7mm-08 Pressure Signs

[Sqdqo]

I loaded both medium and heavy Varget loads from my Nosler manual for 7mm-08 with 120 grain hammer bullets.
I have a Howa 1500 7mm-08 and a REM 700 that I had re-barreled. Both loads through the Remington showed pressure signs - flat primers, bolt hard to lift, and a noticeable ring around the base of the cartridge case. The same loads through my Howa don’t have any pressure signs.
The re-barrel REM is recent and the first time I tried Varget through it. I measured the over all cartridge length for the REM with my Hornady OAL gauge and measured 2.97 which seems very long. My max mag length is 2.85. I think the person who did the work cut it too deep, I’m also thinking his reamer may have been worn allowing a slightly larger chamber?
Would this seem correct with the pressure signs I am seeing?

 

[Sqdqo]

I use Lapua brass by the way. All full length sized, trimmed, and primer pockets trued.

 

[dthomas]

If the reamer was worn then the chamber should be on the tight side.

 

[Phil McGrath]

The two rifles use different chambers even though they are both 7-08. #1. the Howa might have a longer freebore/leade than the Remington does. #2. Well used reamers get smaller and cut smaller amounts with use, not larger.

Just what was your load data? Medium and Heavy doesn't tell us anything....

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Nosler (online data I have seen) will list 3 charge weights min, max and one midway between. Probably what he is referencing. Nosler also tells you to use starting charge weights for non lead bullets. Since their only 120 gr offering is a ballistic tip(lead core). I would definitely start at the minimum charge weight for the Hammer bullets. Most solid copper bullets recommend "jumping" bullets often 0.050 or more off the lands, this will reduce pressure.

 

[Zero333]

Had same problem once the Lapua brass got tired due to hot loads that showed no pressure signs for the first 4 or 5 reloads.
Brass was shot only in that 308w barrel since new.

 

[Will Henry]

Every symptom you mention could easily be related to several possible flaws in the chambering job, coupled with the use of a Remington action with marginal primary extraction.
Very flat primers are often indicative of excessive headspace. Difficult extraction could be from poor surface finish in the chamber. Pronounced pressure ring could be from an oversized chamber due to poor set-up.
In other words, who knows? With out having a rifle in hand, it's all just guesswork. WH

 

[Sandstorm]

Hornady OAL gauge and measured 2.97 which seems very long. My max mag length is 2.85.

Your OAL gauge could be off .012 tho...and really would'nt make any difference any way.
What speeds where you shooting is my question.?
Ther's more questions here than answers...need more info Sir.