Flash holes too small on HP 308 brass

[Bowfishrp]

I got some brass that is stamped HP 308 7.62X51 and the flash hole is really small. I was using a Lee deprimer to pop out the primers and the pin keeps getting stuck in the flash hole! I tried my Lee resizing die and it has the same problem. This brass has a very small flash hole.

Tried a RCBS and Redding 308 resizing die and their pins are too big to fit in the flash hole.

Yes, they are boxer primed....Anyone else ever use this brass. I can try to manually knock out the primers and ream out the flash holes to proper size, but was just wanting to know if anyone else had any luck with this brass.

It has now become a challenge and cant just NOT reload it now!

 

[fireflyfather]

I don't know anything about this brass, but if the primer holes are that far out of spec, I don't even want to think about the rest of the specs. Might not be safe to reload those.

 

[NuJudge]

I believe you have some Hirtenberger. Austrian. Excellent stuff. Yes, it has small flash holes. Get a flash hole uniformer.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=114546

CDD

 

[USSR]

Yep, Hirtenberger. I use a Lyman Universal Decapping die without problems.

Don

 

[ReloaderFred]

Lyman has the smallest diameter decapping pin and will work on most brass. I've measured different decapping pins from all the manufacturers, and the Dillon is the largest, at least in pistol calibers, and the Lyman is the smallest.

As for "being out of spec", it depends on who's specs you're using. For Hirtenberger, they are entirely within "their" specs.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[bullseye308]

I've run into a lot of that brass and evey one is tight. Get a Lee decapper & base and chuck the decapper in a drill then hit it with some emery cloth to take the diameter down a little. Works like a charm.

 

[Bowfishrp]

Ah, excellent suggestion! I will try making my Lee pin a little skinnier and try it again....should have thought of that!

Dont worry ALL my 308 brass goes through a case gauge and gets checked and loaded by hand.