Never Saw This Before

sjs · #1 01-16-2021, 01:19 PM

While reloading 9mm today I ran into these strange (to me at least) two stepped brass cases, with two different inside diameters. Not sure why they would add this as it must be more expensive to manufacture and I can't see what benefit it would provide.

It is MaxxTech 9 Luger, and I found only 5 cases like this out of 50 that I shot. The rest were normal. I also usually sweep up assorted range brass so it is possible it did not come from the box I shot, but I still don't get why it is made like this.

Anyone know what this is all about?

mckenney99 · #2 01-16-2021, 01:21 PM

There was another thread recently about the same brand of brass I believe in 45 acp causing issue due to that step.
I think with the huge amount of 9mm brass that is available, I would probably just pitch that brass, rather than deal with it.

gerhard1 · #3 01-16-2021, 01:25 PM

Maybe shot cartridges?

scattershot · #4 01-16-2021, 01:28 PM

I think they were designed as a bullet stop to keep the bullet from going too far into the case. I’d just pitch them.

mikld · #5 01-16-2021, 02:15 PM

A couple manufacturer's have been producing stepped 9mm cased for a few years. Most handloaders toss them because of volume/powder charges/pressure concerns... stepped 9mm cases - Google Search

fredj338 · #6 01-16-2021, 02:31 PM

Stepped cases, very bad for reloading, toss yhem. Other brands to watch for are FM & imt. They can & will separate at the step. I am sure there is a valid reason for making them this way but useless to reloaders.

Nevada Ed · #7 01-16-2021, 02:32 PM

Don't load them !!

They will rupture.

Toss ALL of them and never pick them up again...…

per post and pictures that I have posted. (2015 ? )

Stay safe.

Fla_Sun · #8 01-16-2021, 03:37 PM

I agree, throw them away.

SMSgt · #9 01-16-2021, 06:38 PM

They have a history of separating at the step. Garbage scrap.

BC38 · #10 01-16-2021, 06:51 PM

I'm thinking that there are probably a couple of reasons
1) As others have said, to prevent bullet setback
2) To get higher pressure & velocity with less powder by reducing the case volume. Kinda' like boosting pressure with a shorter OAL - while still maintaining standard OAL.

Just a couple of theories.

Even without the separation issues, the reduced volume would mean all published load data would yield excessive pressures, and figuring out how much to reduce the charge to keep it in the standard (or even +P) pressure ranges would be problematic.

sjs · #11 01-16-2021, 07:18 PM

Thanks guys, as advised they are gone, but it still seems like an odd solution to a nonexistent problem.

BC38 · #12 01-16-2021, 07:31 PM

Well, if they save 1/2 cent per round on powder and the brass only cost 1/4 cent more per round, the savings would add up for a factory producing millions of rounds.
Again, just a thought/theory.

Golphin · #13 01-16-2021, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BC38

Well, if they save 1/2 cent per round on powder and the brass only cost 1/4 cent more per round, the savings would add up for a factory producing millions of rounds.
Again, just a thought/theory.

Powder in bulk like the ammo manufacturer's use should be really cheap. Maybe the way the cases are made is cheaper. That may be why the split as well.

BC38 · #14 01-16-2021, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Golphin

Powder in bulk like the ammo manufacturer's use should be really cheap. Maybe the way the cases are made is cheaper. That may be why the split as well.

Yeah, hence my 1/2 and 1/4 penny per round examples.
It may only be 1/10 penny per round net savings, but on a million rounds that's still $1000 more bottom line profit.
Doesn't take much per round to add up when you're loading in factory quantities.