Posted: 08 May 2010 at 11:25 | IP Logged

This is primarily directed to rimmed cases.  When I have reloaded rimmed cases, I often want to have the headspace on the rim as intended.  this is especially true in lever, and break action rifles.

I load 30-40 and 8mm R this way.  My  only exception is the 30 Herrett which I balance to exactly seat/headspace on the shoulder and the rim.

I've had case separation problems in a rimmed case that isn't loaded to max.

Using Rcbs dies, I've adjusted them to headspace on the rim.  I now suspect the problem is that the case is expanding  and the base is being held; so the thing separates.

Presently thinking of pulling all loaded ammo and then form firing with very light loads then re adjust to get shoulder contact??

any comments?

Posted: 09 May 2010 at 23:59 | IP Logged

Bear, If these are fired in a Contender, which I assume they are you might want to read this: http://www.bellmtcs.com/store/index.php?cid=172 Perhaps you already have. And this guy is selling something but it does all make sense to me.

If I were you I'd pull the bullets, lower the powder charge appropriately and load the bullets into the lands to the point where you can just barely close the rifle. Then fireform and compare the length of the formed case shoulder to rim to what you are shooting now. I actually have recorded the width of my shellholder to die face as measured with a feeler guages to keep from separations in my 6 TCU. Admittedly not rimmed but suffering the same separation problems. RD

Posted: 10 May 2010 at 13:33 | IP Logged

I actually load the way this guy says; but much easier and with out his tool.  I Just do like
Rocky says, resize an empty fired case until the T/C just closes;  then set my die for that.  I actually made a special resize die to do that.  If you shoot Contenders it is best to headspace on the shoulder, not the rim.  Which is what I do.  To avoid thick rims on some shells, you can have the rin in the chamber "deepened".   i did this.

But, sorry guys, for the way I wrote my first post.  Case head spearation problem is on a 8x57 R.  It is a 8 mauser that is rimmed.  I shoot them in my double rifle.  And because I wanted to have the easy load, I headspaced on the rim, not the shoulder (the way it is suppose to be done on rimmed cases).  They are tough case to obtain in the USA. 

so Maybe they can only take 4-5 reloads???

Posted: 13 May 2010 at 06:56 | IP Logged

Thanks for the reply Alan.

I use the false shoulder when forming cases.  I usually seat on the shoulder in my reloads.  This rifle is a little different as it is a double barrel rifle, so I have two slightly different chambers using the same reloads. 

Maybe the false shoulder is a way to go, but I hate to think of all the case working if I have to do that to every round fired.

As soon as the gun gets back, I plan to fire one round in each chamber and then measure the shoulders.  I now think I had a reload that was set for the shorted one chamber in the longer chamber.

I really do NOT want to have to segregate the two barrel/reloads.  I'll just buy more brass, and pitch after 3 reloadings.  but I'd like to solve the problem?