Thanks Keith, on the package that I have it said to soak for 35 minutes , I let them soak for 1 1/2 hours. They were easy to go on my stuffing tube and to fill , but like everyone is hinting at they might be lower quality casings. But before steaming them I picked up and wiped them off , did not notice any holes, which now I see that , I should prick them some to let out the steam.I'm liking this as well... On your next run with the casings you have left... try letting them soak overnight... even two nights if ya can... change the water when you think of them in the fridge soaking ... I find this lets them stretch more when stuffing.. resulting in a larger diameter, thinner casing ...
The link above for casing handling is top notch ...
Thanks for the info
David