FC head stamp question

[Rob.308]

Hiders,

A few weeks ago I ordered 500 pieces of 308 brass from brass masters. It all has a heads stamp of FC. It is suppose to be once fired brass. I deprimed the cases, did a full length resize on the cases, cleaned them, cleaned up the primer pockets, and cut them to lenght. Next I took 100pcs and loaded them with Hornady 30501's. TOL 2.820. I have measured the chamber and that length gives me the proper bullet jump. I am shooting the rounds in a Remington R-5. However when I went to the range today, I couldn't close the bolt handle on any of them. I came home and shrank a few to 2.80 just to test them. Still the same issue. Any ideas? Are the FC cases worthless in a bolt gun? I was on google that someone said they were for a machine gun and can't be used in a bolt gun.

I would appreciate any help I could get on this,

Thanks,
Rob

 

[jwp6114]

Re: FC head stamp question

sounds like you dont have your sizing die set up properly to bump the shoulder back enough. RCBS case mic is only $37

good luck

 

[leadbullet]

Re: FC head stamp question

get a case guage or use your rifle's chamber as one, resize a case until the bolt closes, it saves some headaches.
if that is your problem, it looks like you will need the Redding shoulder bump die, it works at resizing loaded rounds safely, ask me how i know.
investing in a small base die wouldn't hurt either if you keep buying once fired military brass, case head could a little swelled up from MG shooting.
hope this helps.

 

[nzgrip]

Re: FC head stamp question

I've loaded 25-06 and 308 brass stamped FC, were from Federal factory ammo. Both run in bolt guns with no problem.

 

[Rob.308]

Re: FC head stamp question

attherange,

Thanks for your input on this. I didn't think it was possible to bump the shoulders back with the ammo loaded. That is great news since I was thinking about taking them a part and starting over again. I like the FC headstamp brass because it is thicker and that seemed to translate into smaller groups in my head. I just thought it would produce more consistant discharges. I could be wrong but I figured it was worth a try.

What is the small base die? I will have to look it up and see what it does for me. I have loaded thousands of rounds and never had a problem with the way I have been doing them until this time, however, I have always just bought brand new brass from Midway.

Have you ever had better luck with accuracy by changing your brass around. If so, what brass provided the tighest groups for you? I have just recently started to really get into shooting the tightest groups that I can. I recently punched a penny at 200 yds.

I appreicate your help,
Rob

 

[MtnCreek]

Re: FC head stamp question

FC is thick, so keep that in mind when switching to that brass. If you worked up loads w/ Win or Rem brass, the FC could cause pressure issues. If it were Mil MG fired, it would probably be marked LC.
IMHO, the problem was in your FL die setup. The die should be setup to push the shoulder back to allow chambering. You need to confirm this every time you setup the die. You can use your chamber, a mic or a cartridge headspace gauge and calipers.
If your die and chamber are in spec, a standard FL die will push the shoulder back enough to feed. A Small Base die sizes the brass toward the base to minimum spec. They’re typically not needed to size brass, even mil-surp MG fired brass.

 

[Rob.308]

Re: FC head stamp question

Thanks for the input. I will retry the FL die again today to see what happens.

Thanks for everyones input,

Rob

 

[0481]

Re: FC head stamp question

Any body have the part # for the redding die mentioned above to bump the shoulder back on loaded ammo.

 

[MtnCreek]

Re: FC head stamp question

No part number, but it's called a 'body die'.

 

[Rob.308]

Re: FC head stamp question

Hiders!

You did it again! I read the guidance from our memebers and my problem was solved. I didn't have to spend a penny. I just readusted my FL die and used the "trial and error" method and that was it. I had my answer in YOU the members in minutes and I am on my way back to the range!

Hiders rule!

Thanks to all,
Rob

 

[JeffP40]

Re: FC head stamp question

Maybe next time you will check them before going to the range?