Need pics showing brass loaded too hot

[Glennster]

I'm about to start working up some hotter loads for my 308,Rem action) and my new Savage in 6.5 x284.
I'd like to see pictures showing loads that were too hot so I can better understand what to look for on the brass.
Pictures would be GREATLY appreciated.
I'd sure be interested in any other info related to tell tale signs of rounds that were loaded to hot.
THANKS!

 

[M700]

Check the front section of many different loading manuals. They often have photos of warm loaded brass, as well as a good discussion of the subject. There's a lot more to a good loading manual than simply a list of various handloads. I mention this because their close-up photos of brass are better than what I can accomplish.

Two really blatant high pressure signs showed up for me during a prone 600 yd rifle match a few years ago. On the recommendation of a really great shooter, I'd strayed from Varget for my .308 match loads. As the match went on, temps started climbing. By my third string of fire the bolt became very difficult to operate, and my point of impact on the target climbed.

Later, when I went to reload those cases, I found that the primers were seating way too easily, in some cases the brass would barely retain the primer. I ended up tossing quite a few pieces of nice Lapua brass away, but I learned a few good lessons about heat, handloads and pressure.

Hope this is helpful. Regards, Guy

 

[Exocet]

You might find a copy of "Handloading for Competition" by Glen Zediker. Loads of information and pictures dealing with loading, pressure sign, tools, etc. He writes from a Hi-power angle which, from the guns you list, may be of interest to you.

This tome of information is well worth the price.

Good shooting.

 

[Forum Boss]

Check out the June 29th Daily Bulletin:

http://accurateshooter.wordpress.com/2007/06/29/detecting-excessive-pressure-in-your-cases/

“These samples were from a lot of Federal soft-point hunting ammunition that were fired in a custom .308 with a chamber on the tight side,although still allowing a .308 Winchester ‘GO’ gauge). Among the pressure symptoms were heavy recoil, sticky bolt lift, and the left case had to be manually removed from the boltface. This demonstrates why: 1) you should never assume that all lots of factory ammo are the same,and safe); and 2) you should ALWAYS wear eye protection. This also shows how high pressure can spike once you approach maximum load levels.” Scotty noted that there was a big pressure difference between the left case and the right case, although both were from the same lot of ammo. So take heed–always take precautions when testing new ammo, even if it is factory-loaded.

 

[Glennster]

Great info!!!!
Thanks gentlemen!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Clark]

This is Lake City brass.
Three loads of the same load with increasing Copper fouling.

 

[Exocet]

HOLY COW!

That one on the right, I've never seen one that bad!

 

[Asa_Yam]

Exocet,

You haven't been shooting long, have you?

 

[Exocet]

Only about 25 years shooting, hunting, reloading.... Guess I'm not as brave as some. I've blown primers but never like that.

 

[rogn]

Maybe Exocet is just sufficiently conservative, or just has good sense. Not hanging around with wild eyed reloaders helps too.

 

[jb77]

In 1984 I was shooting at my range and a guy showed with a 7mm Rem. Mag and set up next to me on the Range. At his first shot I was amazed at the muzzle report and the concussion. I was shooting a 22 rimfire and knew that I wasn't going to be able to concentrate waiting for the cannon next to me to go off, so I started watching this guy shoot.

I could tell the bolt lift was getting hard but this guy was older than myself and I assumed he knew what he was doing. On his third string he blew the gun up, scared the crap out of me. I can only guess what it did to him.

The rangemaster and this guy were able to hammer the bolt open and get the back half of the cartridge out of the chamber it was every bit as bad as the cartridge in the photo.

I believe in careful load development but I never, ever knowingly push the envelope on pressures. You should be getting some clues to over pressure way before you ever blow a primer.

Instead of looking for pictures of brass that has been blown you should look for a picture of someone that has lost his eyes because a gun blew up in his face.

Like Tony StClaire says in the gin commercial on TV " everything in moderation, yea baby yea"