Neck tension on new/fired brass

skyfish

I had some issues on my 204 Ruger, A Howa Varminter, with my reloads that were from my previously fired reloads with new brass.

With the new brass, I never had any issues. I load the 204 with 40gr V-max's and XBR8208 or IMR 3031. Always seem to shoot about .6" groups at 100.

Well, on the once or twice fired brass I was getting some pressure signs. More so with the IMR3031, but I was near max with the new reloads. Some were even getting suck in the chamber. I thought it may be an extractor issue but not sure.

I took a few of the reloads apart to check charges and stuff. Well on the new brass(All Winchester) it is easy to pull the bullets. On the fired brass, some were rather hard. All were sized before loading with the same die. A Hornady FL.

I do plan on posting a pic of the bolt face and extractor. And also so of the brass.

I have shot some factory Hornady and had no issues, but only shot a few, mine are loaded longer. But still a long way from the rifling, this Howa has a loong throat. Has a different POI. But shoot very well for being more than .150 jump. Actually, just better than my reloads.

Anyhow, anyone else seen a possible pressure difference with fired brass?

62fuelie

Check the overall length and the case wall thickness. If the brass has flowed under pressure then the wall at the mouth may have thickened. This would reduce the amount of spring room the brass has, maybe to nothing. The long throat of your rifle may be allowing more flow. I don't shoot the .204 so I can't comment on your loads.

zimmden

Measure a loaded round at the neck where bullet is seated with a caliper or micrometer. If it is larger by .001 to .003 on the hard to pull bullets, then neck brass is getting thicker resulting in too much tension, not enough clearance and increased chamber pressure. You can measure brass neck thickness with a caliper (close but not perfect) or a ball micrometer (best). Brass must be neck turned if this is the case. FL sizing will not solve the problem if neck brass is too thick. Hard extraction is a sign of excessive pressure expanding the case too much at the shoulder or forcing brass into the neck area.

Ambrose

It's also possible that the overall length of the case is too long and needs to be trimmed. This will produce the same effect as too thick neck walls as it can force a crimp into the bullet from the neck being forced into the end of the chamber. Easily checked (or ruled out) by measuring with calipers.

243winxb

quote:Well, on the once or twice fired brass I was getting some pressure signs. More so with the IMR3031, but I was near max with the new reloads. Some were even getting suck in the chamber. I thought it may be an extractor issue but not sure.
Reduce the powder charge with IMR3031.