Pressure signs in 22 BR???

[NorCalMikie]

Ran into a situation today that has me wondering. 22 BR with pierced and cratered primers.
Savage action, same primers and powder in a 6 BR with no problems.
5 out of 30 rounds had the primers pierced and they were cratered like a volcano with sharp edges that you could feel as you ran your finger across them.
This same action and firing pin assembly never had a problem in 6 BR till it was switched to 22 BR.
We're talking 30.0 to 32.0 grains of powder with a 55 to 62 grain bullets, jammed to .010.
I know each rifle has it's own likes and dislikes and I'am thinking it "doesn't" like these loads.
The primers wern't flattened but seem to be raised up in the primer pocket. Is this a sign of high pressure that I've never seen before? . I've never ran into anything exactly like it. Stiff bolt lift from swelled cases but the piercing has me baffled.
My plan is to start over at about 28.0 grains of powder and work up. I've only got about 30 rounds to pull so it could be worse. Any and all opinions appreciated. Thanks in advance, Mike.

 

[expiper]

If the primer is backing out ot the primer poket...there is too much headspace...culd be the savage bbl is too far foreward ..or during case forming the shoulder was pushed too far the rear...no matter which,or both) there is enuff fore and aft movement of the case to allow this to happen...and that usually results in a busted primer....Roger

 

[NorCalMikie]

Roger. The primers are still flush with the case head but appear to be raised around the firing pin. Classic pressure sign?
And the indent in the primer has a rough, sharp edge. When pierced, the primer is still flat.
I'am thinking excessive pressure but never seen it exactly like that.
The brass has been fire formed and neck sized to the chamber.
No headspace problem. A little on the snug side as far as headspace to keep the brass from growing. They will fit back in a Wilson Case Gauge. A little stiff bolt lift on some but the primer situation is something I've never seen.

 

[Bronsin]

I think your plan of going down on the charge is the right thing to do. Reading primers is hard to rely on, but since you already used this action with another barrel and had good results, you know what to expect from primer appearance with safe loads. The stiff bolt lift doesnt lie though. If your intent on using 55-62gr bullets with .010 jam, you might look to slower powders to get the results your after. I follow that route as well, because I believe it makes the load more consistent. I got tired of always chasing the load and seating depth, wearing out barrels trying to find "the load", then when I cleaned it, it would shoot different. Good Luck!

 

[fdshuster]

NorCalMikie: I've also had high pressure problems with my 22BR: Shilen 1-12, .251" neck, loaded round neck dia. .249". With 30 grs. VV133 & 53 gr. Sierra #1400 & 55 V-Max seated to touch and .010" jam: very hard bolt lift, primers badly flattened & cratered, brass from case head "wiped" on to bolt face. Groups were mediocre, not what you'd expect from a 22BR. Switched to 28.5 grs. H322, Sierra #1400 with a .020" jump, and all problems went away. Groups are averaging 3/4" 5 shots @ 200 yd. 22BR seems to be subject to pressure problems, maybe,?) more so than others that are similar?

 

[NorCalMikie]

Well guys, I was using AA2230 and after what I've seen with the loads that I was shooting, it's way too fast. I'll try my AA2460 and see what I get.
The same load in my 6BR didn't show any problems so it must be related to the 22 BR. And you "can" teach an old dog something new! Thanks for all your input. :thumb:

 

[brfun]

For what its worth i have had good luck with Benchmark in my 22BR with 52 Berger's. 29.7 grains and believe it or not Winchester primers and it shoots in the 2s with no pressure signs in my rifle.
Brian

 

[CIA]

Win 748 and 55 grain V-max has worked great for me. Already shot out one barrel that way and am working on the second. Do not remember the load but was close to max in the Nosler manual.
Gave me about 3700 FPS. No pucker no fun.

 

[NorCalMikie]

Took tomorrow off and am headed to the range. I'll find out just what's up.