Primers backing out?

[Heym SR20]

Hi,
Over the years I’ve read all the info available about the 303S.
Go to powders used to be Varget (Compressed load with some bullets) and more often H4895.
My supply of 4895 is gone, hence the trials.
I been using N135 but come to a dead end on that one.
Currently using CFE223 and think I’ve still theres a bit more I can do with this.
It’s a bit more potent than a 30-30.
Some ammo is designed to use compressed loads.
Pretty sure it’s not a headspace (Or stretched action) issue as previously (Pre REACH) I had no problems with reloads or the small amounts of factory ammo used.
KB.

Have a look at burn rate chart. Varget and H 4895 are quite a long way from N135.

You can check headspace quite easily by gluing a measuring thickness of some paper ( you might have to measure say 10 sheets at once and then divide by 10 to get an accurate reading), then cut one or two circles and glue onto a case head. Bolt shouldn’t lock up. Also Look at the saami specs for the cartridge and you will see max thickness of case head.

 

[kenbro]

Have a look at burn rate chart. Varget and H 4895 are quite a long way from N135.

Yes, trying what I have. As said, finished with 135 and now using CFE223, started at 39 grains and up to 42 now. Could be looking promising.
Thanks, KB.
Ps. Not the easiest bolt head to stick anything on, trying to avoid doing that.
If it was an issue the factory rounds would have had primers backing out?

 

[kenbro]

Are you happy with the accuracy Ken?
If so, does it matter about the primer?

Some from last week at 50 yds with the peep sight fitted.
Cheers, Ken.

 

[Heym SR20]

Yes, trying what I have. As said, finished with 135 and now using CFE223, started at 39 grains and up to 42 now. Could be looking promising.
Thanks, KB.
Ps. Not the easiest bolt head to stick anything on, trying to avoid doing that.
If it was an issue the factory rounds would have had primers backing out?

To be honest if primers are backing out a wee bit because the pressures are a bit low, I wouldn’t overly stress yourself. If the rifle functions and shoots well just use it. It will be an old rifle so treat it accordingly.

 

[Smellydog]

Some from last week at 50 yds with the peep sight fitted.
Cheers, Ken.

Good enough hey?

 

[deeangeo]

Don’t think it’s head space as factory ammo (None left) worked fine.
Some of the cases I’m using now are from factory ammo.
I have N135 and CFE223.

Could still be a headspace issue Ken - factory cartridges brass will be to SAAMI/CIP spec & not necessarily a great fit to your rifle's chamber. It's worth checking anyway.
Depends if you're re-sizing your fired brass to your own rifle's headspace
Cheers

 

[kenbro]

Are you happy with the accuracy Ken?
If so, does it matter about the primer?

I’ll use the chronograph next outing.
Thanks, Ken.

Could still be a headspace issue Ken - factory cartridges brass will be to SAAMI/CIP spec & not necessarily a great fit to your rifle's chamber. It's worth checking anyway.
Cheers

yep.
Factory brass is PPU.
Thanks, Ken.

 

[kenbro]

Today I tried a few loaded with 150 grain RN bullets and 37 and a bit more N135.
They were too long to fit the magazine (Couldn't seat bullets deep enough) but I was able to single load them.
Primers only backed out .0025.
Nowhere else to go with that powder so today I got a kilo of the next one faster, N133.
Start again now.

 

[Smellydog]

Sounds like your just does not like 135.

Has it happens I tried it in 222 when I went back to 222 after a long break and it was difficult to get it satisfactory unless I went over book. It didn't worry me but it was very inefficient charge weights just to get it to work!
I have it in stock for my 3030 but wish I had gone 130 or 133 first!
Keep us updated Ken

 

[25 Sharps]

Today I tried a few loaded with 150 grain RN bullets and 37 and a bit more N135.
They were too long to fit the magazine (Couldn't seat bullets deep enough) but I was able to single load them.
Primers only backed out .0025.
Nowhere else to go with that powder so today I got a kilo of the next one faster, N133.
Start again now.

I still think its a headspace issue, my first hornet used to do this all the time with factory or reloads.

 

[kenbro]

I still think it’s a headspace issue, my first hornet used to do this all the time with factory or reloads.

Hi,
There might be a bit of wear in there somewhere, after all, it is 124 years old.
Cheers, Ken.

 

[25 Sharps]

Hi,
There might be a bit of wear in there somewhere, after all, it is 124 years old.
Cheers, Ken.

Thinking about it I am getting the same in my recently purchased 30-30 lever action, even with the factory Hornady 150 gr white tail which runs hot at around 2200 ft-lb! on rimmed cartridges its not something that overly bothers me as long as its not too OTT!

 

[Smellydog]

You know where you both went wrong don't you.....?
You didn't buy a Winchester

 

[25 Sharps]

You know where you both went wrong don't you.....?
You didn't buy a Winchester

Possibly.

Sorted my lead free load for the marlin this evening though. 126.5 gr yew tree, okay, it’ll be a 2 shot but that’s fine for roe and munties

 

[Smellydog]

Possibly.

Sorted my lead free load for the marlin this evening though. 126.5 gr yew tree, okay, it’ll be a 2 shot but that’s fine for roe and munties View attachment 445034

That's fantastic and bloody quick for 3030. What powder is that?

 

[Liveonce]

That's fantastic and bloody quick for 3030. What powder is that?

it’s written on the picture Lovex DO73.5 using 35.8grains

 

[kenbro]

Sounds like your just does not like 135.

Has it happens I tried it in 222 when I went back to 222 after a long break and it was difficult to get it satisfactory unless I went over book. It didn't worry me but it was very inefficient charge weights just to get it to work!
I have it in stock for my 3030 but wish I had gone 130 or 133 first!
Keep us updated Ken

I’m using Foxyboys pet load of 19 grains N120 in 222 and it’s pretty accurate. Have experimented up to 19.6 and it appears ever so slightly more accurate. Is it worth using that new load? I don’t think so.
Since buying the N133 for the 303 I’ve loaded some tripple 2s up with the 133. According to Vhit it gives a bit more velocity, we will see on Thursday. Even if it is better velocity it may not be as accurate.
KB.

 

[Smellydog]

it’s written on the picture Lovex DO73.5 using 35.8grains

I thought a child had got hold of a pen...

 

[25 Sharps]

That's fantastic and bloody quick for 3030. What powder is that?

Lovex DO73.5 (same powder as AA2460), it’s a great powder, one of two that will get my 25-45 to 1700 ft-lb .

No pressure signs and it could be pushed quicker but accuracy was best at that speed and weight.

 

[25 Sharps]

I thought a child had got hold of a pen...

Yeah, handwriting isn’t my strong point