The only problem I have ever encountered with reloads, or factory ammo, was with a Savage 99 in 308. It was in pretty rough shape when I got it. Nothing wrong internally, just lots of wear and tear on the outside. The fellow I got it from gave me some of his handloads. I took the rifle to the range and set up a target at 100 yards. When I fired the first round, everything seemed normal, but I could tell it was a hot load. When I opened the lever the only thing that came out was the case head. Total case head seperation. I would have thought I would have gotten a faceful of gas at the very least, but nothing unusual happened. The gun wasnt damaged and of course I didnt shoot anymore of his handloads. I have a lot more respect for the strength of the 99 since then, although I never hot rod any rifle.
