Case Head Separation...

[DocRock]

So, you know how when you get a separation and the top two thirds remains in the chamber, you’re not supposed to drive a wooden dowel down the barrel and get that stuck too?

Well, it was a bit like Socialism in politics today. I said to myself, “This time it will be different...”

So, genius here has now got the top two thirds of a case stuck in the chamber and a 180 grs .310 lead bullet headed the wrong way down the barrel with a broken dowel behind it.

Yes, I am a moron. Further disquisition on that part of the problem can wait until the barrel is cleared.

So, what now?

 

[boom boom]

So, you know how when you get a separation and the top two thirds remains in the chamber, you’re not supposed to drive a wooden dowel down the barrel and get that stuck too?

Well, it was a bit like Socialism in politics today. I said to myself, “This time it will be different...”

So, genius here has now got the top two thirds of a case stuck in the chamber and a 180 grs .310 lead bullet headed the wrong way down the barrel with a broken dowel behind it.

Yes, I am a moron. Further disquisition on that part of the problem can wait until the barrel is cleared.

So, what now?

To remove the remnants of the case, you need a case extractor for the cartridge that you shot. I assume that you tried to drive out the bullet from the muzzle end back into the chamber or did you do that from the breech end? If you have a case remnant, a stuck bullet, and a broken dowel, all from the breech end then you have a thoroughgoing mess. What might be simplest is to get a bore diameter sized brass rod (try Ace Hardware or Amazon online) and drive the whole mess from the opposite end. Lubricate the bore and obstruction area copiously with a light machine oil.

Another approach is pouring wood's metal aka Cerrosafe into the short side to bind the whole mess into a blob to be hammered out via the brass rod approach above but it might make it worse too.

The other is to use a very long drill bit to get the wood dowel out in pieces and to basically hollow out the bullet for easier removal and then use a case extractor to get the case remnants.

 

[DocRock]

Thanks. Case extractor from Midway or Brownells?

The dowel and bullet were driven in from the muzzle end in the idiotic belief they would catch the case mouth and push it out.

Very much appreciate your kind advice.

 

[earlthegoat2]

I’ve used a hydraulic press in this situation with good......er.......acceptable results. Needs to be a full size press and the barreled action removed from the stock. I used an aluminum rod.

The press didn’t have to work too hard and it was nice not having a hammer with its quick and hard impacts as the press with a slow and steady constant pressure

looks like you got the obstruction.

I used the one from Brownells.

 

[Blue68f100]

Is the wooden dowel rod full length of the barrel? If so that makes it a little more difficult. Since the wood is mushroomed at or through the neck section of the brass. I would setup some kind of jig and drill the wood out as much as possiable without getting into the brass or barrel. Will probably have to do this is steps. And will require a guide to keep every thing aligned straight. At this point I would not add any oil or water that will cause the wood to expand. Doing so will only make it tighter. Once done using a brass rod or steel to slide into the hole you just drill and tap it with a hammer. Make sure the rod has a square face so it does not expand the wood.

Good luck, your going to need it.

 

[edwardware]

Case extractor from Midway or Brownells?

Wait! First, grab an oversized bore brush, run it up into the case, and pull it out. Reversing the bristles causes them to dig into the brass. . . works almost all the time.

For the dowel, I'd bolt the barrel down in a vise, and arrange a slide-hammer-like tool to pull the dowel. Wood, even splintered, it quite strong in tension; you may well pull most of it out with a swift jerk.

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

After you get it out. Take a good long look in the mirror, then move on.

 

[entropy]

To remove the remnants of the case, you need a case extractor for the cartridge that you shot. I assume that you tried to drive out the bullet from the muzzle end back into the chamber or did you do that from the breech end? If you have a case remnant, a stuck bullet, and a broken dowel, all from the breech end then you have a thoroughgoing mess. What might be simplest is to get a bore diameter sized brass rod (try Ace Hardware or Amazon online) and drive the whole mess from the opposite end. Lubricate the bore and obstruction area copiously with a light machine oil.

Another approach is pouring wood's metal aka Cerrosafe into the short side to bind the whole mess into a blob to be hammered out via the brass rod approach above but it might make it worse too.

The other is to use a very long drill bit to get the wood dowel out in pieces and to basically hollow out the bullet for easier removal and then use a case extractor to get the case remnants.

Gently insert a chamber reamer into the chamber and tap it lightly a few times, then carefully turn it enough to engage the brass, it should pull it out. Obviously you need to be extremely careful during the entire process, lest you damage the chamber surfaces.

This works better before getting a bullet and a wooden dowel stuck in top of it first,however. In this instance, a solid brass rod the diameter of the bore should do it, carefully using a good hand sledge, followed by a though cleaning and inspection of the bore and chamber.

 

[boom boom]

Gently insert a chamber reamer into the chamber and tap it lightly a few times, then carefully turn it enough to engage the brass, it should pull it out. Obviously you need to be extremely careful during the entire process, lest you damage the chamber surfaces.

This works better before getting a bullet and a wooden dowel stuck in top of it first,however. In this instance, a solid brass rod the diameter of the bore should do it, carefully using a good hand sledge, followed by a though cleaning and inspection of the bore and chamber.

A chamber reamer would definitely work. Neat trick, thanks I learned something.

 

[boom boom]

Thanks. Case extractor from Midway or Brownells?

The dowel and bullet were driven in from the muzzle end in the idiotic belief they would catch the case mouth and push it out.

Very much appreciate your kind advice.

Either would suffice. Typically you find these in military or common cartridges like the .30-06. Here is Brownell's version https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...emovers/broken-shell-extractor-prod23311.aspx and https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...movers/broken-shell-extractors-prod24626.aspx and Midway https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2197250034/

Some of the places like gunparts.com or sarcoinc.com have military surplus case extractors.

For other cartrides, you might want to use the chamber reamer for your particular cartridge which can be rented at reamers4rent and a few other places or you can purchase them. Be careful on the rented ones as these are fragile and can be damaged.

 

[DocRock]

So, no 30-30 case extractors available for love or money. So, I decided first order of business was to clear the mess I had made of dowel and bullet. But could I find a 1/4" brass rod anywhere? If course not. So Keystone Cops gunsmith continued.

I bought 8 1/4" x 3" brass screws and turned down the screw heads to just under .30" , pushed them down the barrel with a wad of cleaning patch between each and drove out the ridiculous obstruction I had created. In the midst of this Rube Goldberg enterprise, the stuck case came out. Drive the obstruction out.

Now we will have to see whether my stupidity has damaged the gun in any way...

Thanks again for you assistance. As promised,with the situation resolved, the jeers and insults are now due in full...

 

[BBBBill]

As promised,with the situation resolved, the jeers and insults are now due in full...

Congrats on solving your problem... I think... Hopefully there's no damage to anything except your pride. Of course the true test of all this is whether or not you choose to repeat this exercise. My vote is don't.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Of course the true test of all this is whether or not you choose to repeat this exercise. My vote is don't.

Haha. One reloading book I have, the author is regarding stick cases after head separation.

He says, to paraphrase, “Various companies make case extractors but it would just be best if you never had to experience using one.”

 

[Old Shooter]

You may get some snarky comments about using the wooden dowel and the turned down brass screws, but NOBODY can call you a quitter.

Glad to hear you got it out OK.

 

[PWC]

Doc Roc 1; Murphy and his laws 0

 

[DocRock]

So gave the Marlin a good clean and thorough inspection today including running three rounds through loading gate to ejection today and all seemed fine. Visually appears great. Will shoot it this week and hope all is well.

Thanks again for the help.

 

[boom boom]

Reviewing my old NRA Gunsmithing Guide, they also mention using a tap to remove remnants of cases if all else fails but only with extreme care.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

So, no 30-30 case extractors available for love or money. So, I decided first order of business was to clear the mess I had made of dowel and bullet. But could I find a 1/4" brass rod anywhere? If course not. So Keystone Cops gunsmith continued.

I bought 8 1/4" x 3" brass screws and turned down the screw heads to just under .30" , pushed them down the barrel with a wad of cleaning patch between each and drove out the ridiculous obstruction I had created. In the midst of this Rube Goldberg enterprise, the stuck case came out. Drive the obstruction out.

Now we will have to see whether my stupidity has damaged the gun in any way...

Thanks again for you assistance. As promised,with the situation resolved, the jeers and insults are now due in full...

A long time ago I had a case separate on me and lacking any tools or knowledge I took it to our local smith. He went and got a lag bolt & turned it down on a lathe to fit inside the stuck case. Put it in & drove it out with a cleaning rod. Good luck with that bullet.

 

[1976B.L.Johns.]

Take a good long look in the mirror, then move on

I'm sorry, I do not recognize that idiot.............
Who is that old guy?

Sorry, couldn't help my drift off remark.

 

[GONRA]

GONRA sez - 3 cheers / triple Banzai to DocRock!

 

[Bwana John]

Oversized brass or steel bristle brush. A 28 gauge brush should do it for a 30-30.