Doughnuts. How to tell if you have them.

[ptf18]

Im using W-W 22-250 cases for my 6mm250. I ran the cases thru a 22-250 die with a 6mm expander and that was all prior to fire forming the case.

Ive have fired the resized cases 4,5,6 times. I use a full length sizing die with bushings.

I have had no problems with the cases but Im wondering how to tell if I have "doughnuts"?

I seat the SMK 107 bullets so that the boattail of the bullet is in the area of the neck/shoulder juncture BUT at times when seating a bullet it SEEMS that I need a little bit extra "shove" on the reloading press handle when I full seat the bullet. Again this is only sometimes.

Thoughts please.

 

[morpheus]

One of the easier ways to check for donuts is to take a fired case, don't size it or anything, and try to drop a new bullet into the case. If the bullet hangs up near the neck/shoulder junction, that is your donut. I'm sure there are other ways to check, but this is the method that works for me. This may not work if you have tight neck, small amount of neck expansion, etc.

 

[MrMajestic]

Your cases are like Cops, they all don't have Doughnuts!
You should be able to see them also. Try shining a bright light in there.

 

[Tim Singleton]

One of the easier ways to check for donuts is to take a fired case, don't size it or anything, and try to drop a new bullet into the case. If the bullet hangs up near the neck/shoulder junction, that is your donut. I'm sure there are other ways to check, but this is the method that works for me. This may not work of you have tight neck, small amount of neck expansion, etc.

Best way I know of

 

[Rtheurer]

I agree with Morpheus. I use a Flat base 6mm bullet that has a pretty big pressure ring at the base. (Berger 88gr FBLD) Works pretty good without having a good pin gage set.

Also as has been said not all cases will develope a dog nut at the same time... Makes it ALOT of fun... ( sarcasim)

Nice thing about having enough neck available to keep well ahead of the shouler neck junction.

 

[bigedp51]

If the plastic container is empty and everyone has white powder on their lips and chin you don't have donuts. :

 

[357Mag]

PTF -

Howdy !

IMHO-
If you have access to any, use of " pin gages " are an excellent way to tell if you have neck ID variance at all... for the length of the necks.

Another, more low-tech route.... reduce the diameter of a drill bit to the diameter desired; and use it as a tool for checking neck ID.


With regards,
357Mag

 

[jimcasey01]

Straighten out a paper clip. With not enough pressure to mark the brass, run it downward from the mouth to the bottom of the neck. If you have doughnuts, the paperclip will let you know as it comes to a halt or goes over a felt bump.

 

[ptf18]

I have a set of ID ball gauges. Would they work?

 

[boltgunluvr]

I have never experienced the doughnut effect. So for those that have, what conditions, combinations, etc....do you feel has contributed to it??? Assuming mostly overbore cartridges when using very slow burning powder??? I reload a lot of 243 Win, 308 Win, 223 Rem, 30-06, etc. All are factory barrels at the moment.

Currently, I do not own a rifle that likes hot loads. They all prefer a very mild dose of the appropriate and well documented powder for each. (Examples: IMR or H 4350 for 243 & 30-06, IMR 4064 or Varget for 223 Rem & 308 Win) I do know a gentleman that encountered the doughnut issue when he was using 4831 or slower burning powder for his 243 Win. Anyone else?