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10/23/2011 12:45:41 PM EDT
I scored a couple hundered rounds of 357 and 38sp brass.  I know the previous owner was a reloader so I have no idea how much use these cases have had.
I have found two 38sp cases that show signs of what might be head separation (slight buldging about 1/4" from the bottom of the case).  Either that or the bulge is from improper resizing in the cases past life.  I'm not too familiar with this defect in pistol brass (common in bottle neck rifle brass) so what are your thoughts on this?  Also, are there any other precautions I should be taking with these shells?
10/23/2011 3:52:41 PM EDT
[#1]



Quoted:


I scored a couple hundered rounds of 357 and 38sp brass.  I know the previous owner was a reloader so I have no idea how much use these cases have had.

I have found two 38sp cases that show signs of what might be head separation (slight buldging about 1/4" from the bottom of the case).  Either that or the bulge is from improper resizing in the cases past life.  I'm not too familiar with this defect in pistol brass (common in bottle neck rifle brass) so what are your thoughts on this?  Also, are there any other precautions I should be taking with these shells?


Post good pics,



But they are g2g till the neck spits or the Primer pocket loosens up



 
10/23/2011 4:18:19 PM EDT
[#2]
The bulge is there because the sizer die does not size all the way to the rim.
10/23/2011 4:32:23 PM EDT
[#3]
I never had 38/357 brass with case head separations, mine usually die from a lengthwise split along the case body
10/23/2011 4:39:32 PM EDT
[#4]
never even heard of a case head separation in 38/357.   Likely a cosmetic ring caused by sizing die not resizing all the way to the base.  Most don't.

I can recall reading some article some years ago in which some reloader wondered "just how long will a 38 special case last?".  If I remember correctly, the case went something like 138 loads before splitting.

10/23/2011 5:26:33 PM EDT
[#5]
Straight wall brass with a rim will not have head separation problems to the best of my knowledge. Its only when the shell head spaces off of the shoulder or mouth will you see head separation. Remember what causes head separation and you will be able to see why a case that head spaces off of the rim is immune.
10/23/2011 6:40:34 PM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
The bulge is there because the sizer die does not size all the way to the rim.


Correct, carbide dies will have this effect.

Good on you that you are inspecting your cases, and ask questions.

10/23/2011 8:19:53 PM EDT
[#7]
As long as your loads are moderate, 38 special brass lasts almost forever, hotter loaded 357 can substantially shorten brass life, most failures show up as a longitudinal crack.
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