New to thread

[Poolman]

Hello........
I've got a question about neck sizeing a 280 rem case for my New England Arms Handi Rifle.
I had a case separate by the web. This happened after I full length resized the cases a couple of times. Is there a warning sign like measuring the case before and after to see if it has stretched to much. I checked the length and trimmed after the first shots. I did not check anything but length.
Thanks so much for your help.

[skb2706]

Over sizing can cause the case to fail sooner than expected. Next time try sizing just enough so the gun will close on the case. Each time you full length size you are over working the case......more than necessary....you are making it smaller to fit back in the chamber. Next time make it just small enough to fit and not completely full length size.

[bajabill]

RCBS makes a case measuring tool, it has differents setups to measure various aspects of brass and loaded ammo.  One is a case wall thickness along the length of the brass.  You can see a thickness trough develop and monitor it to determine when you want to retire old brass.  It is about $65 I think.

[Don Fischer]

Full length re-sizing a couple times won't make the case head split, I full length size every time. Take that rifle to a gunsmith and have the headspace checked. It is possible that what is happening is you have a bit to much. When the fireing pin hits the primer, the case is mover slightly to far forward and on firing, the case is grabbed up front and has to expand backwards. If you watch your fired cases, you should notice a bright ring form around the case head if that is happening. Don't know if a gunsmith can fix it in a break action but I would think the manufacturer would. Friend of mine had the same thing happen in an H&R Topper (same rifle) in 22 Hornet, his was also headspace. He just reduced the loads by making a cast bullet gun out of it.