Impending 303 Head/Case Seperation?

[Mike357]

Apologies if this has been covered off before bit I have just tumbled some fire formed HXP 303 brass. When clean, a lot of cases show a band on the brass 2-3 mm above the head area. Now normally I wouldn't be too concerned but when you run your finger over the band, there is a slight "ridge" on the band.

Now from previous posts I believe this to be where the case stretches during firing given the generous chambers in military rifles, am I right? However, today, an experienced shooter advised that this might suggest a problem with the chamber in the No4 MKII Fultons Regulated rifle. Is this the same as above but worded differently?


What should I do with the brass? Use it until it fails or use it for lighter loads or dispose of it? (Only have a FL sizing die at present)

[John25]

Mike,

It depends how many times you have reloaded them.

I've had that brass seperate after only three reloads.

I have a tight chamber and full length resize all the time.

The brass hardens and, as the die doesn't go all the way down the case, a tiny ridge, and thickening occurs.

Dump them or be sure to take a case removal tool with you.

(A .45 brush will do it in most cases)

[bnz41]

Hi Mike.

Whats the date on the HXP (1975-1976) was a bad year, alot of mine in those years seperated after only a few reloads (F/L) sized. Now I only neck size my .303 and have not seen any ridged cases. Bought 300 new HXP dated 1985 several years ago, most are on 2/3 uesage no problems.

[Mike357]

The HXP is a mixture of 69 and 85. Should I FL size them given the signs?

[dromia]

To check for incipient case head separation. Get a piece of stiff fine wire, I use piano wire. Bend the end about 1/8th of an inch at right angles to the wire and stick the wire into the case to the bottom. With the point of end of the bent piece of wire against case wall drag it up the wall from the bottom of the case, as you pass over the area of the ring on the outside feel for a depression in the inside case wall, the wire will catch on it as the brass will be thinner there and you should be able to feel it. If you can't feel anything then the case should be good to go again but keep checking after each firing.