Primer pockets

[Walt Krafft]

We have all experienced loose primer pockets, and know that high pressure loads will cause them. Would shooting two or three low to medium pressure rounds work harden the case so the primers would not loosen up with high pressure rounds?
As an example; should I use new brass for my 2 and 300 yard loads, and after that brass has been shot there several times, prep it and use it for 600 yards. Will the primer pockets last longer?

 

[Burnt Powder]

I doubt it, can’t say I’ve ever experimented with that in mind, but I really doubt it. The base of cases hasn’t been annealed anyway, just the necks.

 

[Sniper338]

Im no expert either, but Id just shoot and forget this rabbit hole. Find a good accuracy node and stick with it. No need to push a bullet faster and loose brass life. When you get loose pockets toss em. Good brass last decently.

 

[Bindi2]

All I can say on this is there is an old maybe very old guy in OZZ that worked in ballistics etc who advocates work hardening cases by 2 mild firings before using them for competition.

 

[Webster]

All I can say on this is there is an old maybe very old guy in OZZ that worked in ballistics etc who advocates work hardening cases by 2 mild firings before using them for competition.

I'm sure he didn't measure the hardness. It was his opinion.

 

[Bindi2]

He worked for the military they test just about every thing and some you don't think about or know. He was also a very competitive shooter.

 

[dgeesaman]

We have all experienced loose primer pockets, and know that high pressure loads will cause them. Would shooting two or three low to medium pressure rounds work harden the case so the primers would not loosen up with high pressure rounds?
As an example; should I use new brass for my 2 and 300 yard loads, and after that brass has been shot there several times, prep it and use it for 600 yards. Will the primer pockets last longer?

Yes I have heard of shooters using a mild load 2-3x before getting into a full load with intent of strengthening the brass.

Unless you’re shooting 22 Hornet, those 2-3 wasted shots cost more in consumables than the brass is worth.

So I say shoot as soon as you’re done fireforming.

David

 

[Webster]

I'm sure he didn't measure the hardness. It was his opinion.

I need to check what Tony Boyer does when he shoots 0.180" 25 shot aggregates.

 

[Webster]

Yes I have heard of shooters using a mild load 2-3x before getting into a full load with intent of strengthening the brass.

Unless you’re shooting 22 Hornet, those 2-3 wasted shots cost more in consumables than the brass is worth.

So I say shoot as soon as you’re done fireforming.

David

From what I have read shooting several times before comp shooting was for the case to best fit the chamber. With wildcats the shoulder doesn't shape properly with one shot?

 

[D-4297]

Two things determine the life of your primer pockets . The quality of the brass you select , and the strength of the load you use . Medium to moderate loads will make pockets last longer than maxi / mega loads . It really isn't rocket science . The more you increase the chamber pressure on your brass , the shorter the life-cycle of your primer pocket . That pressure will go somewhere , and pushing against the back of the case is one of the "somewhere" . Thus pushing against the "floor" ( case-web ) of the primer pocket .