7.62x54r cases splitting

skookumchuck

skookumchuck

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Hi guys, I was out shooting the Mosin today and noticed two of the cases split just below the neck.

Is this a cause for concern or to be expected with 40 year old ammo?
 
skookumchuck said:
Just had a look. I didn't keep any of the undamaged empties but these three don't look any different than unfired rounds except for the firing pin dimple.
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If the primers don't protrude then head space would not seem to be an problem. Is it only this particular type of ammo you have had problems with, or is this the only type of ammo you have tried ? It almost looks like a corroded chamber problem to me. In order for the case to be able to expand to the point where it can split, it would seem to indicate an excessively oversize chamber. Unless the primers show excessive headspace.
 
Last edited:
boots- said:
lots of the surplus dose it. not a issue

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?879209-Surplus-ammo-issues-762x54
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I would agree that it's not necessarily unsafe to shoot. But basic reasoning tells me that any case can only expand to the limits of the chamber. If it is able to expand to the point where the case splits, either the case is able to move too far back, ( excessive headspace ) the chamber is oversized, or the case dimensions are out of specification. I can't see how it can be anything else.

Have I missed anything ?
 
I have had surplus ammo split in the same spot in both my svt40 and m39 Finnish mossin nagant with no problems I think its because its steel cased and brass.
 
Mark Williams said:
If the primers don't protrude then head space would not seem to be an problem. Is it only this particular type of ammo you have had problems with, or is this the only type of ammo you have tried ? It almost looks like a corroded chamber problem to me. In order for the case to be able to expand to the point where it can split, it would seem to indicate an excessively oversize chamber. Unless the primers show excessive headspace.
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Thanks for your help Mark, and everyone else. The ammo is 1971 surplus and is the only surplus I've put through the rifle. I've also been shooting non-corrosive MFS but haven't been checking the spent cartridges. I think I'll go out and fire a couple of boxes just to check.
 
sorry I should proof read before I send off the reply I ment steel case and not brass case I think brass would have a little more give as long as the neck is properly annealed.
 
mbogo3 said:
On the US forums some people had this with the Hungarian ammo........ brittle cases.
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Can happen just with age as well.;) Gotta wonder how well steel case technology was understood at the time and even if anybody cared. Quotas to meet in the commie system, you know. :)

Grizz
 
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