Split cases

[jubela#4]

I've had two cases split like this recently. They are 45 Colt, Winchester brass.
This brass seems to be thin and the primer pockets seem to be tight as well. The cases have been reloaded for the fourth time and the load is 7.5 grains of Unique and a 250 grain RNFP cast bullet, shot out of a 25-9. The primer set back some too.

I reload on a Dillon SDB and have done so for many years and this is the first time I have had split cases back to back.

This is the first Winchester brass I have ever used so I was wondering if anyone here has had the same or similar results?

 

[mmncw]

Have had splits like that on new factory ammo as well. Have had it on reloads in Hornady and Starline brass as well. Have had them on rifle reloads (not of these reloads were max) as well. I think it is related to how far undersize the brass is relative to the chamber, with maybe a contribution from the brass composition/hardness. I know that since I've stopped using a small base die on my rifle reloads, I haven't had another split (from the same batch of brass), although this might also be due to having already split any defective brass.

 

[Dragon88]

That's a pretty good split for a 45 Colt case. I don't like seeing splits like these, but they do happen, even on 38 cases. Winchester brass is usually pretty decent, but most of my 45 Colt cases are Starline. You might look at buying a batch to put into your rotation if you continue to get splits in your lot of Winchester cases. I have occasionally had a problem lot of brass from various manufacturers, and if I get three or more splits I usually just throw the brass in the trash and start fresh.

 

[jubela#4]

Dragon,

I was thinking the same thing, that it just might be the lot of brass these cases came from. Since I had never used Winchester brass until this lot I was just wondering what type of performance others have had with Winchester cases.
I have used a batch of Remington brass for 44 Mag that I have never had a split in and they have been loaded way more than four times.

 

[growr]

I don't see a lot of split cases that are brass, more so with nickled casings in the SASS game and most of those a .45 Colt's. I just keep using them and sorting out the splits as I go (or at the unloading table) and then when I have a whole bunch of berdan primed brass casings and splits, I take them to the local salvage and get a few dollars and then go buy some more bullets as I have an abundance of casings!
Randy

 

[Titegroups]

Could be the gun has large chambers and the brass is getting worked.

 

[Culina]

it happens, and usually with no ill effect. Blown primers and ruptured case heads will cause damage.

 

[Rule3]

Something is "funky".
I do not think any brand brass in 45 Colt should split that bad after 4 loadings with your stated load.

Did you buy it new? Maybe a bad lot? Do you have any other brand to try?

 

[Chuck Jones]

Over the years I've had low pressure rounds like that in .38 special, 45ACP, or .45 Colt, and as long as the powder hasn't leaked out, just gone right ahead and shot them.

/c

 

[jubela#4]

I'm thinking, after what others have said, that it just may be the lot of brass.
I bought them new and the load isn't a hot one so it may just be the lot they were made in.

 

[W.E.G.]

Seen it before.

That's bad brass.

Don't start blaming the gun.

 

[growr]

With a little silver solder you could probably fix them.....(not really just being a smart Xss)
Randy

 

[Rule3]

I'm thinking, after what others have said, that it just may be the lot of brass.
I bought them new and the load isn't a hot one so it may just be the lot they were made in.

I seem to remember (hard to do) another thread about bad Winchester brass. If you bought it new I would contact Olin Winchester. They are pretty receptive about quality control (at least they used to be) They may pick it up and inspect it and replace it.

Olin

[email protected] <[email protected]>

 

[Rigmover]

Hi sometimes when you over expend the case mouths will also cause the brass to split...