"Soft" Primers

[DLH_]

I'm currently working on some loads in a R-700, working towards maximums. I am noticing that the federal match grade primers I am using are much softer in comparison to the Remington 7 1/2's with the same load. Is this a common theme with federals? Are they giving false pressure signs?
Thanks,Josh

 

[dkhunt14]

Primers are not a good way to judge pressures. You should be measuring case expansion. Matt

 

[gotcha]

What your seeing is normal. Cup thickness for 205M is .0225" Rem 7 1/2 is .0250" ........ The Fed. 200 is even thinner at .019" I also use the Feds for powder work ups as they show warning signs sooner. Google; "Rifle primer chart" for more info...... Agree with dkhunt but have never seen excess case head expansion with Fed. 200's showing beginning stages of high pressure. Measure your case heads before and after firing and I think you'll find this to be true.

 

[GerryM]

Those firing pins are a bit over sized or should I say the hole in the bolt for the firing pin.
When using hot load use rem 7 1/2 or CCI br or magnum primers They have nice thick cup and don't flow back Like the standard ones.
The AR, s Like Tula 223 and mags are also thick along with wolf mags

 

[jonbearman]

If it starts blowing primers or the extrusion into the firing pin hole gets bad enough have gre tan bush the firing pin hole and turn the pin down and when you get it back it will be better than new. I had the same problem and sent it on a Friday and received it the next Thursday done perfectly. You only send the bolt to Gre-tan and Greg is a great guy.