thub
Member
Who else has problems with R-P brass because of thinness of casings. Lets please let R- P know that there low quality of .40 and.223 brass is not reloadable. I have no problem 9 mm R-P brass.
Low neck tension on bullets.
- Thread starter thub
- Start date
- Status
I have not had problem reloading R-P brass in either .223 or 9mm. I do not reload .40 S&W.
That has not been my experience with R-P .223 brass, so I cannot join you in making such a sweepingly broad accusation.
Let's look first at what the problem is:
- What is your reloading set-up?
- What components are you using?
- What specific problem are you having?
- Can you include pictures?
- Is it confined only to R-P brass or just "mostly" to R-P brass?
- What have you done to try and remedy the problem?
Skinnedknuckles
Member
- Joined
- Jul 3, 2011
- Messages
- 249
I've also had no problem with reloading .223 R-P brass (but I don't like their .38 Special brass). For .223, I use Lee dies. The sizing dies, both full length and neck sizer, use a mandrel to set the ID of the case mouth and the process is "almost" independent of the brass wall thickness. If you are using a bushing style die I could see the wall thickness giving you trouble. I actually slightly polished down the mandrel on my full length sizing die to give a bit more neck tension with all brass brands.
RP pistol brass tends to be thinner than other brands. That in its self isn't bad. Some people like it for lead bullets because it is thinner.
Your 9MM sizer might not be tight enough for it. Since the 9MM case is tapered, it is important to have the sizer all the way down. When actually sizing with press flex the sizer should be just barely off the shell holder or shell plate. Something to check.
I reload RP .223 brass and don't have a problem. Perhaps the expander is too big. The sizer could be, but it's unlikely IMO. You can skip the expander ball and seat a bullet, that will tell you if the sizer is tight enough. If it has enough neck tension when skipping the expander ball, but doesn't when using it it, there's your trouble, the expander is too big. Things to check.
Your 9MM sizer might not be tight enough for it. Since the 9MM case is tapered, it is important to have the sizer all the way down. When actually sizing with press flex the sizer should be just barely off the shell holder or shell plate. Something to check.
I reload RP .223 brass and don't have a problem. Perhaps the expander is too big. The sizer could be, but it's unlikely IMO. You can skip the expander ball and seat a bullet, that will tell you if the sizer is tight enough. If it has enough neck tension when skipping the expander ball, but doesn't when using it it, there's your trouble, the expander is too big. Things to check.
I can't use R-P brass with my 30-30 coated lead loads, can't get the bullets to hold unless I crimp them too hard. but the R-P brass works fine with my jacketed 30-30 loads.
Other than that, I use the heck out of it for everything else.
Other than that, I use the heck out of it for everything else.
Demi-human
maybe likes firearms a little bit…
I too find Remington-Peters brass to be of very serviceable quality. Fear not. We can help. What is your process like?
JimKirk
Member
The first thing to check is the diameter of your expander ... If it is too large ...it is a quick fix with a drill and some 600/400 grit wet/dry paper ....
Ironicaintit
Member
The only R-P brass that's given me any grief was 45acp. I trade it off to guys who like it for lead boolits, or make trinkets out of it (oversize the flash hole, insert a cotter pin, spread the pin from inside, then press in a bullet) makes for good key fobs, lamp pulls, etc.
Essentially, the diameter of your expanding die is the issue. You may hafta have two expanders around. One undersized for R-P, and one for the rest. I'm not lacking for brass, so I don't sweat it.
Essentially, the diameter of your expanding die is the issue. You may hafta have two expanders around. One undersized for R-P, and one for the rest. I'm not lacking for brass, so I don't sweat it.
Assuming the sizer is tight enough. Check that first. Size without expanding and check tension.
Reloadron
Contributing Member
While I don't load .40 S&W I haven't had any issues or problems with RP brass in .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield or a host of other cartridges including several handgun flavors. I have a few assorted .223 Remington (5.56 NATO) brass lying here and measuring the case neck thickness using a Starret gauge' WCC 94, LC 11, Winchester and RP. They all come in around .011" - .012" with a lean towards .011" and the only exception is some new Lapua at a consistent .013". That is checking 4 points around the radius.
Ron
That is about where I would begin but I see it as a bit unusual you are having problems with both a handgun caliber (.40 S&W) and a rifle caliber (.223 Remington).
Ron
My original .45 ACP sizer was too big for RP brass (Fine for everything else.) Same problem, not enough neck tension even skipping the expander. RCBS sent me a new sizer and it worked fine with everything. It was a bit tight though, really gave a pronounced "Coke bottle" affect . I use a Lyman sizer now.
Tinybob
Member
I actually prefer RP brass for 243 and 30carbine. It seems the neck on 243 is easier to form and doesn't split as soon as FC. Just my experience.
Blue68f100
Member
I cull all of my RP pistol brass, knowing it will have a lower neck tension. I have loaded these with lead but that's all. I have 1000's of 45acp RP brass that I have collected from others (once fired). I may eventually trade them off to someone for a brand I prefer. I have not used any of their current rifle brass in decades. All my RP rifle brass is 3-4 decades old, so I would not compare it to current stock.
I've had no issues with Rem brass other than an occasional SPP on .45.
While there are other brands I prefer, it's been acceptable. Lots of questions
above to address then you will get good answers!
Chris
www.stevespages.com
While there are other brands I prefer, it's been acceptable. Lots of questions
above to address then you will get good answers!
Chris
www.stevespages.com
Vern Humphrey
Member
As a last resort, get another decapping pin/ expander ball and chuck it into a drill press and "shoe shine" it with a strip of fine emery paper to reduce it's diameter a bit -- say .001-2" Then see if that expander ball cures the problem. When going to another brand of brass, use the old ball.
Zendude
Member
I've had issues with 380acp R-P brass. I recently started to use a Lee undersize 380 sizing die which seems like it fixed the problem. I haven't used the new die long enough to see if it creates any new problems though.
Check! I have extreme problems with RP brass on FMJ 38/357's with no cannelure.
Lead bullets, however, are .001 bigger and can crimp enough to have good tension. Nickel plated RP brass is much tighter. You can feel the difference when resizing and I feel confident of a good grip on the bullet.
All other RP calibers I load are not a problem.
Lead bullets, however, are .001 bigger and can crimp enough to have good tension. Nickel plated RP brass is much tighter. You can feel the difference when resizing and I feel confident of a good grip on the bullet.
All other RP calibers I load are not a problem.
- Status
Similar threads
