A few loose primer pockets?

[6.5x47]

Over the years, I've never seen anything about this topic discussed.

When working up loads, some of us, invariably push the limits a skootch and we get a hard bolt lift, pierced primer, ejector marks, etc. Typically means the pressure ceiling was surpassed. The rifle held up, the brass is resusable, no body parts were lost.

When we go to reload the offended case, we notice when compared to the other cases, the primer pocket is a bit loose. If the pocket will still hold a primer, just not snugly, we continue to use the case; well maybe some of us. What, if any, does that one case have on the effect of consistency, when compared to the rest of the cases? Will it cause pressures to run high, low? Will it throw the shot out of the group? Anything else?

This inquiring mind would like to know.

6.5x47

 

[northern50]

Re: A few loose primer pockets?

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3252845&page=1

 

[6.5x47]

Re: A few loose primer pockets?

Thanks very much. Doesn't have much to answer my questions though.

6.5x47

 

[BuzzBoss915]

Re: A few loose primer pockets?

How about the advisability? Instead of wondering if a round with a loose primer pocket will spoil the group, you might be better served by discarding it before it causes operational problems. Tossing a bad case, (and that's what it is), is good practice and reusing it is false economy. Wondering about the "what ifs" is really a waste of time. Reloading is always a matter of attrition.

In my case, I start with 200 and by the third or forth cycle, I'm loading 185, some lost, some damaged in processing, a few might have a split neck or enlarged primer pocket. That's life. You want to shoot the best, not stuff that is barely salvageable.

If you do use the questionable stuuf, you are missing the essence of what handloading is all about; accuracy and secondarily, economy. But what you are asking, is beyond economy. Obviously. BB

 

[milo 2.0]

Re: A few loose primer pockets?

This is a good question, one I'm not sure of. But to me, if you see no gas leakage in the primer pocket, on the outside of the primer, it should have been ok.
I really don't want ot start seperating my brass because of pressure signs. I just go off how loose did it feel, if bad, chuck the case.
I know a guy, shoots a ton, will seal his loose primers with fingernail polish, he does just fine. I won't go that far.

 

[MTyotehunter]

Re: A few loose primer pockets?

from my experience as long as it will hold the primer it wont change a thing, and if you start leaking around the primer you will know it!

ps. in finding the max for a load in a particular case I like to measure the expansion just ahead of the rim. Keeps me from ruining a bunch of expensive cases

 

[6.5x47]

Re: A few loose primer pockets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MTyotehunter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">from my experience as long as it will hold the primer it wont change a thing, and if you start leaking around the primer you will know it!

ps. in finding the max for a load in a particular case I like to measure the expansion just ahead of the rim. Keeps me from ruining a bunch of expensive cases </div></div>

I too like to measure CHE.

6.5x47