7.62x39 S&B case separation

C

Cranberry

Regular
Rating - 100%
5   0   0
Location
GTA
I was firing my SKS a couple of days ago and suffered two complete case separations. The cases looked near identical with the bottom 1/2” ejected and the rest of the case stuck in the chamber. The line of separation was a jagged line around the case, no lengthwise splitting. This is Sellier & Bellot brass-cased btw.

I’ve never had a problem previously although I’ve mostly shot steel-cased surplus. Is this likely an ammunition issue or do I have a headspace issue? As mentioned, I haven’t had a problem before.

SKS is a VGC 1954 Tula, if that’s significant at all.
 
Could be a headspace issue. If you can find someone with gauges, it would be worth checking.
As an experiment, pull a bullet, dump the powder, and fire the primer. See how far the fired primer protrudes above the case head. Primer shouldn't be crimped, that could hold it in place.
 
Check for a dirty/ corroded chamber too. Might be holding the case in after being fireformed, especially Brass cases, as they will form to the rough/ dirty chamber more than steel cased! The only reason I say this is I have read of this happening here on CGN before!
 
Just to close this off: it *was*a dirty chamber. There was a bunch of crud in there and, after a thorough cleaning, the problem has gone away. Also there was no powder residue on the ripped edge of the case, it looked totally clean.

I fin it amazing that the gas system has enough power to rip a brass case in half!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom