What's going on with these cases?

[0to60]

I'm new to rifle reloading and I'm wondering if what I'm seeing here is normal or not.

These are some .30-06 cases that have been reloaded maybe 4-5 times (neck sized only). The area below the discoloration (closer to the rim) actually has a smaller OD than the area above.

Is this normal wear or am I looking at incipient head separation?

 

[rcmodel]

That is where the thicker case web taper ends.

It doesn't expand as much as the thinner brass ahead of it.

It's normal..

You check for incipient case seperation by using an L-bent wire feeler to reach inside the case and feel for a stretch ring inside the case.

 

[Walkalong]

It doesn't expand as much as the thinner brass ahead of it.

It's normal..

Yep, just like this .35 Remington case, but it is always a good idea to check them internally as well, like this.

 

[notaglockfanboy]

Normal brass, carry on. Walkalongs method works great for checking case head separation works great, I use a paper clip to check mine.

 

[gamestalker]

A good way to identify the onset of incipient separation, is to sharpen one end of paper clip or similar piece of wire, bend the sharpened end so it still fits in the case, and has a 90 degree angle. Then use it to feel the inside of the case, you'll be able to feel the small dip where the brass is thinning, or had began to separate.

It's sometimes difficult to positively identify it from the exterior, unless separation is in the advance stage.

GS

 

[sage5907]

The easiest way that I make the decision to discard a case prior to case head separation is to look for a 2nd shiny line in the brass a little less than 1/4 inch in front of that shiny area which is your case head. It will not be a crack but a narrow shiny line. When I size a case and see that 2nd shiny line I throw the case in the trash.

 

[lysanderxiii]

Brass is expensive - recycle!

It's about $1.75 a pound.

 

[Hondo 60]

I'd use the paper clip method gamestalker explained.

But don't be surprised if the brass is fine.

 

[joem1945]

I have broken case removers and if I get a case head separation before the neck splits I can remove the shell without problems.

 

[MEHavey]

Normal sizing impression down to where the web starts. Cases are fine.

Incipient head head separation nomally appear as a very distinct/white line like you see here:

 

[cheygriz]

gamestalker
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[Quote Gamestalker]Join Date: September 10, 2008
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A good way to identify the onset of incipient separation, is to sharpen one end of paper clip or similar piece of wire, bend the sharpened end so it still fits in the case, and has a 90 degree angle. Then use it to feel the inside of the case, you'll be able to feel the small dip where the brass is thinning, or had began to separate.

It's sometimes difficult to positively identify it from the exterior, unless separation is in the advance stage.

Good advice. If in doubt, check it out!

 

[Walkalong]

Normal sizing impression down to where the web starts. Cases are fine.

Incipient head head separation nomally appear as a very distinct/white line like you see here:

Great pic, it shows both things together on the one with the arrow.

 

[sage5907]

Thanks MEHavey for posting the picture that shows the thin line in front of the case web. I explained it in my post but a picture is worth a thousand words. When I size my cases I look specifically for this line and discard any case that shows the line. When the case shows this line it will likely crack on the next firing.