Re: Overpressure signs on 50 rounds. Rifle Damaged???
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Grounds Keeper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Could have been a multiplicity of things in the loads he makes versus how you do it. However the first one that comes to mind is that if the brass he was/is using has a lower capacity then what you use, such would definitely affect pressure. Checking that's pretty easy. I'm assuming here that you both use the same brand of brass, manufactured more or less about the same time.
Other causes which come to mind as playing a role in this include neck tension, as well as whether or not he turns the necks on the cases he uses. Inside, outside, or both.
Also, different lots of powders of the exact same make can perform differently. Both powder straight from the factory, & or because it was stored differently. Plus a laundry list of other things.
All of that said, odds are the rifle is fine, but if you're truly concerned, have someone real sharp take a look at it. Doing so likely wont turn up anything given your descriptions, but if it gives you peace of mind, that's a big thing.
If you go that route, I'm sure it'd be educational for, & appreciated by many to hear what sort of things the smith/metalurgist did to check the weapon's integrity. Plus, were it me, I'd take along a handful of the fired cases in question, as well as some of those from your private stock. So that he might compare the two.
Any chance you happened to chrony both loads? Or in lieu of that, did your point of impact change much between your loads & his? If so, then it's easy to tell if something's amiss with regards to the 2 different loads.
Ah, & please forgive me if I'm going over stuff which you've already ruled out, or that you learned a long time back. Not everyone on here of course, has the same levels of knowledge when it comes to reloading. </div></div>
To tell you the truth, I've learned a lot from this post.
The loads in question are a few years old and mine were made last week. The brass is different brands. Neither of us turn our necks. He didn't specify what primers were used. Given these discrepancies alone I'm just gonna call it good. As far as a chronograph goes, I don't have one but my brother does so I'll borrow it next time out.
I also noticed after looking at one of the rounds in question that was unfired that the primers don't appear to be seated all the way in. They're pretty much flush but I believe they should actually be a little deeper than flush IIRC.
After reading all of the great responses here I think everything is OK. Thanks to all who participated!
John