R-P Brass in 38 Spl.

[joneb]

I have the same problem with R-P brass. Not enough neck tension. Since I reload for .380acp, I tried that sizing die. Works perfectly. So now I use the .380acp die whenever I reload R-P brass.

I recently acquired a 380 acp and then a die set. Thanks for the tip

 

[ljnowell]

I absolutely love to use R-P brass to load my bullseye loads in. It's thin, easy to size, easy to prime.

The downside? While I get so many reloads out of WIN brass it's not even funny I'm lucky to get 10 out of most R-P and that's with me not even roll crimping them.

 

[Fite Man]

I too have experienced problems with Remington brass in 38 special, most recently when I began loading up 1,000 pieces of mixed brass that I bought. Using Lee dies, I began loading plated 158 gr bullets. All of the other brass (this was truly a variety bag!) loaded fine and had good tension. The R-P brass produced finished rounds where I could easily push the bullet into the case by hand after loaded. I'm ASSuming they would work forward when being shot no?

Unfortunately this 1,000 mixed brass has probably several hundred R-P pieces. So what to do with them?

It seems like a .380 sizing die might be the solution…but in the meantime would messing with the sizing and/or crimp setting be productive? Crimp is being applied with the bullet seating die.

 

[Rule3]

Rule3, I understand about the neck tension, which is created by the resizing die, that the powder-through die only is adjusted for bell mouthing.

The through die had less resistance from the Remington brass and slipped further into the casing. Therefore, the powder hopper slide didn't travel the normal distance.

Here is a picture. The cartridge on the left is R-P, and on the right is W-W.

The powder through dies/ flaring dies insert depth is determined by adjustment of the entire die body, Which sets the amount of flare on the case. The actual case does not affect the die setting. Did you measure the RP brass length in relation to the other brands?

On a regular basis (with many calibers and headstamps)I drop the powder (which flairs the case mouth) take the case out dump the powder on the scale to check it. Then put the case back in and dump a another powder charge. So the case is already flared, What you are saying then is that these case would have less neck tension as they are already worked or opened up???

I still think it is something else. Could be just old worn out brass but again if the crimp is heavy enough.............

 

[Blue68f100]

I've run into same problems with RP brass in 45acp. I sort all of it out, ~1000 pcs. Need to trade if for some Fed or Win. I do shoot lead but prefer the heavier brass.

 

[kcofohio]

Well since gamestalker is having similar problems with RP brass, and it's issues with bullets pulling due to recoil in a 38 special, it certainly does bring up safety issues. I didn't detect anyone bashing RP brass. Anyway I may take it upon myself to report it to Remington.

So let me get the facts straight.

1. Running into what appears to be extremely weak RP 38 special brass that will not hold enough tension on a bullet when properly crimped. The bullets vibrate out of the case and jam the revolver cylinder.

2. Purchase date and price is unknown.

3. Approximate age of brass is unknown.

4. Number of times brass has been fired is unknown.

5. Brass is of unknown origin.

This should be enough to get their attention and possibly initiate a recall, but if there is anything else, please let me know. OYE


PS: If they ask why it's being used at all, what should I tell them ?
I wonder what they'll say when I hang up ?

OYE, 1-5, correct.

As for the use of their brass, target shooting.

 

[kcofohio]

In that picture the Rem case has a much heavier crimp than the Win case. IMO it's too much crimp and sometimes too much crimp will case poor neck tension.

ArchAngelCD, the R-P was an increase on second go around of trying to figure out if I was doing something wrong on the crimping.

 

[kcofohio]

Rule3, I thought I had posted it, but reading back, I didn't.

All the brass samplings measured within .010" of each other.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I absolutely love to use R-P brass to load my bullseye loads in. It's thin, easy to size, easy to prime.

The downside? While I get so many reloads out of WIN brass it's not even funny I'm lucky to get 10 out of most R-P and that's with me not even roll crimping them.

Ya see now, my experience is the direct opposite. I have been loading the same 1,200 pieces of .38 Special Rem brass for over 9 years now and not a one has split or been taken out of service. I have no idea how many times they have been reloaded but I do shoot ~1,200 rounds a month about 9 months of the year. (somewhere ~ 80X reloads on that Rem brass) If I had known it would last that long I would have used the Win or Fed brass I now have in storage. lol

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I too have experienced problems with Remington brass in 38 special .....
The R-P brass produced finished rounds where I could easily push the bullet into the case by hand after loaded. I'm ASSuming they would work forward when being shot no?

In revolvers the bullets pull, not set-back like in semi-autos.

 

[Bezoar]

NOT to hijack the thread, but

does the thicker brass in winchester 38 special cases mean they really do use a a smaller diameter bullet in the white box 130 grain fmj then what remington uses in their bulk 130 grain fmj ammo?

 

[ATLDave]

FWIW, I've had the same issue with .45 R-P brass. Zero neck tension using standard expander.

 

[ljnowell]

I too have experienced problems with Remington brass in 38 special, most recently when I began loading up 1,000 pieces of mixed brass that I bought. Using Lee dies, I began loading plated 158 gr bullets. All of the other brass (this was truly a variety bag!) loaded fine and had good tension. The R-P brass produced finished rounds where I could easily push the bullet into the case by hand after loaded. I'm ASSuming they would work forward when being shot no?



Unfortunately this 1,000 mixed brass has probably several hundred R-P pieces. So what to do with them?



It seems like a .380 sizing die might be the solution…but in the meantime would messing with the sizing and/or crimp setting be productive? Crimp is being applied with the bullet seating die.

If you ever get the time to count them up and want to trade them out I could do that. I've got tons of Winchester and a mix of everything else. Well, they are all mixed but I could fish out the Winchester for you if you want it.