So what are you indicating is showing pressure? The primers or the marks on the case head? I only ask because the case marks are also on factory ammo. Lots of different replies in this thread to digest.That load being safe in hornadys gun doesnt mean its safe in yours. Id back it down if it were me
Pic 5 is 100% factory ammo. I made sure to separate them.Post #1
Picture #4 - 9 o'clock on the case head
Pic# 5 - 2 o'clock on the case head
I would try the load in unmarked brass and I would also check the bolt for sharp edges since something is shaving brass. A lot of brass splattered on the inside of that upper. I carried an M-16 for 20 years in the military and never saw that much brass in my weapon, even after hundreds of rounds fired. Perhaps I'm just behind the timesPic 5 is 100% factory ammo. I made sure to separate them.
The night before I took apart the bolt and extractor to clean it really good. There may have been oil on the bolt face. So that was part of my concern that I may have borked something cleaning the bolt. But the factory ammo definitely has the same marks.
Where are you seeing brass splattered in the pics?I would try the load in unmarked brass and I would also check the bolt for sharp edges since something is shaving brass. A lot of brass splattered on the inside of that upper. I carried an M-16 for 20 years in the military and never saw that much brass in my weapon, even after hundreds of rounds fired. Perhaps I'm just behind the times
I have seen Hornady factory ammo give ejector marks on more than one occasion. Both bolt and AR firearms. My best answer is soft brass and an undersized case so they will chamber in almost any size chamber.I'd look at the pictures (or actual case heads again) ... I'd be pretty confident that the ejector marks on the brass were not on the factory loads ... clear sign of excessive pressure
Maybe 400 rounds, But I clean it after every 30-40 rounds. Pretty much every range session.Going to throw this out at the wall, how many rounds on the rifle? By chance are we experiencing a carbon ring? I had similar issues once, even popped primers that did not before. Pushed a dry patch into the bore, felt the carbon ring. JB paste and Kroil took care of ring. Pressure sings went away. A part of my service regimen on my Service Rifles for competition is JB paste about 400-600 rounds of use. If I missed a round count or this thought already mentioned forgive me.
The first pic is in the action facing the chamber. It appears to be splattered with brassWhere are you seeing brass splattered in the pics?
Cleaning is one thing, I clean after every match of 50 -88 rounds. But that darn carbon ring will build up in front of the chamber and can cause pressure signs. JB bore paste and Kroil are part of my round count regimen of service. It won't hurt the rifle. You can feel it before and after. Just offering proven findings over years of XTC competition and what I have experienced. YMMV. If I were seeing signs where none were before I would do this.Maybe 400 rounds, But I clean it after every 30-40 rounds. Pretty much every range session.
Yeah, I used the JB when I broke in the barrel. I will give it a try.Cleaning is one thing, I clean after every match of 50 -88 rounds. But that darn carbon ring will build up in front of the chamber and can cause pressure signs. JB bore paste and Kroil are part of my round count regimen of service. It won't hurt the rifle. You can feel it before and after. Just offering proven findings over years of XTC competition and what I have experienced. YMMV. If I were seeing signs where none were before I would do this.
Good luck