I have a new CA BA Tactical in 6.5 Creedmoor. I am getting cratering on the primers- not too bad but you can drag a fingernail over the spent primer and it will catch on the cratering. Also swiping of the cases and light scratches from the ejector. I am seeing this even with what I consider fairly mild loads. Is this common with Christensen Arms?
I am loading H4350, Lapua brass (full length sized), CCI 450s, Berger Hybrid, 140 gn, seated 0.030 off lands.
Max load in Hornady manual is 41.5 grns. I have used this in my Tikka T3x TAC with no signs of pressure. I tried this with the CA and had cratered primer and case gouges (light) from the ejector so backed off. I recently did a ladder test with the CA. I went from 40.2 gr to 41.0 in 0.2 steps. I also backed off length to 0.050 off lands. At ALL POWDER STEPS I had cratering (but primers still rounded at the edges) and marks on the base of the cases (not hard bolt lift). I can't believe that 1 1/2 grains below recommended max and seated that far off lands could cause excessive pressure so i am inclined to think CAs crater small rifle primers. Has anyone else seen this with a CA?
I am loading H4350, Lapua brass (full length sized), CCI 450s, Berger Hybrid, 140 gn, seated 0.030 off lands.
Max load in Hornady manual is 41.5 grns. I have used this in my Tikka T3x TAC with no signs of pressure. I tried this with the CA and had cratered primer and case gouges (light) from the ejector so backed off. I recently did a ladder test with the CA. I went from 40.2 gr to 41.0 in 0.2 steps. I also backed off length to 0.050 off lands. At ALL POWDER STEPS I had cratering (but primers still rounded at the edges) and marks on the base of the cases (not hard bolt lift). I can't believe that 1 1/2 grains below recommended max and seated that far off lands could cause excessive pressure so i am inclined to think CAs crater small rifle primers. Has anyone else seen this with a CA?
