Cartridge Base Runout

[Dodgeman414]

I've been reloading for a couple years now, but just started reloading 30-06. After sizing and case preparation work is complete, I drop the case into a Wilson case length headspace gauge. I regularly find extractor burrs on the base of the case that prevent the base from dropping into the gauge. However, once in a while I find cases where the base is not concentric with the rest of the case, and the base will not drop into the gauge. I've separated these out, but am unsure if this is a big issue. Can they be used, or should they be scrapped? I can't seem to find any place this has been addressed. I have found this with "once fired" commercial and military brass.

 

[Jack B.]

Welcome to THR
I also reload 30-06 and I have never experienced any of the problems that you mentioned. However I must admit that I have never used brass that wasn't new and fired formed in my rifle. If I were having the same issues as you mentioned with some of the brass I don't think I would reload that brass. Sorry I can't be of more help as my experience is limited. I full length resize and load a bolt action rifle for hunting accuracy. I think if you are loading for accuracy and a semi-auto like a M1A , good undamaged brass would be a must.
Someone here should be able to give you better info and guide you in the right direction.

 

[Sunray]

A Wilson case length headspace gauge is not a headspace gauge. The best gauge is the chamber of your rifle.
It really doesn't matter if the base is a little off. That's not going to affect accuracy. Extractor burrs are normal. Extractors being steel and cases being brass and all. A wee file takes off the burr. An just load.
Once fired, even your own, will be a bit wonky until it's FL resized anyway. .30 cal. milsurp requires a 10% reduction in the load too. Probably has crimped primers as well. One time nuisance removed with a chamfering tool. Milsurp .30-06 will be really old stuff now.

 

[Dodgeman414]

Thanks. I am reloading for a SA 1903, Remington Model 1917, and my dad's M1 Garand I inherited. I inherited his stash of military 30-06 brass. I also have a lot of military ammo from the 40's and 50's I plan to pull-down and reload. Because of the three rifles, I full length resize. I know these odd cases will chamber in the 1903 after resizing. I was just a little hesitant to shoot them. I just shoot for fun. All my rifles can surly do better than my abilities allow. Sunray, I couldn't help but notice where you are from. I've been in London Ont. many times in my life traveling onto Apsley Ont. Haven't been there since 1989 though. I'd love to go back to Jack's Lake and spend some quiet time.

 

[edwardware]

. . . I regularly find extractor burrs on the base of the case that prevent the base from dropping into the gauge.

I see that all the time; I think the clip lips hit the rim during ejection. File to fit.

I'm with Sunray: your chamber is your chamber gauge.

 

[fguffey]

I'm with Sunray: your chamber is your chamber gauge.

All of my Wilson case gages are case gages, none of my cases have head space and I make chamber gages. I would agree with your chamber being the 'CHAMBER GAGE' if a reloader would describe how they use the chamber as a gage. We all know the deck height of the shell holder prevents the case head from being sized, the deck height of my shell holders is .125",

I measure case head diameter with the Wilson case gage, it is a most unorthodox method and or technique. I also reversed the case and stick the case head into the Wilson case gage with the big end first. It is most unusual to find a 30/06 case head that will not fit into the case gage, I have found cases that have been hit with heavy loads with upset case heads. I also have shell holders that fit meaning I have no trouble placing a 30/06 case into a RCBS #3 shell holder but all kinds of trouble placing 30/06 cases into shell holders that fit after the case has been hit with a heavy load.

The 30/06 case head has unsupported case head that goes from .090" to .110" + clearance. Some believe there are military rifles that have as much as .170", if that was true I suggest reloaders not use 30/06 military surplus cases because I have never found a military case that had a case head thickness from the top of the cup above the web to the case head that was thicker than .200" +/- a few. I have found many R.P 30/06 cases with a case head thickness of .260".

F. Guffey

 

[tcoz]

Loading for my M1 Garand, I used to file them down and straighten the bad ones so they fit the gauge. After realizing that it didn't make a difference, now I just load em and shoot em with no problems whatsoever.
Sometimes, just inserting the case head first into the gauge and giving it a quick turn is enough to smooth the burrs.....but I don't do that anymore either.

 

[Dodgeman414]

Loading for my M1 Garand, I used to file them down and straighten the bad ones so they fit the gauge. After realizing that it didn't make a difference, now I just load em and shoot em with no problems whatsoever.
Sometimes, just inserting the case head first into the gauge and giving it a quick turn is enough to smooth the burrs.....but I don't do that anymore either.

Like you and F. Guffey, I too have placed several cases into the gauge head first trying to figure out what was wrong. All but two have gone right in. I've gone so far as using layout blue to find where they are hanging up. Yet when placed in properly the head won't go into the gauge. I think I'll just take the advice to move on. I've even found this on a few .308 cases. The 30-06's chamber fine in my 1903 (I assume they will chamber in the Garand), and the .308's chamber in my AR-10. This is the type of thing that bugs me. There is a reason this is happening, and I can't prove what it is. I'll have to learn to be okay with it, as long as it's not something I am doing.