Anyone experience "dented" carbine brass similar to this?

[USGI]

I've got one carbine, probably the best shooting one of the bunch, that leaves some dents in the ejected cases. I was cleaning up the cases for reloading yesterday and noticed what might be some kind of a pattern to it. I haven't shot this one since February, and can't remember too much about where the cases landed, but seems like they were pretty much in one place and easy to find, but may have been almost directly behind me.

I have some notes from when I did the data sheet that shows it has a E279B slide and a flat AI bolt with a Type 3 extractor and a Type 3 ejector. The extractor plunger spring measured about 3/8" and the ejector spring about 1-1/16" - operating slide spring measured 10-1/8." Does anyone have any suggestions to what is causing the dents? The cases must be hitting on something on the way out, but what should I try? I was thinking about changing both springs in the bolt to see what that does for it. Thanks! - Bob

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[browningautorifle]

It's just from the brass coming around and hitting the Operating Slide Handle. No big thing unless it offends you cosmeticly...Most of my semi's do that.(M1, M4gery,Carbines and let's not forget my Johnson Automatic) You should have seen what my BARs did!

[USGI]

I don't think any of my other carbines do it, but I did have one where the cases hit me in the forehead until I changed out some parts. I have one 45 that dents them really bad compared to this carbine. If there's nothing wrong with the gun, then I guess I don't need to worry about it. Thanks. - Bob

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

How's the extractor, and nicks or a chip in it? Is the plunger maybe turned? If you have a spare extractor you could try replacing it and see if they still hit. You could try cleaning or replacing the spring and plunger. But I don't think they worried about dented cases during the wars. It's guaranteed nobody reloaded then.

[USGI]

I think the extractor did have the ledge "buggered" up a little bit - I'll check. I believe I've got some pictures of all the parts - that might be a good place to look first, and easier than opening up the safe! - Bob

Just found some pictures - maybe that extractor is a little rough? I don't know why that guide for the recoil spring is in there with the bolt parts.

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[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

It looks ok to me.

[painter777]

Extractor plunger looks to have a bit of a overhanging burred edge on the cones tip, rounded over to the flat cut away. Could be just enough to cause a slight problem, by holding the Extractor down some.
Then again maybe not the problem, but a light touch with a file to get rid of it would be easy enough to do while it's loose.
Also in the picture of the bolt still together, it looks like you may have had a metal shaving, or something under the Ejector, Can you see it in your picture?
In the loose parts pics. the Face of the Plunger looks ok and agreed with JimF that the Extractor looks ok.
Try tweeking the end of the plunger and cleaning all parts. Also make sure chamber is clean of debris.
I think all should be fine afterward.

Good Luck,
Charlie-painter777

P.S. I know hard to see, but make sure the plunger flat edge is sitting squarely flat on the extractor. I use the camera on MACRO to be sure. Pic below:

[tenOC]

I have a commercial that does that to brass. It has all USGI parts, except the rec/barrel.

[imarangemaster]

I put a type I ejector in mine and it tends to flip them out between 2 and 3 o'clock. No dents in mine. The type III that was on it threw them to the rear.

[USGI]

Guys, Thanks for all the useful suggestions. I've got a couple of new extractor plungers, but will probably touch the old one up a bit with a file. I don't actually have the bolt apart right now. These were some old pictures I had, and the picture with the bolt together and in the gun was taken just after I had reassembled it. The shiny spot (glare) near the cone of the ejector and by the tip of the firing pin was because I "over did it" a bit with the oil. I've also got a spare Type 1 ejector that I could try. Unrelated question, but what about the "grind marks" on the flat of the AI bolt? Is that the way some of them were supplied to Inland, or has someone worked on it? I never noticed it much until I enlarged the picture. Nice even grinding though, if it's hand work - maybe done by a woman? - Bob