Home made broken shell extractor

[snowhunter]

I created a very effective and useful broken shell extractor by filing a sharp hook at the end of a thin iron rod, and then inserting this device through the back of the broken shell, and it was very easy to "feel" when the hook just passed the mouth of the broken shell, and voila, one gentle pull, and the broken shell was out of the chamber

 

[Why not?]

Great idea, but wouldn't it be safer to make it out of brass or bronze so it won't scratch the chamber mouth?

Ted

 

[snowhunter]

That's also a good idea, although I do believe using a steel rod, broken shell extractor gently, will not do any harm to the chamber

 

[John Y Cannuck]

A brush like a 410 shotgun brush, or 45-70 brush, inserted into the chamber works well most of the time.

 

[snowhunter]

Thanks for the tip. However, my proudly creation of the latest version of the broken shell extracter has just become a permanent part in my shooting range bag, since I once I a while miss to detect the eminent case failures before its to late.

For hunting puposes, I only use new or once fired cases, in order to avoid broken shells, although carrying this new broken shell extractor will not ad any more weight or bulk to my hunting gear

 

[tiriaq]

This is with a .303? These are the rifles which are most likely to experience case separations with handloads, without anything untoward happening except for the front portion of the case being left in the chamber. The broken case isn't locked in place, so a little hook used carefully would clear it.
My first M-1 had a broken case at one time and someone had dug it out, leaving score marks in the chamber. The rifle still worked but cases were marked. Justification for a new barrel in .308.

 

[Gibbs505]

Good idea!! Have to work on that!

 

[prosper]

A brush like a 410 shotgun brush, or 45-70 brush, inserted into the chamber works well most of the time.

Yep. This is what I normally try first.

 

[snowhunter]

Also, with little filing, any brass bore cleaning tips could be converted into a broken shell extractor hook, and then bring it along with your, rod style bore cleaning kit, anywhere you hunt of shoot ?

 

[snowhunter]

teriaq, yes, .303 British handloads are notorious for splitting. I always check every case before reloading, and still miss some.

Lately, overworked 6.5 X 55 have been given in, prompting me to do some thinkering in regards to removed the front part of the stuck case from the chamber and come up with a solution, without buying some cumbersome and expensive broken shell extractors.

The solution I come up with, using about a foot long, thin metal rod, with a hook filed and tappered at the end of it, worked just like a magic wand in removing a broken and stuck case from my 6.5 X55.

Do'nt leave home without it