How big of a ejector ding is too big?

[Minnesota-Jim]

Went to an outdoor range this weekend with my son and his new girlfriend. After poking some holes in a few targets the kids help me pick up brass. Today I was going through and sorting my weekend collection and found a mixture of my Lake City 5.56 brass and some Federal 223. The 223 brass has a large ejector ding on the side (much larger than is produced by my AR).
How big of a ding is too big? Is it safe to reload this brass?? Or should I just toss it?
Thanks in advance
Jim

 

[Miata Mike]

Pictures? Most if not all dings will pop back out upon the next firing. Use your better judgment as .223 brass is plentiful. Small dings are not a problem.

 

[popper]

Ejector or extractor? Either case, if it doesn't distort the rim, reload it. My 308 tosses brass three benches and I still reload it. If it won't fit in the shell holder (hornady is tighter) due to extractor dings, I toss it,the rim is bent

 

[rondog]

JMHO, but I use brass like that unless it's flattened. A lot of the dent will form out when resized, and any dent left should fire-form to fit your chamber when the round is fired again. But I'll also use brass that would give some guys the willies. As long as it's not obviously damaged, like cracked or split, I'm game. Just be sure to lube the case before resizing, stuck cases are no fun.

If you're still concerned, a couple of photos will help elicit other opinions.

 

[W.E.G.]

I've reloaded .308 that had chamber-flute marks, and huge dings in the side.

The reloaded rounds still showed the flute-marks, and a good bit of the ding.

They all fired without incident.

ymmv

 

[W.E.G.]

If the rim isn't bent too badly, you can knock the high spot down with a file until it will fit in your shellholder.

(benchrest shooters cringe)

 

[popper]

I guess he is really talking about a LUG ding on the neck or shoulder, usually are a CUT, not ding. If not too deep, use it anyway.

 

[MtnCreek]

Sounds like a 5.56 chambered AK.

 

[Minnesota-Jim]

Thanks for the response guy's.
Jim

 

[popper]

WEG the Hornady shell holder accepts a thinner rim and is a QC check for me. The RCBS-Lee take a thicker rim. Bent rim is weaker. I don't want torn rims in an AR. I catch nicked rims, inspect an then choose what to do.

 

[PCCUSNRET]

WEG the Hornady shell holder accepts a thinner rim and is a QC check for me. The RCBS-Lee take a thicker rim. Bent rim is weaker. I don't want torn rims in an AR. I catch nicked rims, inspect an then choose what to do.

Just shoot them in a bolt action or give them to somebody that reloads for a bolt action. I have reloaded hundreds of rounds with bent rims and they usually straighten out after firing them once in a bolt action. I won't mess with them if the rim is torn, but bent is no problem.