Handloading 8x57mm JS question

[Robert Moshell]

Was reloading some 8mm Mauser and came across a circumference ring about 1/2 inch down from the shoulder. Cases have been fired 4 times and I only neck size with a RCBS neck siziing die. Brass is always trimmed to 2.230" I load with a Sierra 150 grn Prohunters and 46 grns of H4895. Relatively mild load. Anyone know what could cause this? see pics

 

[armoredman]

I ran into this with some brass in that caliber before. Despite being short of it I trashed it out of safety. A buddy then resized a batch of 30-06 for 8mm to make up for it. So I can say I know what you're talking about but not what it is or if it's safe, sorry.

 

[Blue68f100]

That mark is a tooling mark. Could be done by a trimmer, depending on what you using. Nothing to worry about. You should not need to trim if your neck sizing only. So are you bumping the shoulder back? If so run a pick inside the case and check for case head separation.

 

[Robert Moshell]

It was neck sized with a RCBS neck sizing die, not bumped with a FL die. To trim I use a RCBS trim pro that takes the shell plate and a pilot on a lathe. Don't know how that can cause the mark. I thought it has to be the die somehow leaving the mark somehow, but the die shouldn't be contacting the case wall.... I still have 50 rounds from the batch that I haven't fired and have been loaded 3 times no mark. I wonder if its where the old anealing area is getting hard or maybe a rough spot on the chamber. Brass is some old Mitchell's Mauser brass that seems almost like Federal brass. Never seen those marks before though. Got plenty of 30-06 I could convert, but those necks stretch so much I would be concerned that it would need to be anealed, and that the one thing I hate doing. LoL

 

[Blue68f100]

I would cut one in 1/2 if you have several to see whats going on, that's what I do if I'm not sure what it is. Otrhoscope (?) you could look inside an maybe see something.

 

[Robert Moshell]

Cut one in half no damage. Weird. I have PPU, WW and some S&B brass (S&B brass sucks too soft) none of those have the marks. gonna shoot it one more time and toss the Mitchell cases. The recipe I listed above yeilds 5/8" groups at 100 yds with 2650fps 10' ft from the muzzle out of my M48 Yugo Mauser. Drop is about -4.8" at 200 yds. I use CCI200 primer and seat bullets to 3.025. Bought it back in 2007 at it was in un-issued like condition with matching number on the parts. Luck of the draw I guess. With my gimp shoulder I had to use 150 grn bullets and the battle sights did not like it. Had to aim 8 inches low to hit center. Bought the S&K M48 no tap mount for the rear sight base and a 3x7 HiLux leatherwood Scout with 13" eye relief and have never regretted it.

 

[Robert Moshell]

Thanks for the input guys!

 

[FROGO207]

I would look at the brass after it is fired before you do anything with it. If it is still without a mark then something in the reloading process is marking it. If it has the mark something is going on in the chamber.