I was checking zero the other day to confirm things before hunting this fall, and I split a case. It split vertically along the body, centered, covering about 2/3 of it's length.

This is brand new Winchester brass, the load was not hot, and I've fired literraly 100's of rounds of this same brass lot out of this rifle.

I sectioned the case with a tube cutter and the brass is at least half the thickness where it split compared to the rest of the case. However, I don't know if this was the cause or simply an affect of the rupture.

Anyone know what could have caused this? I'm guessing a flaw with the case, but am otherwise stumped.

Chuck

I'd have to say it was just a defective piece of brass.

Chuck,
Can you section several more brass of that same lot to see if this is a fluke or something that was part of the production. Are there more like that?

I always toss a few cases every time I buy new brass....but it seems it's that way with any mfr I choose.

Hi Chuck, I agree with your assumption but would check out some other cases as per Vapodog.

BTW, were you using the 160 TSXs or another new bullet? I know squat, but sometimes a different bullet can increase pressures and cause a brass failure.

Agree with all. I would go one step further and now weigh each piece. You should be able to catch any weight variation. One more good reason to fire-form your brass with reduced loads the first time out.

The loads contained H1000 and the 160gr TSX. These are chronographed loads and within normal pressure limits. I would also expect that much excessive pressure to manifest itself in a different manner. Ie blown primer for starters.

Thank goodness I was shooting a belted magnum. I'm sure, because I was shooting a model 70, that the belt was the only thing that stood between me and certain blindness.

Chuck