers that are far to easy to seat (suggests primer pocket expansion). Annealing helps prolong brass life, as can neck sizing, but some rounds are more prone to deterioration than others. For example, my little .17 Rem Fireball cases will only get 5 or so firings without annealing until the neck splits. they may make it to 10 if I anneal.

Regards

Mark

 

[The_Saltpeter_Sapper]

A simple tool as FB says is all you need.
The primer pockets get loose eventually.

Looser primers would be quite handy to be honest - the Remington ones I’m using at the moment are a bugger to fit in the S&B cases using a Lee Quick Hand Primer!