Brass Cases


The reason for this page is mainly due to some folks having chambering issues. Some issues were covered in the bullets section due to bullet diameters. Bullet diameters combined with the case thicknesses is where the over-all measurement matters. If you have a rifle or revolver with tight cut chambers, larger diameter bullets will prevent the cartridge from chambering, regardless of which manufactured brass is used. With normal size .427" bullets, most cartridges will chamber regardless of brass manufacture used. However, as you begin to use larger diameter bullets, case neck thickness is the focus. Winchester has the thinnest necks, followed by Starline then Remington.

So in other words, there are several areas that can cause chamber issues. Most issues are noted in the case neck area. Some issues are from not fully resizing (case body) and then trying to use that cartridge in another firearm with a smaller body chamber.

Chambering Issues

Aside from previously mentioned "tight" chambers of vintage firearms, even modern firearm chamber dimensions can vary from one to another or even from one revolver chamber to the next.

Crimp Bulge

Before crimping, test the cartridge in the chambers that you will be using. Note if it fits, if it fits...crimp the case then try again. If it doesn't fit this time, you know what the problem is. The problem will be a bulge created just below the crimp.

The best fix for this problem is to use the Redding Profile crimp rather than attempt to run it back through the resizing die.

Neck Bulge

I don't have a photo yet but a bulge at the neck is typically caused by the bullet not seating even in the center, or seats at an angle, bulging out of one side of the case neck, inadvertently increasing the neck diameter. 

44 Magnum brass is stronger
HOGWASH!