.223 Brass

[IdahoJoe]

I sat down to reload my 223 and noticed the brass is cracking at the should/neck transition. I am using 26.5 grs of benchmark and 50 gr ballistic tips. I don't think this brass should be worn out is this a pressure issue?

It is a factory Ruger 77 mk II and I think the head space is plenty loose.

Also since I need a couple hundred rounds of new brass which brand is the best at a reasonable price?

Thanks

 

[Loner]

Excess headspace is bad not good. Being loose won't help your brass. It's cracking because
it is hard and needs annealing. Round count doesn't matter, the manufacturers send it
out too hard once in a while.

 

[kc]

I have shot the crap out of my cases, seldom do I find bad brass. I think Loner may be right.

 

[IdahoJoe]

Thanks for the replies.

I understand extra head space is bad. I was wondering if it is likely a head space problem or a pressure problem. Thanks for the help again.

 

[UsdaBeef]

Cracks in the neck/shoulder region are from over working the brass, not annealing, or the brass has simply met its service life. Excess headspace can lead to rapid overworking, same for too small a neck bushing if you use bushing dies. Excess pressure shows itself at the other end, flattened/cratered primers, ejector marks, case head expansion. I don't anneal .223 I toss it, but I have a very large supply of LC.

 

[Mikecr]

Cracks in the neck/shoulder region are from over working the brass

This is true.
IdahoJoe, are you full length sizing necks?

 

[IdahoJoe]

I am using a full length re-sizing die. To be perfectly honest I set the lock ring so long ago I can't remember how much it is setting it back. I know that there is a 1/16"+ of clearance between the die and the shell holder when the ram is all the way up. (It is RCBS equipment).