Is it likely that the metal compound used in the cases is just plain more brittle? Would annealing them potentially have a positive influence on the cases? Likely more work than anyone would care to go thru with a pistol case, I do believe.
Warning: Norinco .45 Auto
- Thread starter triplepete
- Start date
If it were exposed to ammonia at some point it could have embrittled the brass. Stress fractures such as the ones shown here are a symptom of this, among other causes. It's possible the ammunition was tarnished and cleaned up by someone, somewhere with a little too much Brasso.
The likely causes of the splits include;
1) Improperly annealed brass. Between the discing, cupping, and drawing operations the brass becomes work hardened. Annealing softens the brass and eliminates stress. It's possible this lot wasn't annealed properly during manufacture.
2) Oversized chamber. If this brass is slightly hard and the chamber is slightly oversized, the cases might split instead of swelling.
Frankly my bet is on the last option.
1) Improperly annealed brass. Between the discing, cupping, and drawing operations the brass becomes work hardened. Annealing softens the brass and eliminates stress. It's possible this lot wasn't annealed properly during manufacture.
2) Oversized chamber. If this brass is slightly hard and the chamber is slightly oversized, the cases might split instead of swelling.
Frankly my bet is on the last option.
.....for the win! 
- Location
- Burnaby, BC
If that were the case wouldn't the cartridge drop into the barrel?
Budget Shooter Supply has factory reloads for $18.00 per box. I've shot and collected a couple boxes of spent cases so far and have seen no split cases or any other problems. Works perfect in my SAM 1911 Commander.
- Location
- Burnaby, BC
Thanks, I am waiting for an order from Henry for bullets and primers. Didn't know he had these and he was on vacation when I ordered the Norcs from elsewhere.
