Armory Sponsor
Posted: 8/11/2009 4:30:54 PM EDT
|
In another thread the poster described finding old balloon head style cases in a bucket of used brass. Rather than side track that post, I thought it might be helpful for some of our newer reloaders to discuss what balloon head cases are and why they are dangerous to reload. Back when metallic cases were first introduced, black powder was the propellant, which operates at lower pressures than the smokeless powders of today. Also, the manufacturing methods of brass cases did not employ the methods used today. The result was a brass case not as strong as those made in the modern era, these new cases being called "solid head" cases. The ballon head cases are much thinner in the head area. These cases were manufactured up until the WWII timeframe in some calibers. I purchased a 45-70 rifle from an elderly gentleman, along with a large quantity of brass, some very new, and some very old. While resizing some cases with a "Peters" headstamp, I had the entire head tear off in the shellholder. As you can see from the photo, the case had cracked during the last time it was fired, as shown by the blackened area of the break. That contrasts with the bright, newly broken area. I shudder to think what would have happened if the head DID NOT break as I resized it, but failed as the cartridge was fired.  All the high pressure gas would have come straight back into my face. As you can see from the case construction, this is a balloon head case. I searched through the rest of the brass, sorting out the balloon head style cases. I found another one defective. This one was a "UMC" headstamp. A solid head case would not likely fail in this way.  So be aware when you make that great brass "score" we all love. Sort carefully. Balloon head cases can be ID'ed by looking inside for that "bump" around the flash hole. Even if they don't have a physical defect, they are weaker cases and should not be reloaded. |
You know, it never occurred to me to post pics of the balloon head brass so the new guys would know how to identify it. I sorta got lucky when I found the cases I have, as the flash holes are smaller than those on solid head cases and the decapper pin got stuck on them. Lots of fun sorting through 2K of brass to dig all those out. 
Good thread! |
|
I got 19 brand new 45-70 balloon head cases in a funshow box of brass not long ago.
#20 looked like someone had run it into a 444 marlin die. 
Think they are UMC headstamp. I could never get a pic to come out showing the inside of the case. Pics came out too dark. The broken case shows the story very well. Good thread. |
|
I found a couple with WRA headstamps in a batch of 44Spl brass I bought a few years back. When you look down inside them, you'll see the diff pretty clearly. The area around the primer pocket is deeply recessed on a balloon head case. On a modern case, it's just like a flat area with a flashhole. |
|
Quoted:
I found a couple with WRA headstamps in a batch of 44Spl brass I bought a few years back. When you look down inside them, you'll see the diff pretty clearly. The area around the primer pocket is deeply recessed on a balloon head case. On a modern case, it's just like a flat area with a flashhole. The other case folks should check carefully are the 45 Colt cases. They seem to be balloon head right up to the late 1930's. And the way some guys hot load that cartridge today, a balloon head case could really ruin your day. |
Armory Sponsor
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.