[Beretta]

Just had to shoot my new P3AT today..10 rounds UMC (too cold to shoot more) Each casing flew well in back of me..I noticed each one was deformed with a flat indentiation where slug was seated. This is on the same side as the ejector mark.
Any ideas? Normal with UMC? Casing pretty thin. Hope pic uploads

 

[flyandscuba]

Normal for both of my P-3ATs with all brands of ammo. I don't reload .380, so no concern for me. Not sure if there is anything you can do to stop the indentation.

 

[Bobby Lee CSA]

Mine often does the same....
But, as long as it ejects and loads the next round, i'm happy.

 

[gazpacho]

The P3AT is brutal on casings. This is typical, and nothing to worry about.

 

[Flyer]

Yep, you're fine!
Your fired case looks absolutely brand-new compared to some of MINE!!!
Flyer

 

[oldgranpa]

Still a mystery to me

Hey Flyer and all,

what is the cartridge case hitting when being ejected that causes the dent?? I see that in all spent brass from the P3AT.
Haven't figured it out yet. It apparently is not a problem as far as functioning goes. Just dented brass.

All brass is not created equal. I don't have access to a lab anymore to do a detailed analysis. But some is obviously softer than others based on examining the extractor dent on the rim. Some brands actually are torn somewhat.

Posted below (sideways, so it will fit the page, turn your neck!!) are some measurements on spent brass I've done.

In cold wintertime like this I need something to do besides look at the computer. So looking at brass fills some time.

og.......it's better than getting cabin fever. :roll:

 

[Flyer]

oldgranpa,
In most cases the cases are whacking the inside edge of the ejection port on the way out.
There's really nothing to do about it... rounding off the area is still gonna leave a dent. Guess we'll just have to live with 'em!
Flyer

 

[wildames]

The H&K P7 does the same thing to the brass. The P-3AT is in good company. :wink:

 

[flyandscuba]

Haven't seen that in my P7 -- yet. The cases do have marks around the case near the extractor slot -- where the chamber is fluted...but it is more like powder residue. I've heard that above standard pressure rounds actually "form" the brass into the chamber flutes, distorting the case. I haven't seen any of that with the Winchester value pack ammo I've shot through the P7 so far. We'll see what the Cor-bon Pow'Rball acts like when I shoot a few on the next range visit.