I was handling my old MK3 last night and I noticed something weird.   I keep snap caps in my guns so when I go into the  safe I can grab a few and go pew pew.

Anyway,  I slow racked the HP and noticed that the extractor lets go when the cartridge is about half way out of the chamber.  Super slow rack and the cartridge ends up just sitting half way out.  Fast cycling and it extracts normally.

On my other guns, it seems the extractor maintains the rim until it contacts the ejector.  I never really noticed before.  Is this just how Hi Powers cycle?

What is the weight of a snap-cap Vs. an empty shell?

Didn't think of that... Will try when I get home.

Check how much spring tension is on the extractor. Also check the extractor hook for debris. On a fast rack, the case or snap cap is extracting straight back until it clears the chamber.

As piperpa24 said, the snap cap is probably heavier, and slipping out of the extractor.

Curious, what does a slow extraction on a live round do?

Thank you all for the suggestions.  It extracts normally with an empty case.  The snap cap's (Tipton) rim is a bit thinner and overall seems smaller in all dimensions.  I'll mic it tonight if I remember.

Thanks again.   Pretty good indicator I shouldn't take up reloading