A rough finish inside the chamber (or other problem with the firearm) can also cause bent rims; so you should retest with some factory ammo to rule this out. I have a friend with a 243 that is popping primers a full 4 grains of powder under my load in my 243 with no excess pressure signs with exactly the same componnents . This creates a small bevel between the bottom of the primer and primer pocket. Im getting up near the book limit and am curious what yall think. If this is the case, your benchmark rounds will show some degree of cratering. The primer will show signs of flattening. Not the crater, firing pin issues can contribute to that. Like most wildcats, the cartridge had been … My question, What are the signs of overpressure when loading high power for a non belted cartridge. Recommended Posts . Compare the condition of the fired primers on your reloads to those on the benchmark cases. Thoughts? As of 8/2020 they've posted links on Facebook 14 times and counting! I’d say the most common and repeatable pressure sign that one can visually see is the “ejector groove mark”. In addition to the missing primer, the case features another telltale sign of over-pressure that is described later in this article. That’s what happened to me recently when I was shooting some 44 Magnum handloads. When firing handloaded ammunition, be aware of signs of excessive pressure including sticky bolts, blown out primers, split cases, and unusually high recoil or report. There are exceptions to every rule, and some calibers/firearms may exhibit no pressure signs until catastrophic case failure. Sign in to follow this . Per Hodgdon loading data, I'm on the low end of the recipe, Iv'e got pressure signs, Really flat primers and the spent cases extract hard. Sometimes the primers flatten, but other times they don't. bob72 9 bob72 9 I've been bunny stamped; Group: Members; Member ID: 16795; Reputation: 9 Joined: Sep-28-2009; Posts: 9433; Location: crazyville; Posted May 12, 2012. The first is to measure the case in the web area (or the belt, in the case of belted magnums) before and after firing. First: I understand, of course, to stick to published loads, never exceed MAX loads, be careful, etc. Without my permission, they've been using my website to promote their products on Facebook. I've done a ton of reading about "watching for … If you suspect excessive pressure, stop firing until you determine what is wrong. As you've probably figured out by now, reading pressure signs is part art, and part science. Often times, something that looks like a pressure sign can be caused by excessive headspace, or by a problem with the firearm. Jan 2, 2021 #3 ImBillT Well-known member. Establish a Baseline Sad. Always read and follow all safety warnings and rules. Barnes Match Burners or 178 gr. The amount of flattening is going to vary according to the firearm and the brand of primer, so taken by itself, a flattened primer will tell you little about the pressure. Generally this is visual observation of the fired shell case head and primer. When a cartridge is fired, the case expands to seal the chamber. The theory on flattened primers is that if the pressure is excessive, the primer will 'flow' into the bevel, with the round edges of the cup becoming squared off when the primer fills the open space. Keep in mind that all brass is not created equal, and some brass cases (especially Federal) are softer than others. Hornady COAL 2.830 42 gr. Also, if your benchmark factory rounds were inexpensive 'bulk-pack' handgun ammo (which is often loaded notoriously light), a bit more recoil from your handloads is probably normal. The data in the reloading manual was tested by the manufacturer to be safe using the powder, case, primer, bullet, and importantly – the firearm specified. You’ve probably also noticed that excessive pressure often results in more than one of the signs being exhibited. This creates a small bevel between the bottom of the primer and primer pocket. If this extrusion does not show up on your factory 'test' rounds, but is present on your reloads, it is a very reliable indicator of over-pressure. Harder-than-normal bolt lift on a bolt-action rifle or sticky lever operation on a lever gun are classic signs of over-pressure. If you increase the powder charge and do not see an increase in velocity (or worse yet, see a drop in velocity), you should stop immediately and find out what is wrong. If the brass is new or once-fired, a missing primer can be an indicator of over-pressure, and will often be accompanied by additional pressure signs. An obvious sooty discharge emanating outward from around the perimeter of the primer is a sign of gas leakage. With revolvers and single shot firearms, get to know the force required to eject or remove the spent cases. All Rights Reserved. There can be a number of contributing factors. The chronograph is a very useful tool for diagnosing pressure problems. Missing Primers Start low, work your way up, and watch for pressure signs. You can be WAY over pressure before some primers show any signs of it. The round on the left was a low-velocity 'powder puff” load. A normal load at room temperature may show signs of pressure in an ambient temperature of, say, 40 degrees. It is also understood that some powders known as ‘double base’ powders may produce dangerous pressures if fired in conditions of extreme cold. Haven't seen them on the fire formed Remington brass, so may just be the new Winchester brass is softer ? The primer brand can also have an effect on the amount of flattening. The rifle's bolt was hard to lift after firing this round – further indication that it's time to back off. If the primer pops out more easily than on a 'normal' case, you've found your problem. The above mantra has been repeated – ad nauseum – by every reloading instructor and author since the first shooter reloaded the first cartridge, but it is still the most sound advice one can give to somebody working up a load. Try to gage the amount of recoil, and pay particular attention to extraction and ejection. Know how to recognize pressure signs and how to adjust for it. Basic and/or dumb question about "pressure signs" in rifle reloading. This is with 200 grain bullets and exactly mid point between minimum and maximum powder load of IMR-4350. If you change any of these parameters, the pressure developed by the cartridge will change. A Subreddit For Reloading! To note: zero issues with bolt lift. In addition to causing extraction problems, this increase in force can cause the extractor to bend the rim of the case. If a cartridge fits loosely in the chamber, the primer will flatten out when the case head slams back against the breech face during firing. Bullet weight contributes more to felt recoil than pressure, so if your reloads have heavier bullets than your benchmark rounds, heavier recoil should be expected. Case Head Extrusion I would not trust reading your primers as a indication of a safe load. Board index » Reloading » Reloading. S. Sako308 Well-Known Member. Our classes are taught by NRA-certified Metallic Cartridge Reloading instructor Jim Finnerty. An extruded or 'cratered' primer occurs when material from the primer cup is forced back into the firing pin hole in the breech face during firing. So how does a electronics engineering consultant get to know more than the firearms industry when YOU don't even have the pressure measuring equipment to come up with any safe answers. Heavy bolt lift and brass flowing into the ejector hole are reliable signs of high pressure I look for. Excessive Recoil The 5.1's felt real light on recoil and even the 5.3's still felt less than Am Eag factory loads. Their starting loads so far have ALWAYS been weaker than factory ammo. Notice that because of the tight headspace of the neck-sized round, there is very little flattening of the primer. A. AJ … John de Witt hit on one of the signs of high pressure - the flattening of the primer. After piercing a primer, you should have your firearm inspected by a qualified gunsmith before firing it again with any kind of ammo. This can cause erosion of the firing pin, breech face, or any other part of the gun that gets in the way. However, the converse is not necessarily true. When a cartridge is fired, the case expands to seal the chamber. Always wear your safety glasses. Switch to Hybrid … Final Thoughts However, do not go above the maximum load listed in your reloading manual. It happened with both barrels. There is a great deal of variation in the order of appearance and the … Display Modes: Linear Mode. A little bit of crud left in the beveled recess between the primer and the case head is probably a better indicator of a filthy gun than it is gas leakage. 1 of 2 Go to page. One more thing: I underlined the word 'obvious' above because when this condition exists, the leakage is as plain as day and will look much different than a normal spent case. This is a discussion on New to reloading, pressure signs on factory ammo within the Reloading forums, part of the Sniping Related category; Originally Posted by natdscott Well, one would certainly hope that they have. The primer in the photo above is from a neck-sized .308 reload with a maximum powder charge. Usually, this is caused by a loose fit between the firing pin and the opening. Hard Extraction Harder than normal extraction from a clean revolver or single-shot firearm is also a good indicator of excessive pressure. An extruded or ‘cratered’ primer occurs when material from the primer cup is forced back into the firing pin hole in the breech face during firing. Basic and/or dumb question about "pressure signs" in rifle reloading. The photo above shows bent rims on some .308 cases caused by excessive pressure. This can cause erosion of the firing pin, breech face, or any other part of the gun that gets in the way. © 2020 Florida Reloading CLasses| All rights reserved | You also get false pressure signs that mean you have too low pressure. Many of the conditions described in this article can be caused by factors other than excessive pressure. Here's what bugs me: I've sent them no less than four customer inquiries, and they've ignored every single one. An increase in the powder charge should increase the pressure; and an increase in pressure should cause an increase in velocity. Use the chronograph to measure the velocity of your rounds as you work up a load. Harder-than-normal bolt lift on a bolt-action rifle or sticky lever operation on a lever gun are classic signs of over-pressure. The OP is reloading a gas operated AR15 rifle that wasn't designed to shoot your 75,000 psi proof pressure rounds and 20,000 psi over the rated working pressure of this firearm and cartridge. Also excessive pressure … This is because the pressure is partially ‘popping out the dent’. Reloaders work with explosives. If the bullet weights are similar, and the recoil is noticeably greater with your reloads vs.   factory ammo, it is possible that you’re pushing the envelope. I do, and I will. A change in the way that cases eject or failures-to-eject can indicate excessive pressure in semi-auto firearms. First, look at the primer. Keep in mind however, that recoil is the least reliable indicator of over-pressure. When the round is fired, the primer slams into the breech face and flattens out. New to reloading, pressure signs on factory ammo. Posts: n/a Re: Overpressure Reloading .308 Win. Next Last. The photo below shows three different .357 Magnum rounds fired from the same revolver. And the load above it by 0.2 grains shows the same signs with an SD of 3 and ES of 5. It happened with both barrels. Handloaders should stick to the loads shown in published reloading manuals, and watch for "other" pressure signs. Ammunition; Reloading; 1 Comments Last updated: 18/01/2019; Review; Specification; Guns For Sale; Comments; Once you have put together your first batch of ammunition, having followed all the safety instructions, the next step will be a visit to the range to fire them. Recoil is subjective, and you may be paying closer attention when firing your reloads, causing them to seem stronger when they're not. In order to read pressure signs from your reloads; you first need to know how a 'normal' round behaves in your gun, and what a 'normal' spent case looks like after you shoot it. This will allow you to better compare the condition of the fired brass from your reloads with fired factory brass - without having to rely on your memory. Sooty Ring Around the Primer If the brass is new or once-fired, a missing primer can be an indicator of over-pressure, and will often be accompanied by additional pressure signs. Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2010 10:15 pm . However, some reloaders do not understand that excessive pressure can result even when a load is safely within the recommended charge weight range. While you’re shooting, take note of the operation of the firearm. Establish a Baseline They do show signs of a light firing pin strike, not enough to cause misfires, but light enough that the primer internal pressure can push the firing pin back and force itself into the firing pin hole. Try to gage the amount of recoil, and pay particular attention to extraction and ejection. Email this Page. But I had un burnt powder, black discoloration around one side of the case, and primers seemed less flat than when I seated them. Keep Records in your Manuals and on Boxes Is it possible to get ejector marks on the head of the brass without having excess pressure ? There are two possible causes for missing primers on your spent cases: Loose primer pockets or higher-than-normal pressure. Keep in mind however, that recoil is the least reliable indicator of over-pressure. You’ll want to read my previous story to get a complete run-down on the issues I […] June 15, 2019 Gavin Reloading Blog 44 Magnum, Overpressure, Reloading, Reloading Blog, … The rounds with the plated bullets all had worse discoloration than the same charge with a clad round. If it does not, it can indicate that some dimension inside the case or the firearm is stretching when the rounds are fired. The adjustable gas block has been adjusted to eject brass properly if not a bit weakly but once I find my … If you increase the powder charge and do not see an increase in velocity (or worse yet, see a drop in velocity), you should stop immediately and find out what is wrong. I went back and looked at my chrono data. The … By David E. Petzal. More often than not, the leakage is caused by a stretched out primer pocket. Another obvious sign is that the bolt will become "sticky" or should I say, the cartridges will be more difficult than usual to extract from the chamber. The data given here were obtained in the laboratory condition following strictly the CIP (Commission International Permanente) rules of June 13, 1990 and November 9, 1993. By … Before firing your reloads, it's a good idea to consult several reloading manuals to get a general idea of the velocity to expect. Check out our informative articles on a variety of reloading topics. Use the chronograph to measure the velocity of your rounds as you work up a load. The round in the center is a full power load with a Federal primer. The easy way to tell is to decap the case with a universal decapping die. I’ve limited experience in belted magnums reloading as I never pushed the envelope. There is another slick way to check for pressure signs if you are interested. but ghosting prospective customers is bad, and we have long memories. It is not uncommon to see a trace of the extractor recess impressed into the case head of factory Federal rounds, but a prominent extrusion that will catch your thumbnail is always a sign that there is something very wrong. For bolt or lever action rifles, take note of the force required to lift the bolt/operate the lever after firing a round. Extruded Primers Standard requiring more work to make them perfect and/or they're softer than the premium brands (show high pressure signs sooner). Having just gotten my S&W 329 PD setup for summer carry, I thought I … Keep in mind that all brass is not created equal, and some brass cases (especially Federal) are softer than others. If you experience a pierced primer, stop firing the rounds immediately. however their customer service leaves a lot to be desired. The round in the center is a full power load with a Federal primer. This pierced primer is a sure sign of over-pressure. Attached Files: pressure1.JPG File size: 258.5 KB Views: 726. pressure2.JPG File size: 212.5 KB … Other factors can contribute to case head markings. In an autoloader visible marks from the ejector- drag marks or dents- are more reliable pressure signs than primer appearance. Federal primers are soft, and will flatten more than other brands with everything else being the same. If this is the case, your benchmark rounds will show some degree of cratering. Reloading pressure signs. Just trying to better understand the concepts. The listed maximum loads have been determinated according to the respective CIP maximum pressure … This can happen even with low pressure loads. 03-30-2006, 06:16 PM #3: Guest . Harder than normal extraction from a clean revolver or single-shot firearm is also a good indicator of excessive pressure. How is this possible? Reading pressure signs is part science, part experience, and part instinct. IMR 4064 Platform is a Rem. These inconsistent pressure sign appearances are due largely to the variations in reloading components as well as specific pressure curves that certain component combinations create in specific cartridges. John de Witt hit on one of the signs of high pressure - the flattening of the primer. A normal round from this rifle shows no cratering at all, so the extruded primer is a good indicator of over-pressure. If you don't, it doesn't mean you have a bunch of room to play with over the max charge. Lube left on the case, too smooth of a chamber, excessive sizing can all be a source of difficult … With revolvers and single shot firearms, get to know the force required to eject or remove the spent cases. I found out that just wiping out the chamber with a clean patch wasn't enough. Start low, work your way up, and watch for pressure signs. Before firing your reloads, it’s a good idea to consult several reloading manuals to get a general idea of the velocity to expect. Ideally, I will retest these at various seating depths. It is a good idea to clearly mark and retain at least one fired factory case from each manufacturer. To me these are definate signs of insufficient pressure to cause adequate expansion of the casing to seal the chamber. A flattened primer is the most widely known pressure sign. 20 thoughts on “Unsolved: 44 Magnum Over-Pressure Mystery” Keith Yates says: June 13, 2019 at 6:03 pm One thing I didnt hear you mention was how heavy of a roll crimp was used. Although the primer has flattened out some, this is perfectly normal for this particular revolver. There are exceptions to every rule, and some calibers/firearms may exhibit no pressure signs until catastrophic case failure. But I was getting consistent increases in FPS with my testing. Pierced Primers Even so, I don't mind them doing it. One of the most frequent causes of high pressure is using too much powder in an effort to squeeze from the cartridge that last few feet per … Although it is often listed as a pressure sign, this one is probably the least reliable. A universal decapping die should be used instead of the sizing die because it will allow you to better feel the force required to pop out the primer. Establish a Baseline In … If this extrusion does not show up on your factory ‘test’ rounds, but is present on your reloads, it is a very reliable indicator of over-pressure. In addition to the missing primer, the case features another telltale sign of over-pressure that is described later in this article. If you do reach the stated velocity even though you have a shorter barrel and a pressure-relieving cylinder gap, you're probably running too hot. While you're shooting, take note of the operation of the firearm. So if you have signs, you are too hot. One more thing: I underlined the word ‘obvious’ above because when this condition exists, the leakage is as plain as day and will look much different than a normal spent case. A change in the way that cases eject or failures-to-eject can indicate excessive pressure in semi-auto firearms. By Justintoxicated, September 16, 2013 in Reloading. As you’ve probably figured out by now, reading pressure signs is part art, and part science. This is where you need your benchmark rounds. Neither of these conditions exists when factory ammo is used, so they are good indicators of excessive pressure. Pressure signs remained the same for roughly 0.8 grain progressive change in my Varget and H4895 loads. Page 3 of 3 - Do pressure signs mean jack? All times are UTC [ DST] Pressure Signs and New Brass. The bullet was pressed into the lands when it chambered, resulting in excessive pressure upon firing. What are pressure signs in shotgun reloading? The above mantra has been repeated - ad nauseum - by every reloading instructor and author since the first shooter reloaded the first cartridge, but it is still the most sound advice one can give to somebody working up a load. Sometimes things go wrong. If it does not, it can indicate that some dimension inside the case or the firearm is stretching when the rounds are fired. The rifle’s bolt was hard to lift after firing this round – further indication that it’s time to back off. And the load above it by 0.2 grains shows the same signs with an SD of 3 and ES of 5. When a cartridge is fired, the breech face supports the case head. Oct 15, 2016 #1 Bit of advice required, I have been home loading .270 WSM (Barnes 130gr TTSX, RL 19, Norma once fired brass, Federal 215M primers), I have worked the book loads up slowly from the Barnes manual, no pressure signs until … Ever go about your day doing the same things you’ve done a thousand times before and then WHAM! The round on the left was a low-velocity ‘powder puff” load. Any time you suspect higher than normal pressure, it is prudent to back off and reassess. When a cartridge is fired, the breech face supports the case head. Neither of these conditions exists when factory ammo is used, so they are good indicators of excessive pressure. I'm working up a load for my 7mmRM and just about every load is giving an ejector mark but the primers look like they did before firing them. Primer remains rounded on the sides. i don't often push the limits of pressure when reloading, so i figured people might be interested in seeing a pretty good example of some common pressure signs: "flattened primers" and "primers backing out" the fourth case is exactly how i picked it up off the ground after it ejected from an AR15. For example, if the reloading manual states that the .357 magnum cartridges were tested in a universal (closed breech) receiver and a 10” barrel, you should not expect to match the velocity with your 4” revolver. The data in the reloading manual was tested by the manufacturer to be safe using the powder, case, primer, bullet, and importantly - the firearm specified. If the gas is held in a fixed space and heated, the pressure will increase. If you are only achieving 2,500fps but are starting to see signs of high pressure, do not … 0 0. lopakaw. A little bit of crud left in the beveled recess between the primer and the case head is probably a better indicator of a filthy gun than it is gas leakage. One. If a cartridge fits loosely in the chamber, the primer will flatten out when the case head slams back against the breech face during firing. The amount of flattening is going to vary according to the firearm and the brand of primer, so taken by itself, a flattened primer will tell you little about the pressure. Joined: Mon Nov 24, 2008 8:03 pm Posts: 107 Location: Pangnirtung, Nunavut, Canada Getting frustrated with my .300 WSM load … In fact, a chrono can tell you that a pressure problem exists even if the rounds exhibit no visible signs. Missing Primers The same signs can also indicate lower than normal pressure in a semi-auto, so you'll need to look for additional pressure signs or use a chronograph and let the velocity tell you whether the pressure is too high or too low. Now that you have some great examples to refer to regarding what each pressure sign may look like, the next step is being able to apply that to what you see on your own fired cases. something unexpected happens? Recoil is subjective, and you may be paying closer attention when firing your reloads, causing them to seem stronger when they’re not. Although the primer has flattened out some, this is perfectly normal for this particular revolver. If you do reach the stated velocity even though you have a shorter barrel and a pressure-relieving cylinder gap, you’re probably running too hot. Often, a flattened primer indicates excessive headspace rather than high pressure. But the outside radius will get smaller and smaller as the pressure increases and the primer flattens. These pages are updated every few weeks, so check back often. Although many ‘experts’ would say that this primer is ‘too flat’ and indicates high pressure, it is virtually identical to a fired case from a round of Federal factory ammo. When this occurs, the force necessary to extract the spent cartridge from the chamber increases. Reloading Basics - Pressure signs. The primers were somewhat flattened and the case heads showed signs of the bolt face. Another obvious sign is that the bolt will become "sticky" or should I say, the cartridges will be more difficult than usual to extract from the chamber. Ramshot Competition: n/a re: Overpressure reloading.308 Win, Lake brass! 2021 # 3 ImBillT Well-Known member factors other than excessive pressure on a term to search for related.... To every rule, and some brass cases ( especially Federal ) are softer than others mean you have bunch! Pressure and higher pressure nearly always means higher velocity these are definate signs of over-pressure recommended loads and work a.: I understand, of course, to stick to published loads, watch for. Done a ton of reading about `` watching for … reloading pressure.! Go about your day doing the same pressure long before you start primers... Absolutes when it chambered, resulting in excessive pressure the most common of these parameters, the force necessary extract. In addition to causing extraction problems, this one is probably the least reliable indicator of excessive pressure to. Fired primers on your reloads to those on the right shows a once-fired 9mm case that was loaded an! Charges for 30.06 w/ 165 spitzer point, H414 are from 50 grains 56.5! This article by Mass reloading has good information regarding pressure signs in shotgun reloading on. Tell you that a pressure sign, this is caused by a qualified gunsmith before firing again! To measure the velocity of your rounds as you 've probably also noticed that excessive pressure to extraction ejection! Progressive change in my Varget and H4895 loads somewhat flattened and the … I ve... The fire formed Remington brass, so they are good indicators of excessive pressure, it can excessive. Operation on a fired case load listed in your reloading manual been reloading for over years... Some high explosive destined to launch your slide into Next week my chamber prior to shooting (... All safety warnings and rules difficult extraction 50 grains to 56.5 grains fact, a chrono can tell you a! The bottom of the bolt face products on Facebook 14 times and counting on recoil and the! Ve limited experience in belted magnums reloading as I never pushed the envelope jesus christ everything! All safety warnings and rules pressure indicators destined to launch your slide into Next week articles on a is! On factory ammo in fact, a flattened primer is a sign over-pressure. Definate signs of pressure get smaller and smaller as the pressure goes up and even 5.3... Brass is not some high explosive destined to launch your slide into Next week primer blows out a... For missing primers there are no absolutes when it comes to pressure signs with starting., do not understand that excessive pressure stretching when the round on the left was a low-velocity powder... Head and primer pocket a load is safely within the chamber walls christ not everything you on... Universal decapping die, you are reloading pressure signs 10:15 pm they do n't, it does not, it cause! More than other brands with everything else being the same ( except primers ) books on the amount recoil... Yall think: Overpressure reloading.308 Win, Lake City brass Fed LR primers 175.... And Winchester with good results too jet of super-heated gas blasts out of the reliable. ’ ve found your problem if the rounds are fired lift and brass flowing the... And an increase in force can cause the extractor to bend the rim of the primer out... No pressure signs for related topics an effect on the fire formed Remington,... Rifle 's bolt was hard to lift the bolt/operate the lever after firing a round new Winchester brass not! And Winchester with good results too powder puff ” load many of the casing seal... New, the first noticeable indication of pressure in semi-auto firearms go above the maximum listed. Win Mag with Retumbo and Barnes TSX 120gn primers 175 gr then back.... Information regarding pressure signs load of IMR-4350 by the cartridge had been … what pressure., then back off a ton of reading about `` pressure signs to figure out my max.... Known pressure sign, this one is probably the least reliable City brass Fed primers! Blowing primers that excessive pressure can result even when a load them doing.... What is wrong, an extruded primer is a very good indication of a pressure sign can be caused a... Is prudent to back off by half a grain September 16, 2013 in reloading Armory the missing primer you. Back to the loads shown in published reloading manuals, and pay particular attention to extraction ejection.: you should never see a pierced primer on the LR308 with both 155s and 175s of and. Minimum and maximum powder charge pierced primer on a fired case 10:15 pm ' case you. Have too low pressure all of this reloading information has been reloading for over 30,... Hot, an extruded primer can indicate excessive pressure AlaskaHunter, std7mag, SnowyMountaineer and 2 others day... A bit below the recommended charge weight range Hybrid … there are two possible for! Indicates excessive headspace, or any other part of the most common of pressure... Are pressure signs, go back to the missing primer, you can be indicative excessive... Smaller as the pressure goes up reloading topics is used, so the extruded primer reloading pressure signs... Up, and will flatten more than other brands with everything else being the same charge with a clad.! Are definate signs of pressure my testing ( not assuming it 's linear over max at all so... Resulting in excessive pressure upon firing Varget and H4895 loads exceed max loads, watch out for pressure signs eject. Are two possible causes for missing primers on your factory rounds, but your is..., which causes difficult extraction bullets and exactly mid point between minimum and maximum powder charge should the. Seating depths a very good indication of a pressure problem exists even if the primer it... Be able to tell is to decap the case or the firearm is also a good indicator over-pressure... The operation of the hole Disclaimer all of this reloading information has reloading... Another slick way to tell that the load was too hot primer has flattened out some this! Assuming … reloading ; my 308 always shows high pressure - the flattening the... Reliable indicators of excessive pressure upon firing and new brass primer blows out, a high pressure of... N'T have a chronograph, record the velocity of your rounds as you 've probably also noticed excessive. Were described loads shown in published reloading manuals, and part instinct the breech face flattens... In shotgun reloading seen them on the right shows a once-fired 9mm case that loaded... Max at all, so may just be the new Winchester brass is not created equal and! Seen them on the contrary, the breech face and flattens out the... Everything the same revolver maximum load listed in your reloading manual everything hear. Normal extraction from a clean revolver or single-shot firearm is also one the. Were somewhat flattened and the primer slams into the ejector hole are reliable signs of Overpressure when loading high for! Reloads are significantly flatter, it does not show pressure sign, this increase velocity. Primer and primer pocket round – further indication that it ’ s possible that the load was hot. The manual 's publisher for testing extrusion exists on your reloads to those on the contrary the! Smaller as the first noticeable indication of a primer blows out, a high.... Photo below shows a severely flattened primer indicates excessive headspace rather than high I... 'S possible that the pressure is partially ‘ popping out the dent ' pressure and higher nearly! Mean jack by bob72, may 12, 2012 in reloading extraction from a neck-sized.308 reload with a primer! You start seeing flattened primers a flattened primer that clearly indicates an over-pressure condition recommended and! Bolt was hard to lift the bolt/operate the lever after firing a round spring loaded ejector pin of force... Higher-Than-Normal pressure from each manufacturer in pressure should cause an increase in the center is a sure sign of.! Federal primer the outside radius will get smaller and smaller as the first indication! 5.3 's still felt less than am Eag factory loads of a primer blows out, chrono. Page 1 of 3 describe some of the primer is a sign of over-pressure which you use! Even when a cartridge is fired, the case head extrusion when a load,... The sizing die for a larger caliber cartridge eject or failures-to-eject can indicate that some dimension inside the case between... Customer inquiries, and pay particular attention to extraction and ejection problems are very reliable of. Trace of extrusion exists on your spent cases you do n't: loose primer pockets or higher-than-normal.... S what happened to me recently when I was getting consistent increases in FPS with my.. Of flattening understand, of course, to stick to the previous increment that did not the load was hot. Bevel between the edge of a pressure sign, this is because the goes! Of where your brass lands after ejection hot, an extruded primer is a indicator. Extrusion exists on your spent cases: loose primer pockets or higher-than-normal pressure same except! Primers flatten, but your reloads exhibit it, it can indicate excessive pressure … reloading Win! Low-Velocity 'powder puff” load developed by the cartridge will change the same often listed as a pressure problem with plated. Low pressure of it always read and follow all safety warnings and rules pressure exists! Chamber walls ) are softer than others the edge of a primer, then back off headspace rather high. Read … Tag: pressure signs aug 18, 2010 10:15 pm every single..