Load or scrap oversized cases?

[mousegunner]

I came across 100 once fired Win .223 cases, that I oversized by .004 from what I normally size. I'm thinking of scrapping them but maybe I can load them, shoot, and let them stretch out and resize the to my usual setting. Would they stretch out too much if I do this one time? They would be shot out of my AR carbine with 55 FMJs then later 69 BTHPs through my match rifle. Thoughts?

 

[Rustytigwire]

Neck too big? Run them thru again to the correct size.
What reasoning might discourage this, you were going to reload them a couple times , right?
Maybe i missed something.
edit:
open mouth insert DUH
ok i get it sized too short. thanks all for clarity

 

[AJC]

It's not Optimum but it's not the end of the world

 

[Metal God]

.004 smaller then normal , can I assume this means .006 from fire formed ?

Once fired as in never reloaded ?

If yes to both , you should be fine to reload them and blow the shoulder back out . Assuming you only bump the shouldes minimally each time you should be gtg for several more loadings .

 

[243winxb]

Head clearance would need to be .010" or more to cause case separations & may require about 3 firings.
.

 

[Nick Caprinolo]

If they fit into the chamber, I would fire them. Odd sized cases are reformed this way all the time.

 

[divingin]

Sort of depends on what you normally size.

For autos, a .005" bump is fairly normal. For bolt guns, more like 1 to 3 thou.

If you bumped 9 thou, I'd toss them (223 is not particularly hard to come by, though if it's purchased match brass, I might try and save them - check for a thin spot above the web after firing.)

If you bumped 6 thou, I'd shoot them and run with it.

 

[Rustytigwire]

Times like these I wonder how many lucky souls reload how many thousand plinker rounds and have no comprehension of the subject matter or how to check.
Their angels are on duty 24/7 is why ours cost extra.
Send those cartridges to me.

 

[Rsadams]

I agree it's not horrible but it's also 100 win. .223 cases.... It's up to you if they don't have alot of firings on them you could easily reuse them... After firing they will be fine again... Or you could just toss them if it makes you uncomfortable , it wouldn't be bad either way in my opinion...

 

[mousegunner]

Thanks, I think I'm going to load and shoot. I have a LEO comp later in the year and may save them for that and I don't think they let you pick up your brass so no harm if I don't see them again.

BTW I do have a dental pick (from my hygienist wife) that's perfect for checking the inside of cases, it's a good tool to have.

 

[MislMan]

You might only load a few a shoot those. Check the brass after that firing to see if they look alright. If good, load the rest. If bad toss the lot of them and be glad you didn’t waste components or have to take-down 90+ cartridges.