Flash hole too small

[kev74]

I bought a bag of what was labeled "6.5x55 Sweed" cases at a gun show last week with the intention of renecking them to make 7.5x54 MAS cartridges.

My first problem is that about half of the brass was mislabeled and was really 8x55. Of the remaining 50%, about 2/3 of the cases have primer flash holes that are too small for the decapper pin to fit through.

So my question is, would there be any down side to trying to either ream or drill out the flash hole to allow my decapper to do its job? Or would I be better off taking all the brass - not just the half that was mislabeled - and throwing it all at the seller, assuming I see him at the next show? :banghead:

 

[Shoney]

If the cases are indeed boxer primed, you should double check, then you can use a flash hole deburring tool to ream the flash hole to the correct size and deburr it as well.

 

[kanook]

Just me, I'd take it back. It's not what you paid for.

 

[qajaq59]

Just me, I'd take it back. It's not what you paid for.

I'd do the same thing and then order some from someone that is a bit more honest even if it's a little more money. I like Blue Star Inc.

 

[kev74]

If the cases are indeed boxer primed, you should double check, then you can use a flash hole deburring tool to ream the flash hole to the correct size and deburr it as well.

Thanks! I didn't know there was such a thing as a flash hole deburring tool. I'll check my local shop tonight, and if they don't have it another Midway order will be on the way shortly.

 

[WNTFW]

You can use a numbered drill bit, available at local hardware store.
#45 drill of .082" dia - Verified

I found 1 headstamp in .223 with undersized flash holes.

 

[bonza]

with the intention of renecking them to make 7.5x54 MAS cartridges.

Are you doing that because you want to, or 'need' to? Just in case you aren't aware, Graf & Sons sell new unprimed 7.5x54MAS cases. It carries the Graf headstamp, but is made by Prvi in Serbia.

I have a flash-hole uniformer I bought from K&M Services in Pennsylvania about twenty years ago, still works like a champ. They ream out the flash-hole to a uniform diameter, but also bevel the inside on the hole to remove any burrs or dags that were left over from having the hole punched at the factory. FHUs come in two styles, ones like the K&M were the depth of the bevel is controlled by a collar on the cutter head, & the RCBS/Lyman type that have a stop on the tools shank, which means if the cases aren't all the same length the uniformer won't do an equal job on all the cases. I prefer the first type.

 

[kev74]

Are you doing that because you want to, or 'need' to? Just in case you aren't aware, Graf & Sons sell new unprimed 7.5x54MAS cases. It carries the Graf headstamp, but is made by Prvi in Serbia.

Once again, my cheapness has gotten me more than I bargained for. My initial thought was that $15 per 100 would beat $42 + shipping per hundred. When I add in the tools to ream the flash hole and swage or ream out the crimp from the primer pockets, its not so much of a bargain any more. :banghead:

All in all, not such a bad price for a learning experience, especially when I factor in that I'll be able to vent a good 6 months worth of frustration on the seller of my mislabeled bag of overpriced brass scrap when I see him at the next gun show.

 

[starboard]

Could some of that brass be Lapua? They certainly like small flash holes:

http://www.benchrest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60876
http://www.longrangehunting.com/articles/308-shooting-products-1.php

Small and large reamers:

http://www.sinclairintl.com/product/5559/s
http://www.sinclairintl.com/product/13604/s

 

[JimKirk]

Kev74

Once again, my cheapness has gotten me more than I bargained for. My initial thought was that $15 per 100 would beat $42 + shipping per hundred. When I add in the tools to ream the flash hole and swage or ream out the crimp from the primer pockets, its not so much of a bargain any more.

Cheapness in the reloading Art, often bites ones butt later!

Nothing wrong with being frugal, but being cheap and being frugal are two different things.

Frugal means getting the most for your money, whether for reloading tools, components or accessories.

Cheap means buying crap because you're to dang stingy to spend the money that you know would be better spent on better made stuff.

Frugal means buying a Craftsman wrench because you don't have the $$ to buy a Snap on wrench.

Being cheap means buying a $3 dollar store wrench and rounding a nut on a $200 part that cost $300 to get out now.

I have always been frugal in my reloading but never cheap!

Jimmy K