Case expansion - this isn't normal I assume?

[BlackWolf]

I just started reloading for the .358 win.  I haven't reached or even approached anything that could be considered a max load in this rifle yet (BLR).  One thing that I've noticed is that after being fired once (all brass that I have used is new so far) the base of the case is significantly wider than it was previously, I would have to go back down and measure to see how much wider it is.  The die actually scrapes into the brass to get it to go through the full length sizing die after being shot only once (with a lot of elbow grease to make the sizer pass through).  Do you have any idea what could be causing this?  It seems to be consistent no matter which bullet/load/powder is used, I'm stumped.

[mjbgalt]

chambers, like everything else, have dimensions that fluctuate between rifles.

you happen to have one that is on the big side of acceptable.

-Matt

[MnMike]

Assuming the chamber is a bit large, I would partial length resize. You could also neck size using a Lee Collet die. I believe the action on the BLR would handle this. Both could also improve accuracy.

For hunting, you may want to use fresh brass for your loads or at least chamber and eject all rounds you are going to use hunting.

mike

[BlackWolf]

Thank you for your replies.  I just sent this rifle back to the factory to have some other things corrected the other day- factory loaded ammo won't chamber at all in since the day that it was brand new, also during hunting season this year it quit going bang.  A couple of more questions come to mind, could these things all be interrelated?  Also, is the chamber something that they can fix while the rifle is there?  I'm going to call them today as I had forgotten to include the expanded brass problem in my letter to the company.

[mjbgalt]

if it was too tight they might be able to re-cut it. but once its too big it stays that way unless they replace the barrel.

[Savage]

I'm sure if the chamber is out of spec (Sure sounds like it to me!) they will either re cut the chamber or rebarrel the rifle. Surprised you didn't return in when you found it wouldn't chamber factory ammo!
Savage

[gypsyman]

I would definely contact them on the chamber issue. This is a new one on me. It will feed your reloads, but not factory ammo. And when it comes out, the base is so over size, it cuts brass?? What kind of lube are you using? If factory ammo isn't feeding, it must be a lenght issue. Because it sounds like the chamber is oversize in diameter. Please keep us informed on this one. Good Luck!! gypsyman

[BlackWolf]

I use the lube from Lee that came with my press, I believe that I use plenty of it because it should only take a very light coating right?  The factory rounds just seem to not chamber the last 1% of the way to close the lever so it could be the length as you indicate, my loads and the ones I have used from cpcartridge.com should be the same length, im going to have to check that and get back to you.  I'll also let you know what action(s) the factory takes to correct these problems, thank you!

[Lone Star]

Your reloads chamber because your die is sizing to the minimum headspace dimension, while factory ammo is apparently a bit longer and so won't fit the chamber.  It is not uncommon for many FL sizing dies to over-size the brass, and this seems to be one of your issues. A short chamber, an undersized die, both should be replaced.



.

[BlackWolf]

I'll keep ya'll posted with what Browning does.  The gun is currently at the factory and I contacted the rep yesterday to talk about the case expansion problem also.  I would be tickled pink if the gun is rechambered/rebarreled like some of you have indicated.  I love this gun and caliber, I just hope I can get it to work as it should so I can put up some posts about good things the gun does