24hourcampfire.com
24hourcampfire.com
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Hop To
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,057
W
wbyfan1 Offline OP
Campfire Regular
OP Offline
Campfire Regular
W
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,057
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

HR IC

Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 17,289
Campfire Ranger
Offline
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".

Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 8,423
F
Campfire Outfitter
Offline
Campfire Outfitter
F
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 8,423
softer than cci yes not sure about the rest

Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 10,258
Campfire Outfitter
Offline
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.
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,195
K
Campfire Tracker
Offline
Campfire Tracker
K
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,195
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.

IC B2


Moderated by  RickBin 

Link Copied to Clipboard
YB23

Who's Online Now
290 members (257 mag, 1lessdog, 12344mag, 300jimmy, 01Foreman400, 2UP, 28 invisible), 2,003 guests, and 948 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Forum Statistics
Forums81
Topics1,187,593
Posts18,397,953
Members73,815
Most Online11,491
Jul 7th, 2023


 







Fish & Game Departments | Solunar Tables | Mission Statement | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | DMCA
Hunting | Fishing | Camping | Backpacking | Reloading | Campfire Forums | Gear Shop
Copyright © 2000-2024 24hourcampfire.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by UBB.threadsâ„¢ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5
(Release build 20201027)
Responsive Width:

PHP: 7.3.33 Page Time: 0.120s Queries: 14 (0.003s) Memory: 0.8071 MB (Peak: 0.8517 MB) Data Comp: Zlib Server Time: 2024-03-28 10:55:59 UTC
Valid HTML 5 and Valid CSS