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Thread: My first time experience with Incipient Separation

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  1. #11
    Contributing Member Ovidio's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by us019255 View Post
    Quite a few years ago I noticed stretch marks on Enfield 303 cases I was reloading. I did some research and found that unlike rimless cases, the 303 headspaces on the rim. The Britishicon ream their chambers a bit deeper than they have to be . This causes the case to stretch a bit on firing. This has the advantage of allowing operation with dirt (think WWI), but if one full length sizes this pushes the case length back. Repeated a few times a one can get separation. The recommended solution was to separate cases by rifle, then neck size. I have done this and get great case life. To help even more you can put a thin "O" ring on the case just above the rim for the first firing. This makes sure the head is in firm contact with the bolt and eliminates the initial stretch.
    Thanks for the advise!
    I do the same thing with neck sizing and segregation, but the results are still the same.
    I'll try now to keep track with my P14 about how many cycles a case can last. I have a full box of Sellier & Bellot and will keep notes.
    I really like the rifles and the round. It is a pity that they have that problem (which is nothing big, just a bit expensive compared to all other rounds and rifles I shoot).
    34a cp., btg. Susa, 3° rgt. Alpini

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    Contributing Member ssgross's Avatar
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    reading up on this, and learning new things all the time.
    https://www.milsurps.com/content.php...101-for-.303-s
    the trick indicated limits stretching to only one direction - forward, by eliminating any rearward motion.

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    Legacy Member Roy W's Avatar
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    In the UKicon, S&B Brass in .303 is renowned for case head separations after a couple of loadings. So much so, that all the classic shooters I know, including myself, bin S&B 303 brass after first firing. If we use it at all.

    PPU 303 brass seems to have longevity, I have some that have had four to five reloads with no signs of splits or weakness so far.

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    Contributing Member Ovidio's Avatar
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    I had the same problem with Hornady. That’s what puzzles me. Exactly the same!

    ---------- Post added at 10:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:42 PM ----------

    And never with 7,62x54R. Neither S&B nor Hornady!
    34a cp., btg. Susa, 3° rgt. Alpini

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    Legacy Member bob q's Avatar
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    The problem with the Enfields is the bolt locking on one side in the middle , they are bridge lockers . Full power loads compress the bolt body about .0012 , then is springs back . That is what overworks the case head and causes separations . There is nothing you can do the stop that . Light loads will help . The oversized chambers will make it worse and headspacing on the shoulder will help that part of the problem . You should not have any of those problems with the P-14 and just keep the cases for that rifle and size them to headspace on the shoulder .

  8. Thank You to bob q For This Useful Post:


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