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Posted: 1/1/2013 8:01:37 AM EDT
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Does anyone out there know if cold temperatures while sizing would cause cracking? I recently loaded up a batch of .308 and there were quite a few that had really small cracks down the sides - in many different places on the case. I'm wondering if it could be that I stored and sized them out in my garage where it's pretty cold this time of year.
I was going to post pictures, but none of them really turn out because the cracks are so fine. I sized about 1/3 of my cases inside, before I relocated my bench to the garage, and none of the cases size inside had cracks. |
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Hard telling. I used to do reloading in a cold attic space in upstate NY and never had that issue. Not 20 degrees in the attic but cold enough to see my breath and cause to wear my coat.
Are you sure they're cracks and not scratches from grit getting in your die or on your casings? ETA for details What cases and general condition? Lube? Dies? Just curious. |
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The brass is old military brass from the 60s. Most is marked WCC 64, WCC 66, WRK 64 and LC 64. I'm pretty sure they are cracks but they could be scratches. I'll see if I can get a magnifying glass and take a closer look.
I've never noticed scratches like this. I tumbled the brass before and after to make sure they were clean and upon final inspection I noticed the cracks. The brass is all once fired but a bit beat up. I did the paper clip test, chamfered and debuted the cases and didn't notice them until they were completely loaded. I use RCBS lube to size. I'll post more details after I pull a few loads and cut them in half. |
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