Thin Necks on Brass..Just worn Out?

[palooka]

I've just reloaded some .338 Federal rounds and had to cull 22 cases because the bullet was loose after seating and crimping. These cases have been reloaded several times and started life as .308 Norma brass. Are they just worn out and need to be junked or is there some way of using them ?

 

[rcmodel]

Case necks don't "wear out" and get thinner, no matter how many times you reload it. Usually if anything, they get thicker, not thinner.

Try sizing them without the decapper/expander in the die.

If the bullet is a tight fit then, your expander plug is too big.
You can reduce it's diameter with a drill & emery cloth. It needs to be at least .002" - .003" smaller then bullet diameter for proper neck tension.

Or, somebody may have neck-turned or neck reamed the .308 Norma brass and now it is just too thin.
If thats the case, there is nothing you can do about it.

rc

 

[GLOOB]

These cases have been reloaded several times.... Are they just worn out and need to be junked or is there some way of using them ?

This sounds like a combination of thin necks that have been work hardened. You can't make the necks thicker, but you can anneal them.

 

[243winxb]

This may happen after a few loadings, if using a Lee collet die. You can purchase a smaller custom mandrel from Lee. Or invest in a bushing die, you can size the necks any amount you want.

 

[murf]

243winxb, does the collet die actually thin the necks? can you explain why? i'm curious is all. want to know what's going on with my reloading if i use collet dies. thx.

murf

 

[243winxb]

murf

243winxb, does the collet die actually thin the necks? can you explain why? i'm curious is all. want to know what's going on with my reloading if i use collet dies. thx.

I do not use one. Just seen where reloaders have to get a smaller mandrel some times.

 

[murf]

10-4

murf