Brass checking, what do I look for?

[Hunter333]

I was wondering what I should be looking for when I am inspecting my brass. I havent shotten enough to know what is and what isnt good brass. I think that I know the obvious, like cracks...... But what are the small things that can render my brass useless? if you know of pics that I can look at I would really appreciate it.

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ONE shot, ONE kill..No excuses, no exceptions EVER!!

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Hunter 333;
Check out Speer's Reloading Manual #12, pages 72-73. They have some good photographs as to what to look for with weakened cases as well as a good text that describes what to look for. Some of these include the obvious (like you said): split mouths; cracks, splits, or holes anywhere in the case; pitted or corroded cases (common from being carried in a leather loop carrier); excessive case bulges, especially in the head area. Good luck!

[Alaskn]

A lot of your common case failures will be due to excessive preasure while on the firing line. One sign that your brass is old or failing is in the primer pocket. If your primer isn't seating tightly or if the primer is falling out/easily removed, you have expended the life of the case. You can also see signs of case failure while firing. Check for gun powder residue around the primer area. This isn't always caused by overpressure. I've had some cases that appeared normal but actually collapsed while I tried to size them. Hope this helps.

[Ricciardelli]

http://www.again.net/~steve/page8.htm and go to table #3