Reusing brass after over pressure

[Propbndr]

After testing new reload, I have a some 243 win brass that have signs of over pressure. All have flattened primers, firing pin cratering, and ejector marks. One had the primer totally blown out. Three have carbon streaks from the primer pocket edges. I actually saw smoke come out from around the bolt on those three. None of these caused excessively hard bolt movement.

Obviously, I have to back off on the powder charge. I am thinking 1/2 to 3/4 of a grain less. The sad thing is, these rounds were the tightest pattern to date for this rifle. (5 shots in a 3/4“ to 1 ” circle at 50 yards)

My question is, should I throw these cases out or can I reuse them.

 

[565tinfitter]

You may be able to use them a few more times if the primer pockets aren’t toast and you have a die that will get the .200 line resized enough that they don’t give you dreaded clickers. When you go to resize you’ll get all the info you need to know if they’re ruined.

 

[SKWERLZ]

Yep
If they still hold a primer and can be sized down they can be reused.

 

[Propbndr]

You may be able to use them a few more times if the primer pockets aren’t toast and you have a die that will get the .200 line resized enough that they don’t give you dreaded clickers. When you go to resize you’ll get all the info you need to know if they’re ruined.

Not sure what you mean by the “.200 line”. I use the standard Lee reloading dies.

 

[47WillysGuy]

Your decision. I have had the same indicators as you described, except the smoke, and have loaded them again. I check for head separation, fired length of the case, and primer pocket expansion ( does a new primer fall out when seated) and maybe mike the 0.200 line for over expansion. Check case dims against the case drawing. I do not continue to fire rounds that exhibit over pressure signs.

If you’re seeing smoke upon firing , stop and reevaluate your next load and consider disassembling. You’re dealing with a lot of pressure. Safety first, last, and always!

 

[M-61]

3/4-1 at 50 yards. Blown primers.
I’d start from the very beginning. There’s lots wrong with your load.
There must be every imaginable load in the manuals for a 243

 

[markm87]

If it get a blown primer, there's usually a healthy swipe too. I recycle that brass. I don't even trouble myself to see if it will hold another primer.

 

[Rocketvapor]

Maybe change primers?
Leaking might damage a bolt.
Totally blown out primer?

 

[Propbndr]

I used the Sierra manual for their 243 Win 100 grain SP’s. My stupid mistake was using their recommended load for hunting for that bullet. It turns out it is their maximum load.

 

[Propbndr]

Maybe change primers?
Leaking might damage a bolt.
Totally blown out primer?

Will look into changing primers.

Inspected the bolt….no visible damage, only carbon which wiped off using a cotton swab dampened with spit. (Don’t judge me on that one…spit was all I had at the range)

Yes on the blown primer. Both the case and separated primer hit the shooting mat separately.

 

[Dkk37058]

 

[PatMiles]

Three have carbon streaks from the primer pocket edges. I actually saw smoke come out from around the bolt on those three.

Those carbon streaks and the fact that one had a primer blown out tell you that the primer pocket is obviously loose around the primer. When this happens there are hot gasses escaping out the back of the brass and will eventually start hot gas etching your bolt face, you don't want this to happen. Brass is cheaper than bolt face welding and machining.

 

[358WCF]

I am thinking 1/2 to 3/4 of a grain less.

If you lost primers you're way past a safe max. Do as you like, but I'm thinking at least a 5% reduction... 7-10% might be smarter & s-l-o-w-l-y work back upward 1/2 grain at a time. Those lowest loads in the the Sierra manual are called start charges for a reason.

Changing primers alone will not reduce the pressure enough for safety.

Maybe re-read the 1st section of your loading manual about reloading basics again?

The .200 line is an imaginary line approx. .200" up from the base of the case above the extractor groove where the case grows to its largest diameter. You'll probably see the bulge. Measured with a .0001" micrometer (not calipers) this area can be used as a relative, but inexact, pressure measurement.

 

[kindabitey]

View attachment 1460866

Those are legit. However, it would benefit the owner of Ballistic tools a little if ordered direct. Pretty sure it a one man operation out of Bedford, VA

Small and Large Primer Pocket Swage Gage ® Set

Swage Gage Small Primer Pocket Gauge

ballistictools.com

 

[mongo chicago]

I just had two over pressured cases that blew the primers and the cases had to be pounded out. I threw them away. Maybe if they were Lapua cases instead of Remingtons I would have reconsidered.

 

[Propbndr]

I ended up throwing the brass away. I noticed bulging at the head. The case that blew out the primer wouldn’t even fit in the shell holder.

I disassembled the remaining rounds and reloaded. I dropped the powder charge by 1.5 and 1 grains, 10 rounds for each charge.

In double checking my sierra manual, I verified that I used the primer the specified. Fed GM210M. I looked at other brass that were loaded with much lower charges and noticed that that brand seems to flatten out when fired. No other primers I have does that.

 

[Propbndr]

I just had two over pressured cases that blew the primers and the cases had to be pounded out. I threw them away. Maybe if they were Lapua cases instead of Remingtons I would have reconsidered.

If I had to pound out a case, it would definitely go in the trash. I don’t care what brand it is.

 

[Dkk37058]

I use the go no go primer pocket gauges if in doubt about the pockets in my post above

 

[Murray Brook]

With all due respect 1/2-3/4 of a grain is not enough. I would back off at least 3 grs and see what happens. You can then work from there. I also would trash them cases because an etched bolt and escaping gas isn't good. JMO

 

[565tinfitter]

Another thing to look into is how much your brass is being resized. Too much sizing will allow the casing to slam into the bolt face with dangerously high thrust pressures (causing all your symptoms above) especially if your powder charge is high along with too much sizing. Investing in a bump gauge will help you determine how much sizing you actually have. There is a lot of info on this site to help you navigate these troubleshooting tools and techniques.