223/5.56 Brass Issue

I was given a bunch of mixed head stamp 223/5.56 brass. All once fired. Some crimped, some not. The problem is out of all of it I have a couple hundred that won't fit in my shell holder. Some drag a little while others won't fit at all. The dimension I am having issues with is the rim diameter. Even though they all meet the SAAMI spec of 0.378, only brass that is about 0.375 and smaller (which is the majority) will fit easily. I would simply chalk it up to my RCBS shell holder, but I have another that does the same thing. I also have the same issue with my LEE priming tool shell holder. Anyone else run into this issue? Do you scrap the brass? Do you have a quick and easy method of reducing the rim diameter a few thousandths?

I use mostly Redding shell holders, and Lee priming tool holders. I've run into some random .223 brass that is a very tight fit in the Redding shell holders, but not in the Lee holders. Like you, I believe it is diameter of the rim. Finding a couple of hundred that are too large is way more than I've experienced. I'd set the oversize ones aside until you can find a larger shell holder. -Ed

Lionel Boyd Johnson said:

I use mostly Redding shell holders, and Lee priming tool holders. I've run into some random .223 brass that is a very tight fit in the Redding shell holders, but not in the Lee holders. Like you, I believe it is diameter of the rim. Finding a couple of hundred that are too large is way more than I've experienced. I'd set the oversize ones aside until you can find a larger shell holder. -Ed

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That's precisely what I did

Had this too. Most I can twist around enough to get them to go. Almost like some are a bit egged or burred. I've actually rolled a few on a VERY fine file. From what I've researched, this comes from military ranges where some full auto and possibly some out of spec but still shooting chambers are used which allows the brass to do some goofy things at times.

74honker said:

Had this too. Most I can twist around enough to get them to go. Almost like some are a bit egged or burred. I've actually rolled a few on a VERY fine file. From what I've researched, this comes from military ranges where some full auto and possibly some out of spec but still shooting chambers are used which allows the brass to do some goofy things at times.

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I find the same things, some out of round slightly, but the rest of the dimensions are fine. I never looked into it much in the past because they are usually relatively few in number. They are a pain to work with. I guess surprises me is that they are within spec and yet I have multiple shell holders that won't accept them. And again, it is ONLY the rim diameter that is causing the issue. Thanks for the response. Glad others have seen the issue. Wonder how people with progressives deal with the problem, or if it even is on their shell holders?

I've never had this issue but I have had a few rims bent slightly during ejection.

I had this same issue with the run thickness on a batch of cases I was priming last week. 25-30 cases out of 1,000 would not for in the priming tool.