Case ruptured

[sandy4570]

Yesterday I had 3 cases rupture at the range while shooting Rossi Puma model 92 .357 Magnum lever action carbine. At first I thought it just typical blowby that sometime happen with .357 case but I examined the last case that rupture on me and find that it is not side way veritcal body split like normal but horizontal deep crescent shape cut near case head

This is new factory ammo (Reminton 125 grain lead hollow point in green box ) I fired this lot of ammo through Taurus Tracker and S&W model 19 and Ruger GP 100 with out any problem . I shoot this Puma carbine for years with reload with out any problem.

 

[rcmodel]

I'd say you might be developing a headspace problem with the Puma.

Or it could just be bad brass?

If it continues to do it with other lots & brands of ammo, it's excess headspace.

rc

 

[The Bushmaster]

Yup, yup...Headspace problem more then likely...

 

[Borg]

The 357 headspaces on the rim,, so don't think it's headspace.
What it may be is thin web on the case combined with it not being supported by the barrel,,
You might check to see if the brass is the same headstamp.
Borg

 

[rcmodel]

If the distance from the back of the barrel, to the face of the bolt is longer then the rim thickness, that is excess headspace on a rimmed cartridge!

It is a quite common condition on old lever-actions due to the rear locking bolt design. Lot's of places for action stretching & wear to occur.

rc

 

[sandy4570]

Thank everyone for the info. I will take my Puma to the gunsmith to check for headspace problem.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Take the damaged case with you so he (gunsmith) can see what happened...

 

[NCsmitty]

I shoot this Puma carbine for years with reload with out any problem.

This is probably why you're experiencing your problem now. Pounding Max or near Max loads through springy lever actions will take it's toll. That's not just Rossi either.

Good advice from rcmodel and The Bushmaster.

NCsmitty