Cracked Shoulder

[jschroed]

I just noticed these cracks on the shoulder of my once fired Lapua 6mm BR brass. The crack on the right in much larger that the one on the left. I'm in the process of checking the rest of the brass for anything similar.

The first firing was not a "Hot Load." I worked up slowly, firing over an chronograph. I didn't see or feel any high pressure signs. I realize its probably not uncommon to have a few pieces of bad brass in each box. I just wanted to see you guys think...

 

[BoydAllen]

The picture link did not work for me. I would email Lapua, and attach pictures. If the annealing color of the brass looks normal, they may have a raw material quality problem that they need to look into. I am sure that they will be interested, and treat you well. I would include any information that is on the packaging as to lot.
Boyd

 

[BoydAllen]

I can see the picture now. Let us know what comes of this after you have contacted Lapua, and they have gotten back to you.
Boyd

 

[fayettefatts]

Is it a crack or a crease? I have a couple with creases that look like that. They have been loaded over 10 times without any issues. Curious to see what the response from Lapua is.

 

[Josh11]

I had a similar problem with my 6brx but I was fireforming. I ran a lighter load and still was cracking the neck. I had to send it off to a gun smith for him to polish the chamber because there was a gouge in the neck. This may not be your issue but something to keep in mind. If you have access to a borescope, use it.

 

[K22]

It looks like the same problem I had with 22 250 Winchester Brass. I was told by them that is was a forming defect due to improper heat control. About 10% of the cases in a bag of 100 were affected to various degrees.

If this is indeed the same situation, I'm truly suprised that you experience this with Lapua brass. I'd contact them and see what they say.

 

[243winxb]

Has the brass been outside neck turned before fire forming?? Possibily cutting to far into the shoulder?

 

[bozo699]

jschroed,
P.M KevinThomas, he is a forum member here and is a Lapua Rep, he has been extremely helpful to many of us with similar problems, best of luck to you on the deal, let us know how it all turned out.
Wayne.

 

[jschroed]

Will do Bozo. No neck turning on brass.

 

[pdhntr]

Did you visually check all the cases when you opened the box?

The last box of 6BR that I got had 3 cases with creases exactly where yours are. At first I thought they were cracks.

Jim