Bending Decapping Pins- part 2

[3-Liter]

You guys may have helped me find the cause. I noticed the cases that were hardest to size and de-prime were brass cases. Most of mine were nickle S&W once fired cases, but I remembered I bought some brass cases at a gun show. It turns out some of these cases have unusual head stamps. The stamps are "RAO7"......and,,,,,"WCC99". The primer pockets look the same as others, but is it possible these are military cases not intended to be reloaded? Thanks much for the help, p.s. I am going to de-prime some 9mm cases with the same loader. If everything works properly for the 9mm I know the problem is specific to 38 Special cases or dies and not the press. Thanks again, 3-Liter.

 

[Dragon88]

Do those military cases have crimped primers and/or primer sealant? They are reloadable but I tend to trash them, I certainly wouldn't buy them.

 

[3-Liter]

Thanks much guys. I de-primed over 200 rounds this morning without a problem. I have sorted cases carefully and trashed any with a head stamp I do not know. Now using Hornady One Shot case lube, set the decapping pin much shallower, and use a slower stroke on press. I sometimes have to cycle the press 2 times to get the old primer out, but no damage to pins. Again, Thanks much for your help. 3-Liter

 

[flash60601]

Thanks much guys. I de-primed over 200 rounds this morning without a problem. I have sorted cases carefully and trashed any with a head stamp I do not know. Now using Hornady One Shot case lube, set the decapping pin much shallower, and use a slower stroke on press. I sometimes have to cycle the press 2 times to get the old primer out, but no damage to pins. Again, Thanks much for your help. 3-Liter

Tyupical for crimped primers. The WCC (Western Cartridge Co, *Olin* East Alton, Illinois)headstamp is nearly all military brass, so crimp would be likely.

However, there is no need to throw away those good cases. Deprime them, and use your WILSON (RCBS) case-mouth chamfering and deburring tool to remove any crimp in the primer pocket - it does not take much work, two or three light turns at most, and you have a VERY GOOD, highly usable case there.

As for the RA headstamp, is it RA on top and 07 on bottom? That probably is Remington Arms, 2007 mfg date. Just as good as Winchester/Western/Olin. Same deal on deprime and ream.


Here is one source for headstamp identification, and well researched, including a lot of truly OLD ones. Headstamp Codes on Small Arms Ammunition


Another source is The Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners , and it takes a bit of searching to find what you want here

Flash