.380 Headstamp

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MI2600

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I began loading some .380 and ran into a stuck case problem. The cases were adequately lubed. The rims on 4 cases tore loose from the shellholder. I inspected the cases and found the headstamps were *I* (the *s are stars). It also said "380 AUTO".

I don't think they are Starlines. Anyone familiar with this headstamp?


PS: Thank God for my little stuck brass extractor!
 
That is Independence Ammo. I think they are made in Brazil. I have not reloaded their 380 Auto brass but I have reloaded their .38 Special, .357 Magnum and 45 Auto brass and it seems to be very good brass.

What dies are you using? Most dies use a Carbide sizing ring and need no lube. If your dies don't have a Carbide ring I would suggest buying new dies. The time you save alone will be well worth the price of the new dies. IMO of course
 
My first guess is, you are using a Lee shell-holder that doesn't fit right.

Or, the cases are really out of spec on the rim.

rc
 
MI2600 said:
No. I'm old-school I guess and don't mind rolling 'em in lube.
Click to expand...
Handgun ammo isn't supposed to take the time rifle ammo does. If you aren't willing to buy a newer Carbide sizing die for very little money don't be surprised when you have a problem with lubed cases. It's not the brass that caused your problems. I have used a lot of *I* brass without issues. (in Carbide dies)

A brand new set of Lee .380 Auto Carbide dies will cost you only $21.23 @ Midway USA on sale.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/980287/lee-carbide-3-die-set-380-acp?cm_vc=ProductFinding
 
Independence is an ATK brand. All the boxes I've seen say Made in USA.

Check the diameter of several cases with a dial caliper or micrometer and see if the Independence cases are smaller in diameter, or maybe thinner between the base and the extractor groove.

Hope this helps.

Fred
 
ReloaderFred said:
Independence is an ATK brand. All the boxes I've seen say Made in USA.

Check the diameter of several cases with a dial caliper or micrometer and see if the Independence cases are smaller in diameter, or maybe thinner between the base and the extractor groove.

Hope this helps.

Fred
Click to expand...
That's right, Independence isn't from Brazil, it's connected with Federal like American Eagle is. Thanks for the correction.

I did a little more digging and I read *I* is made in the Lake City plant which is run by Federal. They use Federal, Speer and CCI components so it's even better ammo than I thought. No wonder I liked shooting it way back before I was reloading... The brass is supposed to be made by Speer, bullets by Federal and they use CCI primers. (from what I read)
 
Whoa!
Slow down and take a deep breath.

Nobody was preaching to anybody.

Just trying to help you.

Communicating in print on the interwebz sometimes takes an ugly turn because we can't understand someones tone of voice, or intention.

After you hang around here a while, you will recognize ArchAngelCD is one of the most helpful members on THR.

Chill out!

rc
 
Independence is a brand, like American Eagle, not a manufacturer. Specific to 380 Auto, *I*-headstamped ammunition was made by Speer and Brazil's CBC (imported by MAGTECH). Other calibers were also made for Independence by Federal but not 380 Auto. There are several ways to tell the difference in suppliers: Speer-made will have a nickel-plated primer and the five-pointed stars point inward, the CBC-made cases have the brass primers with impressed truncated V and the five-pointed stars point outward. The Federal-made *I*-headstamped cases will have a dot at 9:00 o'clock in the headstamp.
 
If it was preaching, I thought it was a pretty helpful sermon! Can I get an Amen?
 
Relax buddy,
We try to keep it friendly around here.

FWIW, I've used quite a bit of Independence brass. I haven't encountered any defects yet.

Carbide sizing dies are essential for high volume pistol reloading. If you are determined to stay with your current set up, I'd recommend you double check your case lube method.

Are you using a lube pad, or spray? The RCBS lube pad works pretty well. I sometimes get dents on my bottleneck rifle cases from too much lube. That shouldn't be a problem with pistol cases.
 
I load a lot of .380 of various head stamps including "I" (even some I can't identify) and have never run into the issue you describe. However, I'm using a carbide die (Dillion which typically sizes a little smaller than most, and have a set of Lee carbide also). So, I'm thinking maybe something to do with lube. What are you lubing the brass with, any exotic, home made, etc.?
 
Sounds like the responders were helping resolve your issue. When you ask for opinions, don't get mad if you don't like the ones you get. They gave good advice.
Str1
 
case heads and shell holders can vary by very slight dimensions. Sometimes another shellholder will fit a a bit better for certain brass. I sent my 9mm and 30 carbine shell holders back to LEE with some brass and they sent me ones that fit better,

You say they were lubed correctly but maybe some did not have enough. Yes, it's been said but you can hassle with non carbide dies or get a carbide sizer. I even lube some brass when using a carbide die, It goes much smoother.
 
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