30-06 brass problem

[mikld]

I recently purchased some surplus, "once fired" brass in 30-06. I cleaned and sorted them by headstamp and I sized/deprimed a bunch and attempted to trim. The pilot section of my Lyman trimmer would not enter the case mouth more than 3/16". I had noticed an annular "crimp" but since the case went through the sizing die "normally" I paid no attention (similar to the cannalure around some revolver brass to help w/setback). I checked a bit closer and noticed these crimps were quite heavy, some about .005" deep (which makes the case neck ID .010" smaller) about 1/8"-3/16" below the case mouth. Headstamps are mostly LC, but there are a few DEN and TW. I haven't decided whether to load and shoot 'em, possible ream the necks, or scrap them. I don't think I wanna force a bullet in a case that's .010" too small...

Any ideas the original use? What's the consensus? Use 'em, ream 'em, or toss 'em?

[psteinmayer]

If they are military brass, I.e. LC (Lake City), it's very good brass. However, the primer cups are crimped, as is the bullet/case neck. You can gently ream the case neck to remove any burrs and the extreme crimp. Just be careful to not shorten the necks beyond proper OAL. The primer cups will need to be swaged to remove the crimp or your primers will not seat properly. RCBS has an inexpensive primer cup swage die that is made for military brass (available at Midway, Cheaper than Dirt, etc.), and will do both large (30-06/M2, and 7.62X51), and small (5.56mm).

[4F4Nam]

Your description of that crimp makes me think that what you have is fired blank brass. Blanks were thought to be loaded with reject or sub-standard cases. Maybe someone else will chime in.

Ed

[mikld]

I've reloaded bunches of military "once fired" brass in 45 ACP, 9mm, and 7.62x51 and am familiar with removing primer crimps and "normal" brass processing. I've not seen any blank cartridges with this annular crimp, just a star crimp, but I'm not really familiar with some of the "different" military ammo. Perhaps these cases were intended for machine gun use? All other dimensions on the "crimped" brass are the same on all the other LC and DEN cases. I've reloaded mebbe 400 HXP cases quite successfully, and I just got "hit" with some odd-ball LC brass...

[4F4Nam]

Star crimped blanks were grenade launching cartridges. Plain "salute" blanks have an annular neck crimp to secure a red card wad. Can you post a picture of the brass you are working with?

Ed

[Parashooter]

Looks like this?

blankM1909.jpg

[mikld]

Star crimped blanks were grenade launching cartridges. Plain "salute" blanks have an annular neck crimp to secure a red card wad. Can you post a picture of the brass you are working with?

Ed

Hmmm. Sounds like you're correct, annular crimped blanks. I'll try to post a pic The case on the left is clearest view of the crimp with the others less visible (but still there...).

DSCN1158.jpg

[psteinmayer]

Ahhh yes, sorry, I must have missed that. Looks like blanks.

[Hecklerusp45]

Those are blanks. I would not feel safe loading them. You would be best to recycle the brass.

[4F4Nam]

Yup. Ceremonial blanks. They might be okay to reload? But I WOULD NOT trust them, personally. There is too much good '06 brass out there to take a chance.

Ed

[Tuna]

The military used rejected cases from normal ammunition runs for making blanks. If there were not enough rejected cases they would use once fired cases to make the required amount of blanks. Best to just scrap the cases as they were not good enough for ammunition.

[mikld]

Thanks fellers, "salute blanks" seems to be what I got. Oh, well, I'll just ask before I buy anymore once fired 30-06 brass! This time I got about 40% of these mixed in with the "good" stuff...

[Hefights]

Who sold them to you? Let us know so we can avoid them. Can you get a refund as they are not usable for the purpose advertised?

[mikld]

Update; I emailed the vendor about these cases, wanting to know if they were infact non-reloadable. The reply stated that some blank cases slipped through, not intended to be shipped with a "normal" order. Three days later I received a box of 60 shiny RP cases, no cost to me. I haven't seen this kind of customer service from an online vendor in quite a while. I would recommend kensbrass.com as a source of brass anytime. Good, ethical vendor, and I'm now a customer. Thanks Ken...

kensbrass.com
Brass Casing and Reloading Supplies.

[4F4Nam]

I must correct myself. Local VFW Commander showed me the blanks that they are now being sent for their M1's. They are the star crimped variety and are identical to the old grenade launching cartridges. Maybe because there is no reason for '06 grenade launchers anymore? Confusing.

Ed