303 case separation

cchaddock

cchaddock

CGN Regular
Rating - 99.1%
105   1   0
Location
sw ontario
I had a case separate the other day on me when I was shooting my #1 Enfield, just wondering if there is a preferred method for extracing the case from the chamber after it separates?

BTW, headspace is fine, it's been checked.
 
I invented a very simple broken case extractor.

Take a thin metal rod, which you can buy from most hardware stores, file a small hook at one end, file and taper towards the hook, and you will have a broken case extractor.

When you insert this broken case extractor into the chamber, you can actually "feel" when the hook goes over the broken case, and a gentle pull back, will extract the broken case.
 
You load .303 & don't have a broken case extractor? .303 brass is generally only good for a max of 3-5 reloads if you full length resize. Brownells sell broken case extractors.
 
Hook case extractor

great idea I'm going to try that today, bore brush didn't work for me a little tight I guess, i will get back to you on the hook and let you know how it worked.
 
It works, Brownell and others have copied the principle of my original idea. The same hook extractor will work on most calibers :)
 
It is best just to neck size 303 british brass, they last longer that way. Also, check out every case before reloading with a "feeler" gauge made from a metal paper clip.

Staighten out a paper clip, then make a small hook at one end, and best to sharpen this hook with a file. Then check out every empty shell before reloading, by simply using this "feeler gauge", by inserting it into the shell, and you can with "feel" a bulge or a imminent case separation of any shell by moving this paper clip hook around the bottom of the case, just above the rim.

This simple test of cases will save you lots of grief at the shooting range :)
 
I have had case seperations without realising until I tried to chamber another round. Extracted the second round and the seperated case came with it.
Broken case extractor works best though.
 
green said:
I have had case seperations without realising until I tried to chamber another round. Extracted the second round and the seperated case came with it.
Broken case extractor works best though.
Click to expand...

X2. I just chamber the next round and pull the broken case and live round out together. I'm sure some will poo poo that idea but oh well. The bolt is a #### on close so it's not like the firing pin is going to punch the primer or anything.
 
I like the idea of using another round to remove the broken one. Take a sized, empty case with you next time you go out. That's what I will try. If you want to use a hook thing, I would use a brass rod to avoid scratching the chamber.
 
hook method

Worked perfect, I think I'm going to fabricate one with a little slide hammer so I don't have to tap on the top of the hook with a piece of brass down the barrel.

Thanks for the tips, will be checking with the sharp paper clip before loading.
 
I just experienced my first split neck (not full separation) as a reloader; with a 303 British IVI case. Once fired in original milsurp ball config and then reloaded with 150gr Speer and BANG, split neck and shoulder. I was quite surprised and a little dissapointed. Time to get a broken case extractor I think...
 
Recce21 said:
X2. I just chamber the next round and pull the broken case and live round out together. I'm sure some will poo poo that idea but oh well. The bolt is a #### on close so it's not like the firing pin is going to punch the primer or anything.
Click to expand...

I do the same thing. In the countless hundreds of rounds I've shot from my .303's, I've had one case bottom seperate on me. I just gently chambered the next round and pulled out the rest of the case with a good whack to the bolt handle.

After that I made up a dummy round just for this purpose. I don't want to ruin a perfectly good live round.
 
Garand said:
You load .303 & don't have a broken case extractor? .303 brass is generally only good for a max of 3-5 reloads if you full length resize. Brownells sell broken case extractors.
Click to expand...

If you’re getting case separation you should check your head space!!!!!

And if your only getting 3-5 reloads somethings wrong! Try Annealing your brass???
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom