Bright Shiny Ring

Mak: When I load for my 35 Brown-Whelen I use a straightened out paper clip sharpened to a point and run it slowly into the case feeling for a crack or indent that indicates an impending case failure. You have to do it to understand but your fingers are very sensitive and the paper clip acts like a stethescope to transmit the feel of the weakened brass to your fingertip. If you suspect the brightened area of being weak try the paperclip and see if you feel any irregularities as you run across the inside of the case near the bright area. If you feel a slight bump or scratch then the case is probably weakening. The brass stretches and thins so the bright area may be a weak spot in the stretched brass. It is not fool proof but it does let you know if the brass is thinning. Chris

Sure is a simple, and therefore excellent method for determining the interior condition of cases! I used to just toss cases that developed the ring, but this time I saved 20, have loaded 'em back up with my working load-powerful but not rip snorting-will see how they do this weekend at our informal shoot.

Mak, I forgot to say that if you bend the tip of the paperclip at an angle it makes it easier to feel the imperfections as you slide it back and forth in the case. Glad it was of some help to you and good luck. Chris