17 WSM case rim failures

[1raggedhole]

I’ve been enjoying my 77/17 wsm since 2018, with over 3000 rounds on prairie dogs.
This rifle slightly preferred Win HV (20gr) ammo, which is now impossible to find, so I was forced to buy some American Eagle on Gunbroker last fall. That was no concern because it has always shot well in the past.
Shot a few rounds this spring to check zero and all was good. First trip to SD in May started blowing case rims. Temps were normal, and nothing unusual noted about chambering or extraction.
Gas and debris coming out gas port and also into magazine, at least 5 out of the box of 50. Turns out all that I bought are from same lot number B3LC61. Sent a message to Federal via their contact us form requesting refund or exchange, but have received no reply in two weeks. Today I followed up with an email to sales.
I am sure there are many theories what could cause this, but has anyone else experienced this?

 

[OLeveraction]

Have heavy barreled SS Bmag, I have not had a rim failure but was getting expanded rims. 25g W HE.
Took it home and did a cleaning concentrating on a possible carbon build up.
Seemed fine for a time but came back that day.
Have not been able to get back to it.

 

[Bill K]

Keep in mind the case is originally made for nail guns, so QC is not a factor in necking them down for 17 WSM.
As long as they drove a nail in, in a nail gun, all was well.

 

[searcher]

I'd take a look at carbon buildup in the neck area of the chamber. While the ammo could be bad - it may also have a slightly thicker neck that is being "crimped" by the carbon - whereas the prior ammo would have taken more time to get there. Just a thought.

 

[1raggedhole]

I'd take a look at carbon buildup in the neck area of the chamber. While the ammo could be bad - it may also have a slightly thicker neck that is being "crimped" by the carbon - whereas the prior ammo would have taken more time to get there. Just a thought.

Certainly worth a check. I was able to see it with my teslong from chamber end with 90 deg mirror removed; clean as a whistle

 

[1raggedhole]

It took a few months, but finally received refund from Federal. Unfortunately cant find much Winchester ammo again.

 

[jepp2]

I am sure there are many theories what could cause this, but has anyone else experienced this?

Clarification: I have never fired a 17 WSM. But I have a lot of experience with 17 HMR's.

You case heads look extremely ballooned to me. I set my headspace on my 17 HMR's much tighter. Either with the barrel or bolt shims. Have you ever checked to see what your headspace is?

The way I measure mine is to drop them into a 25-06 case mouth and measure them before firing, then after firing to see how much expansion I am getting. I also set my headspace when installing a new barrel by direct measurement with a depth mic. I've never had a case head blow out like yours, but it changes the fired case heads from ballooned to looking like unfired ones.

 

[1raggedhole]

If it were a new rifle or barrel I would certainly consider that, but I have more than 3000 rounds through it and never had a blown rim until this lot of ammo, and then quite a few. I shot a different lot of Win 20 HV recently with no issues.

 

[flatlander]

I recall that there were several shooters wanting Mike Bush & VGW to make their custom actions for the 17 WSM several years ago. Mike had no interest in doing so, for the reason mentioned in post #3 above. He was well aware of the lack of QC during brass manufacture, due to the fact that the round is based on the nail gun case. Hard to believe that the old Winchester company would've let such a round ever make it to market...