Hi All;
First off, a little disclaimer: I recently got a polite notice from THR moderators requesting that I stop posting experimental data that may be unsafe. So, just to be clear; the data I used in this particular instance is .44 AMP (Auto Magnum Pistol) data published in Hornady's Handbook of Cartridge Reloading, 9th Edition, and the loads stayed under published maximum (for 200 grain XTPs, I loaded up 26.2-27.0 gr of IMR 4227, the Max was 27.1 grains).
When I was cleaning my AutoMag, I found small pieces of copper, mostly in semi-circular shapes. However, one of these was actually a complete ring of copper. I am pretty sure they are copper, not brass, and so I assume that they are from the bullet jacket. I had found a couple of these copper shards at the range when shooting, but did not piece two and two together at that time. The ring has the same outer diameter as the shell case, but is not as thick (it has a slightly larger inside diameter). I have searched the depths of the internet and have found that this is not an isolated phenomenon, but has happened, albeit rarely, to other shooters.
The instances I found were generally with rifle shooters. Some were reloads, some were from factory ammo. Therefore, I conclude that this is not a problem with the particular platform or caliber I am using, but it probably is something to do with the chamber of the specific gun, a problem with the dimensions of the cartridge, or a problem with the reloading process. Many forum-goers suggested that there was a problem with the neck length of the brass, that there was too much crimp, that there was too much chamfering or not enough deburring, but there seemed to be no consensus as to the cause of the copper rings.
I have measured the Starline cases I use, and they all fall withing the trim-to length (1.293") and case length as shown in the diagram in the Hornady manual (1.298). Most of the cases were 1.295"-1.296" in length. I also triple check charge weights when developing a load (a habit I got into when loading 5.7 FN), so I don't think these are due to an accidental over-pressure round.
So, take a look and tell me what you guys think. Have you guys had problems like this before? Did you get rid of it, and if so, how? Do you know if it is a problem with the bullet, the gun, the brass... etc.?
Thanks All. Cheers!
-cstarr3
First off, a little disclaimer: I recently got a polite notice from THR moderators requesting that I stop posting experimental data that may be unsafe. So, just to be clear; the data I used in this particular instance is .44 AMP (Auto Magnum Pistol) data published in Hornady's Handbook of Cartridge Reloading, 9th Edition, and the loads stayed under published maximum (for 200 grain XTPs, I loaded up 26.2-27.0 gr of IMR 4227, the Max was 27.1 grains).
When I was cleaning my AutoMag, I found small pieces of copper, mostly in semi-circular shapes. However, one of these was actually a complete ring of copper. I am pretty sure they are copper, not brass, and so I assume that they are from the bullet jacket. I had found a couple of these copper shards at the range when shooting, but did not piece two and two together at that time. The ring has the same outer diameter as the shell case, but is not as thick (it has a slightly larger inside diameter). I have searched the depths of the internet and have found that this is not an isolated phenomenon, but has happened, albeit rarely, to other shooters.
The instances I found were generally with rifle shooters. Some were reloads, some were from factory ammo. Therefore, I conclude that this is not a problem with the particular platform or caliber I am using, but it probably is something to do with the chamber of the specific gun, a problem with the dimensions of the cartridge, or a problem with the reloading process. Many forum-goers suggested that there was a problem with the neck length of the brass, that there was too much crimp, that there was too much chamfering or not enough deburring, but there seemed to be no consensus as to the cause of the copper rings.
I have measured the Starline cases I use, and they all fall withing the trim-to length (1.293") and case length as shown in the diagram in the Hornady manual (1.298). Most of the cases were 1.295"-1.296" in length. I also triple check charge weights when developing a load (a habit I got into when loading 5.7 FN), so I don't think these are due to an accidental over-pressure round.
So, take a look and tell me what you guys think. Have you guys had problems like this before? Did you get rid of it, and if so, how? Do you know if it is a problem with the bullet, the gun, the brass... etc.?
Thanks All. Cheers!
-cstarr3