Are these shells ok for Reloading?

[CommanderPoopyduX]

I just discovered that when loading my new Rem 700 SPS-V .223 (American Eagle 55 Gr. FMJ) the bolt takes a bit more force to slide forward and close than my 30-06. The gun hasn't been fired yet, but I noticed it is leaving a noticeable scratch in the shell casing from where it is sliding it against the top lip of the internal mag. It does with 5 shells loaded, or just 1. I noticed on one shell it put a slight line down the bullet itself, and continued onto the case.

Is this going to make the cases un-reloadable? The scratch is not just on the shininess of the case, but can actually be felt in brass.

 

[kingpin008]

Might help to have some pics so we can check the scratches out.

 

[CommanderPoopyduX]

here is the pic - sorry, it is the best I can get ATM, but the scratch should be evident on the bottom half of the shell running the entire length.

 

[SDC]

It looks like they should be, but I would also want to smooth off whichever sharp edges on the feed lips of your mag are leaving those scratches. Some sandpaper rubbed along the inner edge of the lips should work.

 

[CommanderPoopyduX]

Ok, thanks. I will try smoothing it down, and lubing the inside of the chamber a bit. Brand new gun and is pretty dry.

 

[ReloaderFred]

Don't lube the inside of the chamber. The brass needs to expand and grip the chamber walls to form a good gas seal. Lubing the chamber won't allow the brass to grip. This was found out in the 1930's, when match shooters used to grease their rounds and found that it wasn't such a good practice.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[CommanderPoopyduX]

I again used the wrong terminology. I meant smooth the lips of the mag and put a bit of lube on it and on the bolt. Not the chamber. and not much lube. I just want to get it so it doesn't feel like I am wearing myself out working the bolt on a puny .223.

 

[kingpin008]

Commander - before you lube anything, I'd do exactly as SDC and Reloader have said, and take a bit of sandpaper or an emory cloth to the feed lips of the internal mag.

before you do, though, try this - Load the mag to capacity, and slowly cycle the bolt, watching how the round travels as it's stripped out of the mag into the chamber. By doing this, you should be able to pinpoint the spot where the cases are getting scratched. Sometimes a simple polishing will fix it, but you might need to bend the feed lips a bit also. Good to get a first-hand look at what you're working with before you start to fix it.

 

[jeepmor]

My ruger .223 left marks just like this. 2 minutes with some 400 grit paper and they were gone for good. IIRC, it was the lip on the left side of the magazine.

BTW, they reloaded just fine, but more importantly, they are no longer being produced.

 

[birdbustr]

Did you full-length resize these? If you don't get cases down to the original specs after they are shot, then the expanded cases aren't going to fit the chamber well, or at all.

I don't reload Federal .223 cases. That's who makes American Eagle. The primer pockets are too small.

 

[243winxb]

New Guns Need Cleaning Before Firing

Always clean a new gun before firing, this includes the chamber also. Some people don't.

 

[chipperi]

Your post caught my eye birdbustr... you only have to full length for autos I believe (I have been known to be wrong). I have necksized only for my Bolt action rifles for about 13 yrs now with no trouble at all.