How many loads do you guys get out of HXP brass? I'm asking because I've noticed a bulge at the base of my brass (even after the first firing) and I'm not sure when to just scrap the lot. I'm loading 168 gr HPBT Sierra MatchKings with 47.0 gr of IMR 4895. I've done some reading and some people say between 3-5 loadings, some more. I'm sure the bulge is probably common but I can get some pictures up when I get home tonight.
M1 Garand and HXP Brass
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Tim the student
Member
Can you post a pic of the bulge you are talking about? That would concern me personally - I've not noticed a bulge when I shoot HXP factory or reloaded HXP.
MutinousDoug
Member
HXP brass seems to be a little soft. Not unsafe, but prone to damage and bears watching. The rims especially seem to be prone to damage. I personally wouldn't buy once fired to reload but have reloaded some hundreds of cases of my own without incident.
Of course: YMMV
Doug
Of course: YMMV
Doug
medalguy
Member
I have reloaded a little of the HXP once and haven't noticed any problems yet. It's definitely not the quality of LC brass but so far, so good.
FROGO207
Member
I have some that I have reloaded 6 times now and no problems or bulging noted. It does seem easier to size so that may indicate a softer alloy or something.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I have 4 reloads on some of my HXP brass and no signs of a problem yet. If you continue to load light loads like you are you will get a lot of reloads out of that brass. (maybe a dozen or so)
BsChoy
Member
Like ArchAngel I have used HXP brass over a few times. I find it very consistant and strong as any other brass I've used.
Tom609
Member
So far I've reloaded some HXP cases fired in my Garand four times for use in my 03a3. I use light loads - 39g of H4895 with a 150 fmj. No signs of problems and they look like they have plenty of life left. But then again, I'm not beating them up putting them thru the Garand again.
Pictures
Ok sorry for the delay, been busy and couldn't find my camera. So I tried the curved wire trick (used a dental pick) and couldn't feel anything, but then again I've never felt a case with thinning before, so I cut one in half. Here is a picture of the cross section and a picture of the bulge on the outside (most of the marring is from the sawing in half). It looks like the bulge is just where it expanded to fill the chamber, and there does not appear to be any significant thinning or necking. Maybe I just need to eventually consider getting a new barrel in my garand with a tighter chamber.
Also just for reference the grid squares in the picture are 0.2" each.
Ok sorry for the delay, been busy and couldn't find my camera. So I tried the curved wire trick (used a dental pick) and couldn't feel anything, but then again I've never felt a case with thinning before, so I cut one in half. Here is a picture of the cross section and a picture of the bulge on the outside (most of the marring is from the sawing in half). It looks like the bulge is just where it expanded to fill the chamber, and there does not appear to be any significant thinning or necking. Maybe I just need to eventually consider getting a new barrel in my garand with a tighter chamber.
Also just for reference the grid squares in the picture are 0.2" each.
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R.W.Dale
Member
the bulge on the second pic is VERY pronounced
I personally would discard this batch of brass were I you.
I have 3 or 4 loads on my still pristine lookin HXP brass. But I only neck size and fire in commercial bolt actions .
I personally would discard this batch of brass were I you.
I have 3 or 4 loads on my still pristine lookin HXP brass. But I only neck size and fire in commercial bolt actions .
Maj Dad
Member
Get out your micrometer/caliper & start measuring several of your unfired & fired brass - start at the bottom & work up in very small increments to above the bulge, writing down the measurements as you go. Do this also with other ammo/brass, fired & unfired, and you can start comparisons. If the bulge is present at first firing, I would be suspicious of chamber & headspace, but more chamber... a cerrosafe cast or the like could help you make sure it is not bulged/out of spec.
What are the details (bbl/bolt maker/date, etc) on your rifle? Where/from whom did you get it? All this can help with your detective work and maybe eliminate one or the other...
What are the details (bbl/bolt maker/date, etc) on your rifle? Where/from whom did you get it? All this can help with your detective work and maybe eliminate one or the other...
Maj Dad
Member
Call CMP & chat them up. If it's a problem with one of their rifles, they will make it good. I returned one for doubling years back after talking to one of the smiths. Turned out it was me, limp-fingering on the bench, and Tetra Grease on the hammer hooks. Bad combo. They cleaned it & replaced the springs, just in case.
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