How loose is too loose with primer pockets

[Walker TR]

Did some searching could not find a good answer, shooting Lapua BR Brass small primer. It seems I am getting variation in the primer pockets when reloading after just a couple of reloads. Some still have some tension when repriming and some go in very easy (almost too easy). How loose is too loose?

 

[culater]

When it's too easy, but try a different primer to see their a difference in feel. Try a federal primer I think you be surprised.

 

[Walker TR]

Thanks I appreciate it....I do have some 205m's that I can try

 

[918v]

If you can pop the primer out with a spare decapping rod using only your hands, then it’s too loose.

 

[Kadams1563]

When they fall out ijnyour Reloading box and your leaking powder every where.

 

[flyright]

If a CCI BR 2 slides in easily - toss the brass. FGMM is .210 and BR 2's are .212. My .002...

 

[tcole75]

I’ve always wondered this now I know. I have Hornady brass on its 13 firing and the primer pockets are looser than the new brass I have but still has quite a bit of resistance going in

 

[TxWelder35]

Bump. Using Lapua 260 Rem brass LRP and BR2 Primers. 6th firing, brass has had some hot loads. Some primers are still tight some are getting loose. Loose enough that I can push them out by hand. Shot a couple with the loose primers and didn't get and blowback through the primer pocket onto the bolt face. Back side of the brass shows no leaking gas. Can I still run this brass or should I toss it?

 

[Dolomite_Supafly]

When pockets get too loose I start using Tula primers. They are slightly bigger and give your cases a little more life. They also give the best SD numbers for me and a few friends. Only downside is they tend to be harder because they are milspec.

 

[smoothy8500]

I have Hornady brass on its 13 firing and the primer pockets are looser than the new brass I have but still has quite a bit of resistance going in

Whhhhaaaat, 13? Everyone says Hornady brass is so soft it goes loose after the first firing.

 

[918v]

If a CCI BR 2 slides in easily - toss the brass. FGMM is .210 and BR 2's are .212. My .002...

My 210 and BR2 primers are both .211”

 

[TxWelder35]

So if my primers stay in and don't leak gas is there any harm in getting a couple more firings out of them?

 

[Steel head]

So if my primers stay in and don't leak gas is there any harm in getting a couple more firings out of them?

As long as they hold and don’t leak I run them.
You do have to keep an eye on them for leaks at that stage but Haven’t had leaks even on last firing when primers won’t stay in anymore.

My current batch of 260 cases just barely hold primers now.
I have a note on the case saying so to help me remember to keep an eye on them.

They almost wore out their second barrel.

 

[whatsupdoc]

Did some searching could not find a good answer, shooting Lapua BR Brass small primer. It seems I am getting variation in the primer pockets when reloading after just a couple of reloads. Some still have some tension when repriming and some go in very easy (almost too easy). How loose is too loose?

How hard are you pushing that BR?
I dont shoot a BR but my oldest batch of Lapua small primer 6.5 creed has 28 firings pushing a 140 at 2730 and the pockets are still tight.
Have another 6.5 rifle and its Lapua brass has 10 firings and my 6 creed Lapua brass also has 10 firings and no issue with the brass.

 

[Milo 2.5]

If a CCI 450 is loose, you hammered your brass too hard.

 

[natdscott]

If a CCI 450 is loose, you hammered your brass too hard.

Hell, Milo... just TAPE them in and keep shooting until the brass splits. It's fine. The tape will protect yer boltface and sear, ya pansy!

-Nate

 

[Milo 2.5]

Hell, Milo... just TAPE them in and keep shooting until the brass splits. It's fine. The tape will protect yer boltface and sear, ya pansy!

-Nate

I knew a guy that sealed them with fingernail polish.

 

[natdscott]

I knew a guy that sealed them with fingernail polish.

Well, I've sealed primers. But not because the pockets were loose!

I got a pin gauge, and I was doing that with my pockets for awhile, right after tumbling. Pin gauges are cheaper than the no-go by Unique, and have 2 ends. Being that it's brass, I doubt I'll ever wear out that Vermont.

 

[Dolomite_Supafly]

I used standard primers to load a single steel case a dozen times. I would drop the powder, seat the bullet then right before firing I would drop the primer into the pocket. It was a drop in fit. After firing the primer would fall right out.

I did it to prove someone wrong who said if you reloaded steel cases it would blow your gun up.

 

[magtech]

When you load up a few rounds and the primer goes in with almost 0 force. That's your first sign... When you take your loaded rounds off the table and put them in a case and see 1 or 2 primers on the table and powder all over where your packaged your rounds... They're definitely too loose, lol.

 

[sixtyfournmor]

If mine go in without any feeling at all I mark the case head with a red magic Marker, it's for me to throw away after the next shot and only for off the bench and/or busting rocks waaayyy out there.