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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,065
Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,065 |
Hello all,
Been tinkering with my 257 Weatherby trying to find an optimum load for 115Gr bullets. I'm using Federal GM215M primers and have noticed that anytime I even get remotley close to Max, I get slight to moderate cratering around the firing pin strike. I find no other signs of pressure. I've reloaded many rounds in 220 Swift and 25-06 using Rem 9.5 and 9.5 Mag primers and have never seen cratering at or even slightly above max.
Are Federal 215's soft compared to other primers? I've shot plenty of Weatherby factory loads that supposedly use Fed 215 primers and have never had one crater on me and Weatherby factory loads are pretty hot.
What do you guy's think?
Thanks
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 17,289
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 17,289 |
I wouldn't sweat slight cratering (and I don't in my .300 win mag - it does it too) as long as .....
#1 You're not exceeding the max powder charge or max velocity using manufacturers current published load data.
It's probably of a sign of a sloppy firing pin/bolt and/or a soft primer cup moreso than a high pressure sign.
Another thing to look at - just for peace of mind - is how flat the primer edges get as you're working up towards max.
I'd go with #1 above any "traditional pressure signs".
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 8,423
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 8,423 |
softer than cci yes not sure about the rest
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 10,258
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 10,258 |
The same thing occured with my 257 Roy Rem SS SPS with Fed 215. I was considering having the firing pin hole sleeved or using an oversize firing pin but switched to Win LRM primers and had only a very slight amount of cratering with similar loads. The loads were not max. I think the Fed primers may be a little softer.
Ed
A person who asks a question is a fool for 5 minutes the person who never asks is a fool forever.
The worst slaves are those that put the chains on themselves.
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,197
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,197 |
I have had half a dozen or more 257's, custom and factory.
Cratered primers seem to be par for the course in this caliber, especially when you stomp on the gas.
I suspect that over size firning pin holes in the bolts are a culprit.
I never popped a primer in a 257 Weatherby, however it is prudent to always wear safety glasses when shooting.
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