Hornady Brass

[elkhuntinfool]

I loaded up some rounds for my .300 Win. Mag. awhile back using 3 different brands of brass one of them being the Hornady.I loaded up 10 of each with 2 different powders. When I went to the range I loaded the first rounds shot 3 and checked the target. Loaded the next batch of 3. checked target. Then it came time to load up the Hornady's. I went to slide the the first one in and it wouldn't close I try the next one same thing. So after doing some investigating I noticed that the belt on the Hornady's was a bit shorter than that of the others. Also the neck is some what shorter. These rounds were resized full length along with the others because they were shot out of a friends gun. I had some time today so I took them apart and reran them threw the die but I noticed that after getting them to where they would fit in my gun I noticed that there is a slight dent around at the shoulder where it transitions into the body. So what I am wondering has anyone else had this problem with these cases? Can I still use the case?

 

[DrMike]

It would help if you could post a picture. I'm uncertain whether you are describing an oil dent (which could still permit the cartridge to be fired if the dent is not severe) or if the case itself has been bulged. Frequently, factory brass will stretch to the point of being excessive on the first firing. If your friend's chamber was at the long end of SAAMI standards (not unusual in factory rifles) and your own chamber is cut tight (somewhat common in custom rifles, and not unheard of in factory rifles), the round won't chamber even though full-length sized. Are you describing a dent that is localised in one spot? Or are you describing a bulge that runs around the case?

 

[JD338]

too much lube on the case will dent the shoulders when they go through the sizing die. Not sure about the shorter belt on the case.
Pictures would be helpful. Include a picture of a Hornady case next to another case so we can make a comparison.

JD338

 

[338winmag]

Measuring from top belt rim to case base for Hornady, Federal and Nosler using a vernier caliper knife edge (probably not the most accurate way to measure this)

.2145 +- .001

that is for Virgin, once fired and multiple fires

I am sure there is a deviation on this per manufacturer. I could be wrong but thinking each manufacturer has their own set of tolerances: whether that be in .00x or in .000x, don't know.

 

[elkhuntinfool]

Here are a couple pics. The Brass was all ran through the resizing die all at the same time and the Hornady brass did not resize the full length. When put in to my gun it would not let the bolt close all the way.

 

[Guest]

What you've got is a series of lube-dents. Too much lube on the shoulder area of the case, and you get a hydraulic dent when sizing. For future reference, the proper amount of lube in the shoulder area of the case is "none." No big deal, shoot them, and they'll form right back up like you want them, and then they'll be all set for your rifle.

I suspect the initial sizing of these particular brass squeezed them down but did not push the shoulder back, and you ended up with a long shoulder on them. No worries. Happens to everyone at some point. It will likely happen again, if you keep loading.

 

[elkhuntinfool]

Thanks for the help everyone.

 

[Elkman]

One other thought when that happens to me as it does to everyone now and then I also clean the die. There could be some left over oil/grease stuff still hanging in there. Just take the punch out run some cleaner through it on a patch, :grin: then lightly lube with very fine oil, like rem or similar.