Neck expansion

[canebreaker]

I picked up a bunch of brass at a local range, mixed cal., 3 different times.
I loaded some 9m and 380s for the kids for christmas, to see how they liked them.
I'm on my thrid loading session of the 380s, loading about 100 at a time.
For some reason the neck splits on about every other one, on this session.
The good cases are taking the bullit about 1/32 to 1/16th. That shows me that I'm not over expanding the necks. I haven't changed settings since I loaded the first.
Lee 380 ACP, 90625
I guess I need to take it apart, clean and lube.

[Smokin7mm]

I dont think it matters that you didnt change the die setting. The brass has just fatigued. Brass work hardens as you expand the neck and then crimp over and over. You might check the length of the brass. Even straight wall brass has a tolerance. If this is a little longer than previously used brass it could be over expanding which just work hardens even more until it finally gives and cracks.
Bret

[DLCTEX]

Normally I'd say anneal the brass, but I can't see doing those small cases.

[canebreaker]

Not knowing anything about range brass, if it's been reloaded a few times or new.
Just had me wondering what was happening to this batch of brass. I've never had this to happen to my 38 spls., we do find them while decapping and inspecting.

[canebreaker]

I found the problem:
I was expanding a few more necks this morning.
Bi@&$ing the whole while, everytime one snapped.
Flutterby's son walks in and ask what was wrong.
I told him what was wrong.
I had left the expansion die in the press a week ago,
while doing some shopping. He was showing his girlfriend
something about reloading. He broke a case in the die.
And of course, can't tell me then.
Back into production again.

[canebreaker]

Well I don't have to worry with that anymore. I didn't say a thing. But pretty much, Pack and go home.
Will not be here to offer up brass or good deals on ammo in the nashville area.
But will post some.