Primer Failure

[NZ_Fclass]

Some interesting theories.. but from experience... See my other post on a Savage that had slightly long head space.
I have yet to ascertain whether primer seating depth has any effect. I usually seat until "tight". I guess that some primers may be a bit short or pockets too deep, certainly some brass is too tight and takes an extra push to seat primers below the surface ( looking at you Starline Match 308). And some primers are oversize, Mister Putin.

BTW - I "mistakenly" loaded some new Lapua 308 with Federal AR Match primers last week, in brand new Lapua SP brass Shot a PB at 1000 in the weekend. I'll find some more!.

 

[BigGame]

Following up on a few more comments:

On possible excessive headspace, I didn’t measure the case afterwards but I did reload it and shot it soon after without issue.

On pin/spring comments, I do clean my bolt periodically and this one got a new spring a couple months ago. All in good working order.

I’ve continued to shoot from the same supply of primers and powder without further issue.

I remain convinced that the issue was simply a fluke dud (manufacturing) or contaminated (me) primer. I appreciate the comments