Split Case

[That_Is_My_El_Camino]

I went through another 75 rounds today and started reloading them a little while ago when I found a crack in one of them. It goes about 1/3-1/2 way around the case. I checked the rest of the batch, and it's the only one like it. It's an old-ish PMC case (not sure how old, but it had been reloaded at least once before I started shooting and reloading it); I'm sure it was fairly used since it and all the other PMC cases have been pretty easy to prime with the Lee AutoPrime 2 that I use, while the Winchester white box cases have taken more force and are just now (after 5 or so reloads) starting to loosen up.

Anyways, I'd just like to verify that this isn't a sign of excessive pressure and that all cases will eventually do this if they're reloaded enough; none of the cases were stuck in the cylinder, and none of the primers were pushed out of their cases.

The case with the crack (and the soot from where the flame seemed to have exited just below it) circled:
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i198/That_Is_My_El_Camino/CrackHighlighted.jpg

[Casper]

That's not an unusual place for it to split if that is just below the seated bullet depth. You'll notice your reloads will tend to get an hourglass shape; the point below the bullet gets the most work fatigue over time.

I'd toss that batch of PMC. You will start seeing more and more of this after 5 reloads. Good brass will normally go for 10 loads max, 15 with a primer pocket anvil.

If the primer pockets are loose then they have seen some high pressures. That is why I told you to go with a slower powder; just a little bit of bullseye goes a long way. Not saying that herco or power-pistol would not do the same thing, just less chance of it. You aren't using magnum primers with it are you? Heavy bullet, tight crimp, fast powder and magnum primer is a good way to cause pressure spikes.

And you are making sure the case length is trimmed back, right? They will grow on that 44 pretty fast, and if they exceed the length they will still seat in the inner cylinder shoulder with a crimp, but then have trouble opening on ignition. Something similar if the shoulder gets gunked up, which happens usually from firing shorter brass (like 44 special).

I wouldn't worry about it too much, just cheack all these things out to be sure.

[That_Is_My_El_Camino]

I'm using the Winchester large pistol primers, for both standard and magnum, and I've used up the last of the Bullseye and am now using Unique. And yeah, I'm trimming the cases with every reload (about half the time it doesn't take much, if any, off).

[Casper]

Okay, well should be safe as long as the cylinder is clean. You don't need large pistol magnums except for the really slowest powders like H110.

Probably just work hardened from the reloading and the pressure split it. Look for damage from gas cutting in the cylinder too.

PMC is philippino made, they vary from good to mediocre for relaods.