Scratches near 45 ACP case mouth from feeding

I've got a new 1911 pistol and was checking to make sure my dummy rounds would feed before I load a bunch up. In the process, when ejecting the rounds, I noticed some horizontal scratches on the outside of the brass, near the case mouth (and perpendicular to it). These cases did not have these scratches (or smiles, sort of?) before loading. Appears to happen regardless of using slide release or by pulling the slide back and letting it close home.

Any idea what they are? I've not seen these from any of my other guns.

Looks like sharp edges on barrel feed ramp. I had one pistol I had to slightly round/smooth feed ramp. Sharp edges were on side. I just did a tiny bit of polishing to solve my problem. Your problem might be different. Try another magazine first.

Suggest mark cases so orientation going into chamber is known before cycling. Then can be sure whether scratches/dings are top, bottom or side.

Olde Pilot wrote:Suggest mark cases so orientation going into chamber is known before cycling. Then can be sure whether scratches/dings are top, bottom or side.

Already did so, these are on the bottom center.

Is the top of the barrel ramp sharp?

Feel along the ramp. Change the COL (shorter/longer) to see if the feed angle change solves the issue.

I'm not a gunsmith, but can offer two other things to check...
1) are the tips of the bullets on those dummy rounds damaged 180 degrees from the "crease" in the case?  If so check the top of the chamber for roughness that could cause stalling
2) take the slide off and check how the round slips under the extractor.  if it is "stalling" due to the shape of the extractor or too much tension then the round is having to pivot around the top of the barrel ramp to slip under the extractor

LenV wrote:Looks like sharp edges on barrel feed ramp. I had one pistol I had to slightly round/smooth feed ramp. Sharp edges were on side. I just did a tiny bit of polishing to solve my problem. Your problem might be different. Try another magazine first.

Tried different types of magazines, and the mark remains, though it moves about depending on which mag and follower is used.

Have tried different OALs on bullets, haven't found a 100% sweet spot.

How did you go about the polishing? I understand not wanting to alter the geometry.

Any idea how this happens on a new gun?

Mine was a new pistol. I polished the entire feed ramp. Bottom was very sharp too. I used the polishing stone on my dremel tool. Stone is very soft. Mine was a Kimber.

Transition from barrel ramp to chamber needs rolled over or radiused to alleviate the dents in the cases. Cratex  tip in a Dremel is easy fix.
Jon

^^^^^^^
He’s a bullseye smith you should know!

Jon Eulette wrote:Transition from barrel ramp to chamber needs rolled over or radiused to alleviate the dents in the cases. Cratex  tip in a Dremel is easy fix.
Jon

Thanks, I'll look into this solution.

Is it possible that this sharp edge (which doesn't feel sharp to my finger?) could also induce feeding problems?

That dent is the result of a feeding problem lol. 
Jon

Jon Eulette wrote:That dent is the result of a feeding problem lol. 
Jon

Thanks, I thought so too. 

It's amazing that you spend 5K and this is what you get.

I suggest two additional steps that should allow to confirm when and where case gets marked with this line.

1. insert dummy round by hand without using magazine, and then drop slide.  Remove round by extracting and ejecting and inspect.

2. same thing but extract round very slowly so it doesn't hit ejection port.  Inspect round.

Also, I suggest checking chamber to see if there are any obstructions in the area where case gets marked - feeling it with toothpick might provide additional clues.

AP

One other step you can take. If that is not your only 1911 you could swap barrels in about 30 secs. Well, ok a couple of minutes if you don't do it a lot. Then test again. Instant answer if it is the barrel. Then swap back.

Disclaimer, I'm not a gunsmith but I did stay at a Holiday Inn once.

Joe Morgan wrote:

Jon Eulette wrote:That dent is the result of a feeding problem lol. 
Jon

Thanks, I thought so too. 

It's amazing that you spend 5K and this is what you get.

Yikes! 5k should feed like butter!
Jon

5k you contact the maker imho

Pretty good bet you've had some 3 point jams

For 5k with a loaded chamber indicator notch in the barrel hood and the torx screw in the grip I'm gonna guess it's a Cabot, Nighthawk or Ed Brown. Care to share the model info.

Well, that pistol is pretty special. One of a thousand #0188. However it is a Kimber Target Match. It cost a lot less then 5k. That is my barrel and frame in the picture.
Len

zanemoseley wrote:For 5k with a loaded chamber indicator notch in the barrel hood and the torx screw in the grip I'm gonna guess it's a Cabot, Nighthawk or Ed Brown. Care to share the model info.

One of the forum sponsors, sad to say. I can't believe a new gun leaves the shop like this for the price and is already in need of rework.

jglenn21 wrote:Pretty good bet you've had some 3 point jams

Yes, I have. Apparently, they are my fault due to incorrect reloading practices. After following the vendors instructions to remedy, I still have issues, which I guess are my fault, too.

LenV wrote:Disclaimer, I'm not a gunsmith but I did stay at a Holiday Inn once.

  That, was a funny commercial Len.
Stan