.38 spl cases with a cannelure

[TimSr]

I have a lot of brass in different calibers with these. All of my of 38 R.P brass has the two rings. I don't know what they are supposed to do, if anything, but just use it like you would any other brass.



Oh crap, just noticed this was an ancient dead thread. Never mind!

 

[Mike Irwin]

This is actually a case where reopening an ancient thread is warranted based on slimshot's observations about the original discussion.

I've never heard the "pressure the cases are rated at" theory. That's pretty much the job of the headstamp to identify that (.38 Spl., +P, or +P+)

My theory is that it has nothing to do really with anything that we need to concern ourselves about as either shooters or handloaders...

My theory is it's a function of the machinery that's used to load the ammo.

 

[polyphemus]

This .45 AUTO drawing from 1918 shows the case cannelure right behind the bullet base,the magazine follower nub fits right in it.It would seem that in this case the cannelure is meant to work with the nub to prevent last round misfeeds.
http://www.sightm1911.com/1911pix/cutaway/45acp11.jpg

 

[Nick_C_S]

Not that I gave it much thought, but . . .

I always just kind of assumed it was to assist with load identification at the factory.

I don't know what quality control / packaging looks like at a factory, but if humans are actually looking at them, I would think a line and/or cannelure (I have a bunch with both) would help them know exactly what loading they're looking at.

But I don't actually know.

I have also observed that I don't see it nearly as much these days. Maybe it's because modern quality control / packaging is more automated these days?? With no human looking at them, there's no need to identify them? It would fit my theory

 

[.38SPL enthusiast]

I wanted to add one observation to this thread. The Remington cases that I have seen with two cannelures were loaded with 200 grain bullets. Aside from an additional cannelure, the cartridges looked like the normal 158 grain loading, but there was a lot more bullet hidden in the case on top of 4 grains of something (probably similar to Hercules Infallible powder). I have always thought those rings had to have something to do with seating depth and bullet hold.

 

[griz]

Interesting topic, so I figured I would add a photo. These are factory rounds, the empty in the middle is a fired example of the Federal round. Lots of differences in depth and location.

 

[Nick_C_S]

Lots of differences in depth and location.

That's why I think it (usually) has to do with identification at the factory.

 

[Don P]

Just my thought to set back. That it is a fantasy in revolvers. Maybe set back in a rifle chambered in 38spl but no way in revolvers.

 

[briandg]

I h ave literally hundreds of marked cases. They may have been marked to identify the load, they may have been marked for purely cosmetic reasons, to make them pretty.

I am rather inclined to think that they are marking special purpose rounds, much like paint on tips of military ammo.