Fired first reloads today and have a question

[Billco]

Loaded 24 rnds 230 fjm 45 acp with CCI primers on a Lee classic turret.

Charged half with 4.6 and half with 5.0 (.1 gr variable). Tested my work with three guns;

S & W 325pd 4", Kimber Custom 2 and Kimber Ultra Carry. All hit com at 25 ft, and I was a happy reloader. I noticed when I got home that I had 4 cases with a 'V' on the rim. I think it was with an ejector damaging the case. The crimp was the same for all, so the only differece was the charge. (I fired 4 of each charge through each gun). I don't know if it could have been the light charge in the Custom 2 or the heavy charge in the Ultra Carry. I need some experienced advise here please.

[kb4ns]

I can't say for certain in your particular situation (I'd guess the heavier load), but I can offer one suggestion. Mark the primers with a sharpie so you know what they are when you shoot them as well as after they've been fired. For example, you could put an "X" on the 4.6gr loads and put three dots on the 6.0gr loads. When you're done, if you notice something strange, you can look at the primer and tell which load it was.

[glockster157]

I am presuming you mean that the ejector left a dent on the outer edge of the cartridge rim? That is OK as long as there are no other pressure signs. Is the primer noticeably flatter than the other cases? Are there any spots where the brass is shiny or shaved indicating that the brass flowed under the pressure? Were any of the rounds noticeably louder or recoil sharper? One other thing, were all the cases the same brand and from the same lot? If not then there could be some hardness difference in the brass.

All in all I wouldn't let the marks bother me. You can mark the cases and look for the marks based on the load. BTW, what powder were you using....Bullseye?

[Billco]

No noticible recoil or loudness, all rounds hit the mark. The brass was a mixed batch, mostly Winchester once fired. Powder is HP 38. Next time out I'll mark the cartridges. I do think that for my first time out, it went very well. Thanks guys for the response and input, all help is appreciated and needed.

[glockster157]

Just a FYI, HP38 and WW231 are the exact same powder and data is interchangeable. 5.0 grains of 231/hp38 is a fairly common load and not heavy at all. I doubt you were breaking 800 fps. I would even recommend picking up one of the $100 chronographs down the road to help build pistol loads. For service loads I use 5.2 with the 230 grain FMJ and 5.6 with the 200 grain LSWC. It is one of my favorite powders. Love it in the 38's.

[Rightwinger]

When firing first loadings, note the box or row in the box your shooting then shoot one at a time and observe them then, not after they are all laying on the ground. If you do have an issue, find it with the first or second round, not when you get home and find out the brass is ruined and you have shavings in the chamber. After you get it worked in good you can do cursory inspections.

Your issue might just be on one pistol and not the ammo at all.

[gregintenn]

Trade for revolvers. My 1917 Smith and Wesson never leaves a mark on brass.