Is my gun really so sweet?

[rangeryo]

So I shot some of my first ladder tests over the weekend, loaded in .5 gr increments from start to max loads listed by powder manufacturers, and sometimes beyond. My issue, is with recognizing over pressure. Most people suggest to look for primer cratering and flattened primers, but all of my primers are cratered and flat. The next in line was measuring case head diameter (1/4" above grove) but I've noticed no variation there either. I am seating the bullets long, to a 2.850 COAL (with 155 scenars) which equates to a .100" jump in my long throated Remington action and barrel combination. I would imagine that this would decrease pressures slightly, but I would think that at some point I would have found some sort of definitive pressure signs. My 8202XBR loads measured up to 3064 fps out of my 24" factory tube, which seems kindof high to me (I am a novice though).

So the question, am I just that lucky, or am I missing something?

p.s. All loads were hornady brass, Federal 210 primers.

Image shows start charge (green primer) all the way up through max/max+ charges (purple lined caseheads)

 

[InkedIan]

I go with kind of a three strike rule. I usually look for flat and/or cratered primers, ejector markings, or heavy/sticky bolt. If I have 3 of these 4 things or if one of these things are dramatic i've gone too far. It's not a rule just how I do it and haven't had any problems with my method.

 

[flashhole]

Those primers are nowhere near flattened. They still have a nice radius on the cup edges.

 

[scotharr]

Actually the primers are cratered, as evidenced by the raised ridges around the firing pin indent. Cratering alone is not a sure sign of excessive pressure since many factory actions exhibit this with normal loads. Custom actions almost never crater primers unless there is excessive pressure. As mentioned above, ejector marks and stiff bolt lift are sure signs of excess pressure. Accuracy tends to degrade as pressure gets excessive. There are other signs but a lot of it comes down to knowing what "normal" looks like with your particular rifle. The other big indicator of pressure is velocity. Find out what the normal velocity range is for your barrel length and COAL. If you are way above these numbers, probably running a very hot load. Another definitive sign of excess pressure is how long your primer pockets stay tight. 4 or less reloads = very hot load, 8-12 reloads = full-pressure load, 13+ = less than full charge.

 

[rangeryo]

Thanks for the input guys. Scot, I never noticed the primer cratering with the factory firing pin. After switching to a Tubb Aluminum pin, everything has the cratering going on. Any case, I'm not doing too much more development, since the rifles getting ready to pick up a new custom bbl and action truing. I was just surprised that I got those 155's up to 3064 fps with no pressure signs.

 

[PBRACEGUNS]

My 700 .308 varmint rifle does the exact same thing with Federal Primers. I have been told Federal cups are softer to be reliable with light firing pin strikes> With Winchester and CCI primers my rifle doesn't do this at all until i get to max or a little above loads. The Federals do it with starting loads.

 

[rangeryo]

My 700 .308 varmint rifle does the exact same thing with Federal Primers. I have been told Federal cups are softer to be reliable with light firing pin strikes> With Winchester and CCI primers my rifle doesn't do this at all until i get to max or a little above loads. The Federals do it with starting loads.

Good to know. I've been keeping a lookout for some CCI primers, but haven't found them in stock yet.

Thankfully, I'm not seeing any issues running the Fed 210 primers so far (of course im only shooting 200yd). One of the loads right off of 6mmbr got me to 1/2 MOA at 200yds out of my factory bbl and action, so I'm just going to shoot that for now.

 

[918v]

I think you are the luckiest guy ever.

 

[colt933]

I am envious of your velocity. I get 2950 out of a Steyr SBS Tactical, 155 Palma, 47.0gr Varget, CCI 200, but I do use moly and the rifle is a laser for 2-300 rounds before needing cleaning.

 

[punkwood2k]

I was just surprised that I got those 155's up to 3064 fps with no pressure signs.

I can push 150gr bullets to 3125+ with my 26" barrel Remington, and barely start showing extractor marks.. So I would say youre still in the green zone.. Accuracy SUCKS for me at that velocity though, but it is possible..

 

[918v]

I take back what I said.

You, punkwood2k, are the luckiest guy ever.

 

[oldfatguy]

I have 3 Rem 700s, one 223 SPS-T, 308 LTR, & 308 5R. Every primer fired in those rifles looks exactly like yours. Simple case of Remmy FP clearance, completely normal.

OFG

 

[rangeryo]

I take back what I said.

You, punkwood2k, are the luckiest guy ever.

I was going to say, I can't possibly be the luckiest guy ever. Just in the past week, I've had a bank account frozen, which happened to have ALL of my money in it, due to my fiance losing the card that went with my normal account. I've dropped and shattered my cell phone, had two tires blow out on my car, at the SAME time ($200/each), and also dropped the only other source of money (credit card) into a drainage grate in a walmart parking lot.

I guess I do still have a $450 barreled action that will sling 155 scenars over 3000 fps though...

 

[Tactical]

8202 is a powder that gives very high velocities but I believe it causes more erosion and is really dirty requiring less rounds between cleaning.

A couple of F TR Top Competitors used it for a short time but went back to Varget for long barrels and H4895 for short barrels with 155s.

I personally run H4895 and VV n540 with my 155 Scenars and get 2950 with low spread numbers, great groups and its a lot cleaner

 

[jsthntn247]

Pm Rick Stewart on here, he is the 8208 guru around these parts. I believe he sprinkles it on his cheero's.