Marking cases

[WVneighbor]

Is there any downside to using a sharpie to put a line, or an X or a circle on the base of a cartridge?

For example, I loaded 3 different test groups of 9mm ammo. I put a line across the base of the cartridge for 6.5 grn of Unique, an X (or + depending on the orientation) for 6.7 and circle for 7.0 so I can check the cases after firing for any signs of stress. All were loaded with 115grn FMJ round nose.

Good idea? Bad idea? Are there better ways?

This is my first batch of handloads and I want to find a loading that isn't too hot, but still gives "range quality" performance and reliability.

[Svickstc]

No downside that i can think of and know a couple people who use this process for tracking loads...or quickly identifying types of ammo in loose ammo boxes by brand X say is remmington / is WWB etc etc

[knight0334]

I've been doing it since I started loading when I was 12 or 13 years old. I've yet to experience and issue due to marking a case with a "Sharpie".

I do it so I can distinguish different cases when comparing affects from pressures/loads.

[WVneighbor]

Thanks guys, I figured there wouldn't be any problems, but I'm new to this and wanted to make sure I wouldn't accidentally disrupt the space/time continuum by marking the bases of my cases.

[Tomcat088]

Thanks guys, I figured there wouldn't be any problems, but I'm new to this and wanted to make sure I wouldn't accidentally disrupt the space/time continuum by marking the bases of my cases.

LOL, that's funny, and nice. Naw, I do this just like some of the others. No problem at all, and a good way to be able to keep brass separated from other loads, and be able to go back and look at brass for pressure signs, etc.

[Her9852]

I do the excact same thing with the cases .
It helps ,if you use a red magic marker it will paste over the breach and firing pin .

I only do ten at a time then get my data correct .
Be safe .

[West Chester]

Keep a notebook with you at the range and take notes as you shoot about pressure, accuracy, recoil, etc

[Nate7667]

I run a blue marker around the inside of the rim on all of my sub-sonic rifle cases.
The reason is because i have the flash holes drilled out. Using a full power charge with the drilled out hole is bad juju.

[Iron Sights]

I mark the bottom of the case, not the primer area, so that I can keep track of my cases from the other range brass. I can then keep track of how many times they have been reloaded. I still pick up the other brass and reload it one or two times. Of course all cases should be inspected.

[jmiro]

I am starting to mark mine to deter my brass theif friend. Not you dan.