Carbine Kid
Active Member
Everything seems right to me but at 4 times reloaded I would be annealing.
It is possible the necks are not "releasing"from the chamber.
I have had this problem with a 300 RUM and solved it this way. Worth a try.
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Hard bolt pull?
- Thread starter YZ-80
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Everything seems right to me but at 4 times reloaded I would be annealing.
It is possible the necks are not "releasing"from the chamber.
I have had this problem with a 300 RUM and solved it this way. Worth a try.
Last edited:
Read the entire thread.
You have used the brass for four firings with Gunwerks brass. You might want to retire the brass for now and try another brand.. Lapua would be my first choice. If you do be sure to start low and work up again as internal volume could be different.
A few posters suggested annealing the brass. Unless I am mistaken annealing is used on the case neck, never on the body so don't know how this would help.
Three or four times fired brass will be work hardened near web preventing it from springing back. It is more prevalent with certain brands of brass or some chamberings. I have noticed that WSM, RCM and RUM brass uses thicker case walls which aggravates this issue.
IMO the diameter of the chamber near the web and the diameter of the sizing die at same location does not have a great enough difference. Either get a small base die or make one. OR polish the rear of chamber to make it slightly larger. Either way will increase the difference in diameters.
Did a quick search and found a RCBS small base die
precisionreloading.com
BUT there is an issue:
" These dies size the body of cases somewhat smaller in diameter and also sets the shoulder back slightly more than a Full-Length Sizer Die to ensure proper functioning in the actions of these rifles. Not recommended for ammunition used in bolt-action rifles."
So you either go to someone like Whidden and request a special die or make one. I have used a carbide tool bit to cut through RCBS's case hardened FL die on my lathe. Some material is removed from the top and bottom creating a custom small base die. It solved the issue with my two 338 RCMs and 300 RUM with brass that was fired more than two times.
You have used the brass for four firings with Gunwerks brass. You might want to retire the brass for now and try another brand.. Lapua would be my first choice. If you do be sure to start low and work up again as internal volume could be different.
A few posters suggested annealing the brass. Unless I am mistaken annealing is used on the case neck, never on the body so don't know how this would help.
Three or four times fired brass will be work hardened near web preventing it from springing back. It is more prevalent with certain brands of brass or some chamberings. I have noticed that WSM, RCM and RUM brass uses thicker case walls which aggravates this issue.
IMO the diameter of the chamber near the web and the diameter of the sizing die at same location does not have a great enough difference. Either get a small base die or make one. OR polish the rear of chamber to make it slightly larger. Either way will increase the difference in diameters.
Did a quick search and found a RCBS small base die
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BUT there is an issue:
" These dies size the body of cases somewhat smaller in diameter and also sets the shoulder back slightly more than a Full-Length Sizer Die to ensure proper functioning in the actions of these rifles. Not recommended for ammunition used in bolt-action rifles."
So you either go to someone like Whidden and request a special die or make one. I have used a carbide tool bit to cut through RCBS's case hardened FL die on my lathe. Some material is removed from the top and bottom creating a custom small base die. It solved the issue with my two 338 RCMs and 300 RUM with brass that was fired more than two times.
I annealed my 338 edge brass just the neck and shoulder juncture, with fantastic results! They run thru the F/L die like butter. I did my 6xc with the same results! Sure would be nice if companies offered annealed brass options!
milo-2
Well-Known Member
All new brass has been annealed, more than once in the process of making it. Most companies polish the burn off before shipping it out.
Alex Wheeler
Well-Known Member
Shoulder set back is not controlled by the die, you control it by how its setup. If its setting the shoulder back too much, back the die out.
Looks like Mr Stiltsvile got himself banned. Maybe he "learned" something new but I doubt it. Thanks Len!
For the sake of fired forces...
If a case has been fired several times it can be work hardened...
At any firing the neck being hardened could increase the pressures in the web area due to non uniform release of the bullet from the neck..which could make the web area increase...
So if the necks and shoulders are properly annealed..often enough there shouldn't be any excessive pressures to create web increase......
I hope this is close to what most everyone is getting at here...
Layman's terms.....
If a case has been fired several times it can be work hardened...
At any firing the neck being hardened could increase the pressures in the web area due to non uniform release of the bullet from the neck..which could make the web area increase...
So if the necks and shoulders are properly annealed..often enough there shouldn't be any excessive pressures to create web increase......
I hope this is close to what most everyone is getting at here...
Layman's terms.....
Well, we took a roundabout way of getting to this point but at the end of the day, lots of good advice here and now I have many things to try to systematically figure this out. Annealing is an example of one of those kinds of things that I've thought about but something that I never really saw myself doing. It may be in my future. Thanks again!
Good luck YZ and keep us posted of your findings. A good learning experience for all!
Look into Redding competition shell holders to control headspace. Ended all case separations in my 308 and 300 Weatherby.
Axl
Well-Known Member
Pretty sure "Stilts" was on here back in April as "6.5-BEE". Neither added anything, except drama.
He's Dbag. He'd be a good moving target.
