Just how easy is it to feel the seperation with the bent paperclip medthod. I've been loading Hornady Match brass .308 with 44.5grs of RL-15 under a 178amax with BR2 primers. I'm not sure on the number of reloads on this brass. (I'm keeping track now) but I know it's 6 or 7 reloads. I'm seeing the light line on the outside of the brass about 3/16 to 1/4" above the case head. I can't feel any edges inside with the paperclip (nothing that the paperclip hangs on) just a rough place as I drag it up the wall of the case at the same place i the line on the outside.
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Feeling edge with bent paperclip (casehead)
- Thread starter KHOOKS
- Start date
Re: Feeling edge with bent paperclip (casehead)
When you have a precursor groove, there'll be no doubt about it.
When you have a precursor groove, there'll be no doubt about it.
Re: Feeling edge with bent paperclip (casehead)
Take a dremel to one case, and cut it in half length wise. You can then visually see how much head seperation you have. A paper clip will kind of give you a feel, but it's hard to know for sure. I use my dremel for this, since it's just one case. Use a glove- the case gets hot!
Take a dremel to one case, and cut it in half length wise. You can then visually see how much head seperation you have. A paper clip will kind of give you a feel, but it's hard to know for sure. I use my dremel for this, since it's just one case. Use a glove- the case gets hot!
Re: Feeling edge with bent paperclip (casehead)
Is the paperclip good if it's just bent at 90. Or do I need to file a good point on it to feel the groove?
Is the paperclip good if it's just bent at 90. Or do I need to file a good point on it to feel the groove?
Re: Feeling edge with bent paperclip (casehead)
Don't file it to a sharp point. I like a more more rounded tip. The paperclip is already small enough when it is rounded to get a good feel.
Don't file it to a sharp point. I like a more more rounded tip. The paperclip is already small enough when it is rounded to get a good feel.
Re: Feeling edge with bent paperclip (casehead)
I use a flat piece of springy steel and sharpen it about to the butterknife level. IME, a small paper clip isn't stiff enough, and a large one is too blunt.
Just inspected some old cases last night and put a half-dozen more into the scrap bin.
I use a flat piece of springy steel and sharpen it about to the butterknife level. IME, a small paper clip isn't stiff enough, and a large one is too blunt.
Just inspected some old cases last night and put a half-dozen more into the scrap bin.
Re: Feeling edge with bent paperclip (casehead)
My dentist and I are on good terms. I told him what I was doing and he gave me a long probe and helped me put a bend in it to catch the groove. It's worked fine for 2 years.
My dentist and I are on good terms. I told him what I was doing and he gave me a long probe and helped me put a bend in it to catch the groove. It's worked fine for 2 years.
Re: Feeling edge with bent paperclip (casehead)
I have used a paper clip for years without a case separation. Like Greg said above you will know a pending separation when you feel one.
Good luck
Jerry
I have used a paper clip for years without a case separation. Like Greg said above you will know a pending separation when you feel one.
Good luck
Jerry
Re: Feeling edge with bent paperclip (casehead)
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChadTRG42</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Take a dremel to one case, and cut it in half length wise. You can then visually see how much head seperation you have. A paper clip will kind of give you a feel, but it's hard to know for sure. I use my dremel for this, since it's just one case. Use a glove- the case gets hot! </div></div>
+1 for Chad...
I have to agree with Chad that the visual use of a cross sectioned down the long axis of the case can show what the insides look like. By dragging the "bent wire tool" across these areas you can feel what you are now looking at. If I might suggest, slice one of the questionable cases, one that you know has been fired several times and a once fired case. When you can see what you are feeling with the wire, you'll better understand how it works.
Good luck.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChadTRG42</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Take a dremel to one case, and cut it in half length wise. You can then visually see how much head seperation you have. A paper clip will kind of give you a feel, but it's hard to know for sure. I use my dremel for this, since it's just one case. Use a glove- the case gets hot! </div></div>
+1 for Chad...
I have to agree with Chad that the visual use of a cross sectioned down the long axis of the case can show what the insides look like. By dragging the "bent wire tool" across these areas you can feel what you are now looking at. If I might suggest, slice one of the questionable cases, one that you know has been fired several times and a once fired case. When you can see what you are feeling with the wire, you'll better understand how it works.
Good luck.
