Winchester case necks split on first firing

[Shootingspark]

Hello,

Fireforming a set of Winchester brass for 6mm rem ackley improved.
Out of 100 cases I have 7 split necks.
I fireformed with a fast burn powder and a relatively hot load(below max and no pressure signs) to ensure the shoulder is blown out.

In normal circumstances I would fling the whole batch out but getting better brass is a nightmare and I don’t plan on holding to the rifle too much longer.

Would it be worth annealing and cracking on with the remaining 93 cases or would these still most likely crack within a couple of loads?
Haven’t annealed before so not sure what to expect. First time using Winchester brass and I do appreciate it’s a bit tougher then previously used rpm which I’ve had 10+ loads from

 

[cjm1066]

Had some 308 Winchester factory in the 1980s, several split at the neck on firing, the rest lasted for years with no issues.

Why, perhaps inconsistent manufacture and a mixed batch??

 

[Stalker62]

Would it be worth annealing and cracking on with the remaining 93 cases...

It's always worth annealing.

 

[Shootingspark]

Had some 308 Winchester factory in the 1980s, several split at the neck on firing, the rest lasted for years with no issues.

Why, perhaps inconsistent manufacture and a mixed batch??

Thats positive to hear.. I would only have a maybe 2 loads out of this batch before replacing with a new rifle and calibre. I think I will give another load a go and see how it goes.

 

[Shootingspark]

It's always worth annealing.

On a seperate note is there anyone in Central belt of Scotland willing to anneal some cases?

 

[Smellydog]

Just use a blow lamp.
Your posh, you'd consider binning the rest! Wow.

 

[Shootingspark]

Just use a blow lamp.
Your posh, you'd consider binning the rest! Wow.

Tbh I know it sounds that way but I’ve always flung out the lot as soon as I start seeing cracked necks from that batch. Circumstances a little different here obviously..

 

[deeangeo]

Anneal your brass - it's easy enough with a blow lamp & doesn't take long. Maybe 12 - 14 secs rotating the case - just don't get them glowing red at the neck
Best if the brass is cleaned first
Simples

 

[Smellydog]

I just do it until they kind of look silver

 

[6mmAI]

I shoot two 6mm rem AI, I Fireform all of my brass from a hot load, I have used Remington and Winchester brass previously and I haven’t had split necks, what I have suffered from is loose primer pockets after 4/5 fireings but I do run a hot load.
Due to the above I’m currently using rws 7x57 necked down and turned, but still only getting 6 fireing before loose pockets, so fortunately I have managed to source some Remington and Winchester brass as for the extra cost and work to use 7x57 I can’t see the point.

But in regards to your question I’d just inspect the cases and if no split necks load them up and shoot it.