243 headspareing question I think

[sw500mag]

hello
 I finely got around to tring to work up some load and I got cases spliting apart as in two pieces.
  to the best that I can come up with is head spaceing.
 
 I can get 5 layers(.0055inch ) of aluminum foil on the hinge pin and still get a good lock up.
  Would .0055  be enough to split case .
                                                                    thanks tim

[kennyd]

New brass?  I assume the split is head separation.  I have some  seen really poor head spacing on some old bolts, and the head did not separate.  Have you double checked your data, and made sure you didn't get:  wrong powder (things like different maker same #), wrong bullet weight, scale and charger throwing right.  Find someone to check headspace, and check for anything broken or cracked.  Remember, split cases will leak hot gas and particles right back to your face and eyes.  That is why most bolts have that little hole in the side of the receiver to give a path away.  You sure your foil is only one and one tenth?  That is mighty thin.  If you meant .055, that is a lot.

[safetysheriff]

hello
 I I can get 5 layers(.0055inch ) of aluminum foil on the hinge pin and still get a good lock up.
  Would .0055  be enough to split case .
                                                                    thanks tim

tim.

because you are putting that thin foil at the 'fulcrum' of the firearm you are able to close the action on it.         it's the simple principle of leverage........like using a nutcracker, or a pair of pliers.   it only means that you could wind up 'springing' the action.   

i'd use a legitimate .001 through .004 set of mechanics gauges to check for action tightness at the breech.   and i wouldn't push too hard on the action when doing it.    i doubt that it's your problem.       

HOWEVER:   the problem with headspace does not have to be with looseness in the action.   it could be with a chamber that is too long/deep, or even using the wrong brass in a rifle.    if you load and fire .270 brass in a .280 Rem' you'll have excessive headspace, for example.    if you fire .222 Rem in a .223 you will have it.   

just my two cents,

ss' 

[quickdtoo]

Read the barrel fitting info in the FAQ and Help sticky, that will tell you how to check barrel fit. Basically, if the barrel is loose when locked up without the forend in place, and no foil in on the hinge, it needs to be fixed, most likely by rebarreling if you send it to H&R unless, the frame is damaged.

Let us know whatcha find out.

Tim

[E Rex B]

Tim, I have a Savage 99 in .243 and if I set my Honady re-sizing die to touch the shell holder, it will have too much head space.  I back the die out a bit and all is well.  It takes some trial and error to get there or try anothe sizing die.  I made the assumption that these were reloads and not new ammo.
Rex

[quickdtoo]

Rex, I've only reloaded for break barrels, but the same procedure could be used for setting headspace for the Savage, although it wouldn't be as easy to tell where you are. You'd have to adjust the die so the brass fits the chamber with minimal headspace, if there's too much headspace with unfired brass, then creating a false shoulder and/or loading into the lands and using start load data or just using fire forming methods will form the brass to the chamber with no headspace, then size accordingly. That's if all is well with the action which may not be the case with the 99.

But this has nothing to do with a Handi IF the barrel is not fitting properly and has a gap between the barrel and standing breech.

Tim

[E Rex B]

Tim,
What I am pointing at is (at least in  my case) a faulty sizing die.  As I have no trouble with factory rounds but once resized they have excess head space.  So, now I do a partial resize smokeing the case to see where to set the dies up at on a once fired case from my rifle.  I use this procedure on all my rifles.
Rex

[safetysheriff]

it sounds like you have figured out your problem since first posting about this.

good luck with your reloading venture.    this is a great hobby that can keep you on your toes!

take care, and congrat's on figuring this out,

ss'