Brass Damage

[passtime]

Hello, I picked up a Ruger Max 9 a couple a three weeks ago. I have put around two hundred rounds through it. Runs like a well oiled machine. One issue though is I noticed the rim on the spent brass is getting gouged pretty bad (see image). It is sharp and deep enough to take a small chunk off my thumb nail. It is not on all the brass. Lets say four to five out of twenty rounds. It seems to be getting more prevalent as I put more rounds through it. I am guessing maybe the extractor is causing it. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions.

[georgehwbush]

hard to tell from the picture; possible burr on the extractor?

i would take it apart and see what i could see. also a thought you might try another "load" brand of ammo and see if it is consistent across the spectrum, it might just be a gun/ammo combo that don't play nice togather.

[passtime]

Thank you for the response. The firearm functions perfectly and I am happy with it. I hand load and little things like that nick can get under my skin if I let it. I may contact Ruger about it just to see what the have to say. All in all it is not a big deal. Thanks again.

[Jim Watson]

Mark ammo with an index line or just orient the head stamp so you can see where the cut is being formed, then look for a sharp edge there in the gun.

[Nathan]

I think you need to consider a couple things. First, Ruger’s basic opinion will be, “why are you handling your brass? Brass is a shoot and recycle component. Reloading is dangerous and voids our warranty.”

Second, a legitimate complaint about light brass damage is something reserved for ultra refined gunmaking that probably starts around $5000 per pistol.

[Ricklin]

Good idea marking an index line on the cartridge. Does the Ruger Max 9 have an ejector similar to 1911 pattern pistols? I am guessing the mark is caused by the ejector, perhaps a burr or the edge being sharp.

[passtime]

Thanks for the replies. I will post when I solve the issue.

[rmh3481]

It could be the rim thickness of that particular brass. I would try another brand and then compare.

[Mike Irwin]

Looks more like a dent to me, as opposed to a gouge, which is a cut.

My guess is that it's hitting somewhere on the ejection port or breech face when it's being ejected.

Also doesn't look that bad, actually. Wouldn't keep the case from being reloaded.

[mehavey]

Extractor edge slipping over/locking onto the rim upon chambering.
No particular issues beyond that from the pic.

Load ... and without firing ...eject several cartridges.
Is the mark there on any of them?

[Super Sneaky Steve]

It's a feature so you know how many times you've reloaded that brass.