Help Identifying Potential Case Head Separation

[Desert Dan]

Hello
I'm new to reloading and was gradually stepping up the charges on my 6.5 PRC. I have about 80 pieces of twice-fired Hornady factory brass that I recently cleaned and as I was inspecting them I started to notice a very faint line around the head case. It is not an obvious one like what you see when there is clearly the beginnings of separation but if you look closely it is there. Is it normal to have a faint line or is any line an indicator of too much pressure? No other pressure signs. No flattened primers, cracks or cratering. Also looks pretty much the same as the once-fired factory brass that I have. I think it's probably just me being overly cautious but I'd rather do that than blow up my rifle. Thanks.

 

[LaHunter]

To me, that does not look like the beginning of head separation. That color difference will sometimes show up from your die during the resizing process. Maybe other will offer their opinions and experiences.

 

[HellsCanyon]

That line is right about where the brass starts to thin out after the thicker case web area. The bottom .135" of a case is not actually supported by chamber wall. Combine that fact with the fact that MOST rifle chambers are a bit oversized due to less than PERFECT chambering methods (either barrel runout or improper reamer setup, many factors going on here, brass could even be slightly undersized!). This doesn't necessarily mean it'll shoot poorly, but often times you will see a line like that happen as the brass expands and forms to the chamber wall. As long as you're not bumping the shoulders back too far you should have long brass life, I wouldn't worry about it.

Mike @ HCA

 

[wildwilderness]

Looks normal to me. Here is an example of case head separation I got on some 35 whelen brass that got loaded too hot can also see the shiny extractor mark and flattened primer.


(bullet manufacturer said the max amount was way higher than other sources- that’s how you learn as a beginner to check multiple sources)

 

[ResearchinStuff]

as others have said, your cases look pretty normal to me. If you're still concerned, you can always use a hacksaw or a dremel to cut the case lengthwise to see if there is any thinning in that area, it could help give you some peace of mind about what you're seeing.

 

[Piscatory_4]

I think you will always get that mark on new cases after firing, the car will need to stretch to fit the chamber as stated before and that is where you see it start. The more you size it back the more you stretch them and it will get thinner in that one area.

 

[Desert Dan]

Got it. Okay thanks guys. I was pretty sure it was nothing to worry about since I wasn't seeing any other signs of pressure but I wasn't going to take a chance. Thanks for lending your experience and knowledge.

 

[Mr.Crumbz]

Got it. Okay thanks guys. I was pretty sure it was nothing to worry about since I wasn't seeing any other signs of pressure but I wasn't going to take a chance. Thanks for lending your experience and knowledge.

Always good to ask questions Desert Dan! Like mentioned earlier I believe it to be where the sizing die stopped sizing the brass.

I don’t think anyone mentioned it but a paper clip with a small 90 degree bend can be used as a feeler inside the case; you’ll feel a slight dip or catch in the brass bear the base (where you’ll see the shiny ring or donut of doom as I’ve heard it called) which indicates impending case head separation.

The number of times you have to trim your brass during its life cycle can be indicative of pending case head separation as it was mentioned the brass flows forward from the web and lengthens the brass to a degree after every firing thinning out the web.

 

[Desert Dan]

Thanks for all the input fellas. I really appreciate it.

 

[BRTreedogs]

I think the dies make that during sizing as well.
Put it in the sizer and see if that's how far down it goes.
I have it on the brass in one of my 300 win mags that I loaded real hot. And it never seemed to be a problem.