Tempus Tom
Member
I recently fired some of my 223 reloads in a brand a new Ruger AR-15. While they all shot well and properly fed/cycled the rifle, it looks like I have a problem.
I've never had a case head separate and am not sure if that's what almost happened here. When I read about the warning signs of case head separation, the photos used show a ring in the brass near the case head. And the ring on my brass is almost in the middle. Not sure if that's unusual or not.
I used a paper clip to "feel" inside the brass case and I could not feel any deviation. Nor can I feel anything when sliding my finger nail up and down the outside of the brass.
Your input is appreciated as I'm new to reloading and want to be both successful and safe.
Thank you.
Brass: Once fired Federal 223 that was fully resized (maybe I pushed the shoulder back too far?)
Powder: 25.2 grains of IMR 4166 (Max is listed at 26.2)
Primer: CCI #41 SRP
Bullet: Hornady 55 grain SP BT
COAL: 2.200 (+/- a couple thousandths)
Rifle: Brand new Ruger MPR 5.56 18" barrel
I've never had a case head separate and am not sure if that's what almost happened here. When I read about the warning signs of case head separation, the photos used show a ring in the brass near the case head. And the ring on my brass is almost in the middle. Not sure if that's unusual or not.
I used a paper clip to "feel" inside the brass case and I could not feel any deviation. Nor can I feel anything when sliding my finger nail up and down the outside of the brass.
Your input is appreciated as I'm new to reloading and want to be both successful and safe.
Thank you.
Brass: Once fired Federal 223 that was fully resized (maybe I pushed the shoulder back too far?)
Powder: 25.2 grains of IMR 4166 (Max is listed at 26.2)
Primer: CCI #41 SRP
Bullet: Hornady 55 grain SP BT
COAL: 2.200 (+/- a couple thousandths)
Rifle: Brand new Ruger MPR 5.56 18" barrel