Bad batch of 204 ruger winchester brass?

arcstarter

arcstarter

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
37   0   0
Location
Lethbridge, AB
1 in 3 pieces of brass out of the 200rds i bought have what look like slipped punches on the primer hole. Would these be safe to use? or should I get new ones from Winchester?

Here's some pics to show what I'm talking about

IMG_0716_zpsa1c3c4ef.jpg

IMG_0715_zps73e116d3.jpg

IMG_0717-1_zps47d8803c.jpg
 
Strictly by looking at the pictures, I wouldn't worry too much about it as long as there is no cracking or evidence of separation anywhere in the pocket. Uniform the pocket, debur the inside of the flash hole and shoot. Re-inspect thoroughly each time you punch the spent primers to make sure there has been no change. Due to the altered state of the flash holes, they're potentially not likely to produce as much uniformity as a perfectly punched hole but if you're not competing, I'd say you'll be fine.

Punches break, punches bend - it's just a fact of life. And when you're producing millions of anything in a demanding market, I should imagine QC has some shortcomings. I like Winchester brass. Always have. And yes, I do find some mucked up peices once in a while but I just cull them and carry on. If there's enough in a bag or lot that don't meet your criteria, take the whole thing back to the place of purchase and exchange them for a different lot. These places do warranty returns all the time. No big whoop.

Rooster
 
I would let Win know about the problem and return the brass to the store for refund or exchange. An enlarged flash hole can have serious repercussions.
 
arcstarter said:
I sorted the brass between what I thought was acceptable and not. it looks to be about 50/50
Click to expand...

I wouldn't ordinarily worry about a few pieces of "not quite uniform" brass (the flash hole size issue aside), but that's much too high of a discard rate to be acceptable. I'd be looking for a new bag. They should be more than happy to keep you happy.
 
Like others have said, you can exchange (or try to) the bag for something more to your liking. Personally, I don't see an issue here.
From what I can see, the hole is still uniform, it's just the edge that has been damaged. There appears to be more than enough room for the primers to seat properly. Mark the cases, deburr, load, shoot and inspect. If the flash hole grows in size/shape or you have inconsistent ignition, toss 'em. If not, reload them. Repeat 'till bored.

(E) :cool:
 
It looks like new Winchester brass has gone all to hell.
There have been so many horror stories on these threads about it, plus recently I saw new Winchester brass a friend had that was also virtually unshootable.
About a month ago someone on these threads was complaining about Winchester brass. I said Winchester was good brass, one of my long time favourites.
Sorry guys, I hadn't learned yet about the new junk marked Winchester.
 
If you look in some of the flash holes from inside the case they are oblong, I will try and shoot them though see how they fair. I would return them but its a 3hr drive to WSS and they are only $34/100 so its just dissapointing rather then being out money.
 
dead meat said:
I would let Win know about the problem and return the brass to the store for refund or exchange. An enlarged flash hole can have serious repercussions.
Click to expand...

I emailed Winchester with the information regarding the 9/150 bad 6.5x55 ctgs I had (split necks). I was contacted by a Canadian rep who asked me if I would submit the bad brass (and bags with the lot #) to them for analysis, and they would compensate me for my cost and effort. I mailed them in about a month back and last friday received a nice letter of regret and $55 worth of credit vouchers for Winchester products. I'll put that towards more brass, but probably 44-40 instead of more 6.5x55 :)

(I annealed the remaining cases and have since fired 50 without issue.)
 
i wouldn't load them, the enlarged hole will alow more pressure to push back on the primer.....worse case is that you pierce primers, they are not what you paid for, or what you expected to recieve....therefore make them aware of the issue and let them sort it out.
 
yodave said:
i wouldn't load them, the enlarged hole will alow more pressure to push back on the primer.....worse case is that you pierce primers, they are not what you paid for, or what you expected to recieve....therefore make them aware of the issue and let them sort it out.
Click to expand...

The 204 Ruger has some pretty hefty chamber pressure. Lack of consistent ignition (and potential negative effects on accuracy) would be sufficient reason for me not to use that brass, but that's another.
 
CV32 said:
The 204 Ruger has some pretty hefty chamber pressure. Lack of consistent ignition (and potential negative effects on accuracy) would be sufficient reason for me not to use that brass, but that's another.
Click to expand...

Bingo.........
 
Just an update, I contacted Winchester rep for Canada and was told to send in the brass and once they had taken a look they would contact me. About 1.5 weeks after I sent the brass in I got a reply and was told they were going to credit me for my brass and trouble. all in all I am happy with the way they handled it and hopefully I can get some 243 win brass with no issues.
 
It seems there is the odd batch of not so great brass coming out of Winchesters factory these days, although we only hear about the bad ones, and their brass is very popular. Their customer service has been great though, so any issues we have get dealt with properly!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom