Bumping 1x fired brass from same rifle, different sizes....

[catalyst686]

Hey there, I'm working on developing a load for my armalite AR31 bolt action 308. I have a bunch of 1x fired brass that was shot in this rifle. The majority of the 1x fired cases were 1.612, measuring with a shoulder comparator. I FL sized that brass to 1.610, 2 thou shoulder bump. I noticed some of the brass, maybe 50 pieces are shorter, measuring 1.605-1.610 (not sized). What would be the best use for this brass since its going to end up being a different size? Does anyone know why I would get that much of a variance with brass that has been shot out of the same gun? The 1x fired brass is perfecta, yes I know not great, but I want to use it. I have a ladder test ready with the brass that was consistent. Thanks for the info!

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Set you die so all the brass will go into battery correctly, "short headspace brass" will catch up after a couple loadings(or not). Cheap brass starts off inconsistent and may always have variations, for AR's I use an ammo checker. Last thing you want is to have to mortar a live rd out at the range. For single bolt rifle use set the die for proper bolt closure and run all the brass thru, leave the die set the same(lock it in).

 

[drop_point]

Sometimes it takes a few firings for brass to fully fire-form. There are lots of inconsistencies in brass, especially on the cheaper end.

 

[catalyst686]

Sometimes it takes a few firings for brass to fully fire-form. There are lots of inconsistencies in brass, especially on the cheaper end.

That makes sense, yea this brass is el cheapo for sure

 

[K22]

Sometimes it takes a few firings for brass to fully fire-form. There are lots of inconsistencies in brass, especially on the cheaper end.

This is spot on in my experience.