Mini 14 denting brass

[Holger Danske]

The wife has a new mini 14. It shoots well, but I noticed that the brass has dent on the side (some more than others), but I would not waant to reload these. I assume the extractor is denting the case. Is there anything I can do to adjust this weapon so I dont destroy all my brass? I'll find the camera and post a picture up later. Thanks Pete

[ben4372]

Brass that's not target brass can have a bit of a ding. I even loaded my G3 and Cetme . Those guns are mean to brass. Depending on your level of commitment. You can get bushing for the gas port. I've not done that. I've heard of people using 1911 buffers. Haven't done that either. I have filed the ejector on the gun I let the in-laws shoot. I don't remember how much. You can also soften the edge on the operating. It doesn't take much. My most recent one 580 series? actually says in the manual that it is normal and unavoidable. The ejector is what I would start with.

[dave29]

I have a Mini 30 that dents the brass. Shoots fine though.

[SA Friday]

Post a pic of the denting. More times than not, the denting isn't bad enough to stop the brass from being reloaded nor will it affect the accuracy of the reloads.

[cstone]

Some guns are just harder than others on brass. It is one of the reasons I keep steel .223 around for my Golani.

In comparison to many sporting, semi-autos, the AR seems to be downright gentle on brass.

[Holger Danske]

Here are the photos of one of the worst. You can see the dent in the side and the top of the casing is flattened on one side in a D shape. Some brass only have a light dent on the side (no damage to the neck), and some brass has no damage at all.

[spqrzilla]

I can't see the dent on the side well enough to decide if its creased enough to compromise the brass but it does not appear so. Typical of a semi-auto rifle really.

[SideShow Bob]

When you de-prime and size your brass the case mouth will straighten out, that little ding in the case side is no problem. Especially for plinking rounds.

[Holger Danske]

Thanks!

[jerrymrc]

I would have no problem loading that. Some rifles have a known pattern and the AR makes nice neat piles. AK in X39 will put a crease in the side of every one. AK in .223 throws the brass 30+' at your 5 and Fals normally dent the mouth but that can be fixed. Fal's can also have a timing issue that will just about rip the rim off. As said G3/Cetme is very hard on brass.