BlackDog 1 Posted June 7, 2008 Report Share Posted June 7, 2008 this little back piece jammed in the feed area, the other half cleared I have had a few stovepipes, but I never had this happen It was torn right apart, all shiny around the tear to, no creep. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
patriot 7,197 Posted June 7, 2008 Report Share Posted June 7, 2008 That's called a case head separation. Bad juju. Usually caused by excessive headspace, overpressure. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BlackDog 1 Posted June 7, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 7, 2008 (edited) That was a reload I made. I must have screwed something up because 2 other the pieces of brass I just checked had some really, really flattened primers? I usually reload a few grains of powder under the max recommended by IMR, but I also use all the crappy brass for my Saiga reloads. I know my headspace is big, fired brass usually falls into the chamber that in comparison only drops about halfway into my mini? I recently bought a new .223 die set because of the questionable resizing, this may have been from the old die. Hmm Edited June 7, 2008 by BlackDog Quote Link to post Share on other sites
patriot 7,197 Posted June 7, 2008 Report Share Posted June 7, 2008 When reloading, start with data at the bottom of the chart and work up to the most accurate load, checking for pressure signs as you go. I load 5 each in 0.1 gr increments when working up a load for .223 Remington. ANY signs of pressure, STOP and use most accurate of the lower-charged loads. Also, seat your bullets as long as your gun will allow, but stay OFF the rifling, as this will cause pressure to SPIKE. You want to size your brass the minimum amount necessary. Over-sizing your brass pushes the shoulder back too far and will create the same condition as excessive headspace. Since you know your headspace is "big", have it checked to see if it will close on a "NO-GO" gauge. If it does, it's time for a new barrel. If you're going for an uber-hot load, FORGET IT. Buy a bigger caliber. Stay within published loading data, and cross check the data before you use it. Be safe. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BlackDog 1 Posted June 9, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 9, 2008 I must have screwed something up with the reloading. I got to the range a few hours ago and shot 5 each of Brown Bear, Malaysian M193 and Winchester white box. No signs of flattened or backed out primers. I am usually very diligent and check the powder charge 4-5 times initially and then every 20 loads after. I'm wondering if I looked at 1 powder load and used a different powder?!? I probably don't even have 1000 rounds thru my Saiga yet, so the barrel shouldn't be spent yet. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
IndyArms 10,186 Posted June 12, 2008 Report Share Posted June 12, 2008 Maybe it was just a BAD PIECE OF BRASS?!?!?!? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BlackDog 1 Posted July 19, 2008 Author Report Share Posted July 19, 2008 (edited) I have to edit this post. When I was pressing the bullets into the brass, something was occasionaly catching in the adjusting knob of the die and that was causing the casing to crush and deform a little. I only reloaded 15 cases and I just can't believe that I didn't notice I had crushed them and then put them in the magazines without noticing. As I pressed some more new ones yesterday, occasionally the same crush happened again a few times. I just turned the knob all the way in and now everything is fine. I just made 200 reloads and all have been perfect. I came to the conclusion that this brass just sucks! I think it is Guat surplus brass, but I'll have to check. I made some more reloads with this same brass for my mini 14 and the brass was deforming behind the shoulder when the mini was trying to cycle it after firing a round. 4 out of 15 rounds deformed and would not even come close to chambering. I would have taken a pic of the deformed rounds but I was pretty mad and threw them into the woods. Edited July 24, 2008 by BlackDog Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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