Arkansas Paul
Member
Great presentation. Although I've been loading for about 3-4 years, I didn't really know what caused thinning of the brass near the base. I always just assumed that it was the brass wearing out. I had no idea that oversizing could result in that. I think I'll invest in a few Wilson gauges for the rifles I shoot to make sure everything is on the up and up. I've always just adjusted the dies according to the die maker's instructions and loaded.
I have had this problem with a rifle with excessive headspace. I had a NEF Handi Rifle in .280 and actually liked the gun. However, I couldn't get a handload to shoot to save my life. Factory ammo did fine, but even neck sizing, I couldn't get it to shoot a handload. it's gone now, but one time I fired it and opened the breech and it spit out about a half inch piece of the the case, leaving the remainder in the gun. I had to dig it out with a mini screwdriver. That was only the second time that brass had been loaded.
I have had this problem with a rifle with excessive headspace. I had a NEF Handi Rifle in .280 and actually liked the gun. However, I couldn't get a handload to shoot to save my life. Factory ammo did fine, but even neck sizing, I couldn't get it to shoot a handload. it's gone now, but one time I fired it and opened the breech and it spit out about a half inch piece of the the case, leaving the remainder in the gun. I had to dig it out with a mini screwdriver. That was only the second time that brass had been loaded.