Light ring around base of brass

[Jack V]

It is still fine to shoot as LONG AS it is confirmed by someone who knows how to tell that the cases are not worn out .

[Grated]

As long as confirmed that it's not case/head separation it would still be safe to shoot wouldn't it, as everything is within tolerances. Right?

Do some googling on checking separation with a paperclip.

That'll give you a start if you haven't seen how to do it already.

[Warrigul]

I suppose this is answering the question before I ask it but just to check.

I read other shooters asking this as well and some suggested it was because the chamber was cut too large.

That's not the case though then, it's just being opposite ends of the tolerances giving the case more room to expand creating a more prominent, visible line.

As long as confirmed that it's not case/head separation it would still be safe to shoot wouldn't it, as everything is within tolerances. Right?

Yep, when it is starting to seperate you will see it with a careful look or felt with a 90 degree hook at the end of some thin wire, I am trying to dig out a few photos.

Case seperation so far as I have seen it in SMLE's, mausers and omarks hasn't been as big a deal as you may think, more a pain in the arse if the front half is stuck in the chamber(usually somes out fairly easily).

The potential is definately there for nasty things to happen but I have never even noticed until I see only the case head has been ejected. Usually the rest of the case comes out fairly easily. If you get one seperate don't shoot the rest of the batch until you have had a good look at them. Wearing safety glasses(as we all should) is a sensible precaution against any excess gas though most of it is usually vented away from the shooter.

If you feel sharp thinning as in KLEM's photo or see visible cracks on the outside then don't take the chance, but don't lose too much sleep.

[Jack V]

The trouble is the gas escaping can cut into the chamber walls leaving pock marks to pot holes . That can cause cleaning and extraction issues in bad cases.

The best system for a new shooter is to buy a Doctors Otoscope that lets you see inside the case. Combine that also with a feeler and you get a good picture of what's going on inside.

One of this type of thing not necessarily this brand you can buy better ones at higher prices http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/YNR-Mini-Oto ... 1226365136

[Warrigul]

I would suggest that is a bit of overkill,

Whilst it is possible to cut the chamber wall it is unlikely. It is a bit different to a boltface primer burn where the leak is usually sustained and concentrated into a very precise jet. I was even getting a lot of ruptured necks withing a couple of loadings at one stage (with a brand of brass that I won't name) and they seemed to leave more marks than seperations did.

I have had a couple of dozen case seperations playing around with ex mil ammo, and one mate had heaps before he would heed advice on reloading .303 and there has never been a mark worth worrying about on mine or his.

When reloading you should take all precautions, check with wire and visually look for cracks on the outside and definately wear safety glasses but don't fret about it. If you check the cases each time you FLS you will usually get some warning.

[Warrigul]

Sally Bee, if you like PM me an address and I will send you a case that is about to seperate so you will know what to look for.

[Jack V]

I would suggest that is a bit of overkill,

Whilst it is possible to cut the chamber wall it is unlikely. It is a bit different to a boltface primer burn where the leak is usually sustained and concentrated into a very precise jet. I was even getting a lot of ruptured necks withing a couple of loadings at one stage (with a brand of brass that I won't name) and they seemed to leave more marks than seperations did.

I have had a couple of dozen case seperations playing around with ex mil ammo, and one mate had heaps before he would heed advice on reloading .303 and there has never been a mark worth worrying about on mine or his.

When reloading you should take all precautions, check with wire and visually look for cracks on the outside and definately wear safety glasses but don't fret about it. If you check the cases each time you FLS you will usually get some warning.

Well the potential damage is only limited by what pressure level is behind the head separation . I have seen some that don't do much damage and I have also seen some that roughen the chamber which can cause issues and some that wreck the gun . Just because it don't happen in every case does not mean it can't happen . Any kind of gas leak even minor is not good for a gun .

[sally-bee]

Sally Bee, if you like PM me an address and I will send you a case that is about to seperate so you will know what to look for.

I'm actually in process of getting a PO box at the moment.

Should have in the next week or two. I'll message then if that's ok, appreciate it

[Warrigul]

Well the potential damage is only limited by what pressure level is behind the head separation . I have seen some that don't do much damage and I have also seen some that roughen the chamber which can cause issues and some that wreck the gun . Just because it don't happen in every case does not mean it can't happen . Any kind of gas leak even minor is not good for a gun .

Yes always best to avoid if possible.

Minor leaks occur regularly and even occur when a case is fireformed to a chamber initially.

Just remember that if it is a pressure issue then case degradation isn't the primary cause and separation is only an indication of something wrong. If a firearm is wrecked case separation probably wasn't the cause only a visable symptom.

Chambers are made of far stouter material than cartridges and can withstand great temperature.

[Warrigul]

I'm actually in process of getting a PO box at the moment.

Should have in the next week or two. I'll message then if that's ok, appreciate it

No dramas, whenever I come across a case I put it to one side and hand it on. Just let me know when you want it.

[Jack V]

Yes always best to avoid if possible.

Minor leaks occur regularly and even occur when a case is fireformed to a chamber initially.

Just remember that if it is a pressure issue then case degradation isn't the primary cause and separation is only an indication of something wrong. If a firearm is wrecked case separation probably wasn't the cause only a visable symptom.

Chambers are made of far stouter material than cartridges and can withstand great temperature.

You can still have an over load put into a second-hand case that is close to incipient head separation without the reloader knowing that and it's a worse situation than a new stronger case . If the same load was placed in a good case it may be a blown primer but in the weakened case it's rampant gas pressure right into the action or worse your face . The solid cartridge base is a big part of an actions ability to contain chamber pressures safely .

[Bills Shed]

The best system for a new shooter is to buy a Doctors Otoscope that lets you see inside the case. Combine that also with a feeler and you get a good picture of what's going on inside.

One of this type of thing not necessarily this brand you can buy better ones at higher prices http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/YNR-Mini-Oto ... 1226365136

I agree this is a bit of an over kill !! Maybe if you were a gear junkie and could not think of a Christmas present for yourself.
I have only had case head seperations with my old .303s. As Warragul said it is more of an incovenience than a drama. The thin piece of wire ( paper clip) feeler gauge works well to detect a thin wall section and the Mk 1 eyeball cost nothing to run. Case head seperation is a definate failure and there is a definate, crisp line in the case wall where it is going to happen. I inspect my Hornet cases for signs of failure but it takes a lot of shooting to get there if using sensible pressures.

Bill

[Warrigul]

You can still have an over load put into a second-hand case that is close to incipient head separation without the reloader knowing that and it's a worse situation than a new stronger case . If the same load was placed in a good case it may be a blown primer but in the weakened case it's rampant gas pressure right into the action or worse your face . The solid cartridge base is a big part of an actions ability to contain chamber pressures safely .

You are making it more complicated than it needs to be, if it is an overload the reloader only has themselves to blame.If it is enough to blow the primer out then the clearance between the (probably belled- if you take note there is always a small amount of brass back from the thinned section to push against the chamber walls) end cap and the chamber wall will make very little difference to the end result. And again: most actions are more than able to divert gas away from the shooter.

But once again prop[er precautions should always be taken and it doesn't take a moment to scratch the insides with a wire hook as it is sensible to remove as many hazards as possible.

[Gregg]

the Mk 1 eyeball cost nothing to run.

Until you start stepping on your prescription glasses

[Jack V]

You are making it more complicated than it needs to be, if it is an overload the reloader only has themselves to blame.If it is enough to blow the primer out then the clearance between the (probably belled- if you take note there is always a small amount of brass back from the thinned section to push against the chamber walls) end cap and the chamber wall will make very little difference to the end result. And again: most actions are more than able to divert gas away from the shooter.

But once again prop[er precautions should always be taken and it doesn't take a moment to scratch the insides with a wire hook as it is sensible to remove as many hazards as possible.

Wrong mate the short solid part of the case that is left after it separates does not seal the gas well at all and in some action designs half of that is outside the chamber anyway . Most new reloaders will have no idea what the inside groove will feel like using the hook method alone .
In a normal pressure situation but with separation most actions do direct the gas away well. That still does not change the potential of an overload situation placed into a worn out case where the case head could rupture completely . It can make a big difference to the result . Anyway I would not be taking any advice from a guy who has had dozens of head separations . If you know what you are doing you don't get any .

[Warrigul]

There always seems to be a few mil of thinner brass left and so far It has sealed or it does well enough to let minimal gas past. As you have noted before you are not speaking from first hand experience.

Most of my separations have been with milsurp ammo, never an issue, just inconvenience. With reloads i normally catch them first- i reload a LOT.

You are slipping back into your old habits, it won't be long now.

[Wes]

Do some googling on checking separation with a paperclip.

Will save you the trouble, here's what you're looking for.

casehead03.jpg (60.47 KiB) Viewed 2422 times

IMGP4521-1.jpg (47.21 KiB) Viewed 2422 times

[Warrigul]

Do some googling on checking separation with a paperclip.

Will save you the trouble, here's what you're looking for.

I cut the end of the wire with side cutters to get a sharp point.

[Wes]

Sounds like a good idea.

(I got those pics from Google, not my brass but I was also doing with a as-is paper clip end)