38 special case deformation

[skrazo]

While reloading, I discovered a case(brass, not nickel) that would not slide into the shell holder. I examined the rim(base), looking for a rough spot. Did not find one. I thought about filing it until it would fit but did not. Is the rim out of round? Anyone else experience this? If so, what do you do when this happens?

 

[Shield9 Pro]

I have had this happen with many different calibers as well depending on what kind of brass (brand) it could be slightly oversized if it was out of round it would fit if you turn it. I would just set it aside see if any others had the same problem

 

[OKFC05]

If so, what do you do when this happens?

The occasional bad brass (split, off size, AMERC) goes in the brass recycle. Life is too short to mess with junk.

IN general .38 spl is very easy on brass, not like military semi autos.

 

[SMSgt]

I find that in 5.56 mil brass and it's usually because the ejector has dinged the rim and distorted it somewhat.

 

[scooter123]

Because it's 38 special I'd be willing to place a small wager the case has a Winchester head stamp and you are using a Lee shell holder. I've been there done that and the easy solution was to purchase an RCBS shell holder.

 

[4barrel]

Common on reloading-When you do it long enough you will have the same as a college degree. Nothing wrong with beginners starting out. You have got to learn somewhere. This is the best forum to ask.

 

[skrazo]

Shield: I had not thought of that. I did turn it and it still would not slide into shell holder.

Scooter: You get two "A+'s".........yes it is Win brass, and yes it is a Lee shell holder.

I have plenty of 38 brass..........gonna toss it.....

 

[TucsonMTB]

Because it's 38 special I'd be willing to place a small wager the case has a Winchester head stamp and you are using a Lee shell holder. I've been there done that and the easy solution was to purchase an RCBS shell holder.

A Hornady shell holder will also solve that problem.

My two 38 special die sets, Lee and Hornady at first seemed like overkill. But, they both have their advantages.

The Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die makes reliable crimping easy enough for this relative newbie.

The Hornady shell holder has more generous dimensions to eliminate this issue.

Each of the bullet seating dies work better depending on the bullet nose shape.

Life is good!

 

[MikeyB]

I had the same issue using Winchester and S&B .38 Special brass and a Lee shell holder I was using in my hand priming tool. Works fine with RCBS. So I ditched the Lee and bought another RCBS.

 

[Ceapea]

Because it's 38 special I'd be willing to place a small wager the case has a Winchester head stamp and you are using a Lee shell holder. I've been there done that and the easy solution was to purchase an RCBS shell holder.

Bingo!
I too have run into this many times. Lee says that their shell holders are within spec. And, after measuring them, they are.
But RCBS and Hornady shell holders are ~.002"-.003" bigger, and still within spec too.
The Win. 38 spl brass is also "in spec".

 

[Ceapea]

Oh, and another caliber, 44 spl/mag, has the same issues in Lee shell holders (#11 for the hand primer tool).

 

[bluetopper]

I've had a lot of CBC (Magtech) 38 brass that were too big to go in my Lee shellholder.

 

[Maximumbob54]

AMERC brass is the devil.

Also, I will never buy roll sized rimmed brass ever again.

That's all I can think of on bad .38 special cases.

 

[TucsonMTB]

I understand that AMERC has more than one product line.