Vertical lines etched into Mr. Bullet Feeder Powder Funnel?

[Fantom919]

Hello,

 

I've been using the Mr. Bullet Feeder Powder Funnel for 9mm on my 550 for a while now (30k rds) and noticed today there were little vertical lines etched into the side (Pictures below, click links for larger pictures).They seem to go into the powder funnel and not out. There are also a few lines going horizontal but I can't tell if those were there from the start or not.

 

These vertical lines also get etched into the brass after it gets pulled down from the powder funnel. I haven't had any issues so far with any rounds but it does seem odd and I'm contemplating ordering a new one or reaching out to see if they've seen this before.

 

I also have the same powder funnel in .40 and that one does not have any vertical lines although it has only been used for a few thousand rounds. 

 

Has anyone seen this? Any  insight or help would be appreciated. I'm stopping its use for the time being.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://ibb.co/XCGRjpC
https://ibb.co/gMBNQC4
https://ibb.co/JyJQFP7
https://ibb.co/Jp5PH0P

 

Thanks!

Edited October 12, 2019 by Fantom919

[microham]

Those lines appear to be a result of steel cases wearing on the steel funnel. Take a magnet and check the cases you are loading for steel plated brass cases. Xtream has been selling these as brass. Not sure why they would do so but they are trouble. 

[4n2t0]

It's hard to tell if it's galled or gouged but it's probably brass which has collected on the funnel. Try lightly polishing the funnel with a metal polish.

[Fantom919]

13 hours ago, microham said:

Those lines appear to be a result of steel cases wearing on the steel funnel. Take a magnet and check the cases you are loading for steel plated brass cases. Xtream has been selling these as brass. Not sure why they would do so but they are trouble. 

 

That's a good idea. I separate all of my brass by headstamp but a few can easily get through and into the mix. Thank you!

 

7 hours ago, 4n2t0 said:

It's hard to tell if it's galled or gouged but it's probably brass which has collected on the funnel. Try lightly polishing the funnel with a metal polish.

 

I'll give that a try and see what happens. Thanks for the suggestion!

[Dwbsig]

I’m sure you clean your brass but it looks like maybe some sand was on your brass or it’s Goulding but I’m with 4n2to on polishing it out some.

[shred]

Tape a magnet to your case feed tube if you suspect brass-plated steel cases (which are not all that rare in 9mm range brass).

 

[m700]

On 10/12/2019 at 9:39 PM, shred said:

Tape a magnet to your case feed tube if you suspect brass-plated steel cases (which are not all that rare in 9mm range brass).

 

Ammobot has a nice item for this.  But if OP is on 550 he may be hand feeding. I would get a large strong magnet and wave it over your brass before throwing it in your tumbler.

[Absocold]

Second (fourth?) using a magnet during brass sorting. If you get a really strong one, keep it away from any electronics. I prefer this as it's not too strong, does double duty as a pin separator, hasn't rusted and stray filings are easy to remove:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Frankford-Arsenal-Transfer-Stainless-Reloading/dp/B00HTN659G

[stick]

Looks like scratches caused by steel cases.

I use a magnet (Franklin Arsenal) to quickly run over my sorted brass. Xtreme is notorious for using brass covered steel cases.