S & B .303 reloads splitting above the web

[ColinR]

I had some once fired S & B cases in .303 which were full length resized and loaded with 41 grains N140 and a 174 grain PPU bullet. Out of 40 reloads 5 cases detached the bases completely on firing. I have scrapped all the S & B cases even though they shot OK and the detached part of the case was easily removed from the chamber by tapping the butt on the floor. I get the impression that S & B .303 cases cannot reliably be reloaded. PPU, FNM no problems. Anyone else had this happen with S & B?

[ovenpaa]

Case head separation, usually down to a combination of rather generous chamber dimensions, thinner than milspec case rim and full length sizing. S&B are fine albeit a tad thinner than some and I would always recommend neck sizing only after the first firing. It would also be worth checking the head space when you get a moment, the fail NO-GO is 74 thou and as this is based on rim thickness many civilian brass offerings can be under.

There is an alternative process using O rings for the first firing.

[WelshShooter]

Yep, my S&B brass did not last long either. After first firing I would get case-head separation after 3 further neck size loads. Privi brass seems to be more resilient.

[ukrifleman]

S&B brass has a poor reputation for reload case life.

Save yourself a load of grief and get hold of some Privi brass or even better, some HXP.
ukrifleman

[jjvc]

My pal had the same problem with S&B 8mm mauser cases. With other brands he had no problems, even after after multiple loadings, in the same rifle.

[dromia]

Post removed, this is not the For Sale and Wanted section. There is a PM function for such things.

[ColinR]

Case head separation, usually down to a combination of rather generous chamber dimensions, thinner than milspec case rim and full length sizing. S&B are fine albeit a tad thinner than some and I would always recommend neck sizing only after the first firing. It would also be worth checking the head space when you get a moment, the fail NO-GO is 74 thou and as this is based on rim thickness many civilian brass offerings can be under.

There is an alternative process using O rings for the first firing.

I really don't think this is a headspace problem because we have never had any problem with other makes of brass. I always need to trim a few thou (0.002 - 0.004) off the cases, but put this down to the normal stretching of .303 cases fired in an SMLE due to the bolt locking at the back. The lad shooting the SMLE yesterday at Orion was given 100 or so 1955 RG milsurp and these all shot flawlessly, as did PPU and FNM reloads. For what it is worth we have found that 41 grains of N140 behind a 174 grain PPU bullet, that is lightly crimped, shoots as per the sight graduations out to around 600 yards where the greater efficiency of the boat tail starts to exceed the sight grads. Given other responses here I think the simple solution is not to use S & B cases.

[FredB]

In the days of cordite filled 303 ammo, the bunch of "sticks" of cordite could not be inserted into a necked case. The case necking operation was therefore carried out after the charge was added, leaving the case neck and shoulder in a work hardened condition. This is not needed with a loose powder charge, but I bet they are using the same machinery.

Fred

[andrew375]

This is a common issue with .303, no matter the make of brass, some makes just last a few reloads longer. I am assuming you are using some variant of the Lee Enfield? If we discount excess headspace due to worn bolt head, incorrect bolthead or, as in one case I examined, someone has taken metal off the bolt face. But the more usual problem is that the bolt compresses slightly on firing due to the rear locking design, not an issue under normal service conditions as brass is used once only. Anyway, the solution is to not full length resize. All of those I know with Lee Enfield actioned rifles use the Lee collet resizing die and have told me that goes a long way to solving the problem.

[ColinR]

This is a common issue with .303, no matter the make of brass, some makes just last a few reloads longer. I am assuming you are using some variant of the Lee Enfield? If we discount excess headspace due to worn bolt head, incorrect bolthead or, as in one case I examined, someone has taken metal off the bolt face. But the more usual problem is that the bolt compresses slightly on firing due to the rear locking design, not an issue under normal service conditions as brass is used once only. Anyway, the solution is to not full length resize. All of those I know with Lee Enfield actioned rifles use the Lee collet resizing die and have told me that goes a long way to solving the problem.

Andrew, Yes an exceptionally nice 1943 Lithgow SMLE in as new condition, even the brass butt plate is unscuffed, so probably never issued. It is varnished so possibly a specimen piece. it even came with a brand new sword type bayonet. It is owned by a girlfriends son who shoots with me and I usually make his ammunition. I know about the case stretching, but had no idea it could be so extreme. We have only ever had this problem with S & B brass, but I think I will try just neck sizing future batches and will avoid S & B brass. I'll also investigate the Lee collet die. Thanks for the valuable info. Colin