Thread: Getting rid of crimped primer pockets?

Originally Posted by planenutz

I had a bunch of ADI brass and like Micky Duck just used the case deburring tool once I'd removed the old primers. Occasionally you might find a case that offers up a be of extra tension when placing the new primers however I've never had an issue putting them in and I've never had one fall out.

With ADI brass I do find it doesn't last as long as other brass. I've decided to retire mine after 4 reloads. I've experienced split cases after 5 or 6 reloads and I'm not keen on that at all... these photos show the stages towards separation:

Attachment 148214

My loads are not hot either - around 2940 fps.

Greetings Planenutz,
It's not pressure that is cracking the cases, it's excess headspace. Assuming you are starting with new brass, or cases fired once in your rifle, the cases are being full length sized too much creating the problem. Try backing the full length die away from the shell holder and then size them a little more each time until they just chamber. Lock your die at that setting and that should fix the problem. I know the die makers tell us to screw the die down hard on the shell holder, as I used to, but this can cause problems if the chamber is on the maximum side. I think I can see the beginning of a stretch mark on case 2 and definitely on case 3.
Regards Grandpamac.