primer issue??

[naphcon]

I was shooting a 221 Fireball this weekend and had 3 rounds with smoked case heads.

when I de-primed the cases i noticed all 3 of the cases with smoked heads had little holes on the edge of the primer cups.

They are remington 7 1/2 small rifle bench rest primers

Thoughts?

do you think this is more a primer failure?

 

[naphcon]

I was shooting a 221 Fireball this weekend and had 3 rounds with smoked case heads.

when I de-primed the cases i noticed all 3 of the cases with smoked heads had little holes on the edge of the primer cups.

They are remington 7 1/2 small rifle bench rest primers

Thoughts?

do you think this is more a primer failure?

The load is 18.2 grains of H4198 and the bullet is 40 grains Nosler

 

[naphcon]

The load is 18.2 grains of H4198 and the bullet is 40 grains Nosler

 

[paulsonconstruction]

Just a wild guess, but could be a gas cut from loose primer pockets. I never seen that kind of damage before.

 

[stonecreek]

Your load is similar to one I use, so I don't think that pressure is your problem. I'd agree with Paulson that the primer pockets are oversized or otherwise defective. How many times have those cases been fired?

How recent are your primers? Remington has had quality control issues in the last couple of years. If your primers are less than about four years old there could be some problem with the cups, but I regard that as a distant possibility.

 

[naphcon]

they are Remington cases, originally factory loaded ammo that i reloaded

These cases dont have more than 5 rounds through them

Trying to work up a load, but the 18.2 was the hottest i put through them

The primers i bought at a gun show 7-8 years ago, not sure how long that guy had them

I have experienced a primer puncture but never something like this

 

[naphcon]

I bought some Lapua brass, so gonna try that and see how it does

I really like the 221 fireball cartridge, any load suggestions?

 

[kevinlg]

BAD primers!!!!......look at the boltface for the damage they cause. Been there......done that, as have many benchrest shooters.

The primer metallurgy is defective in your particular lot of primers.

Over the years, virtually all the primer makers have had bad batches/lots get out.

Throw the primer lot out.......or call Remington for replacements.

Hope this helps.