Reloading problem

[petnyg]

After trying to switch to a different type of primer, I still have the same problem. Half of my reloads did not fire

I have a feeling it’s because I’m full-sizing them too hard, which creates excessive headspace, preventing the firing pin from hitting the primer deep enough.

It’s worth mentioning that the firing pin does leave a mark on the primer, and the same reload will fire if I try again.

I’ve attached a picture of my sizing die, where you can see the gap between the die and the shell holder.

Any suggestions on what might be wrong?

 

[geordiemacatac]

Just to rule out Id try a few factory rounds..maybe you've done that...rules out any problem with the rifle

 

[petnyg]

Yes, I have done that and no problem here.

 

[geordiemacatac]

Fire a few factory rds and then just neck size them and try that...Full length sizing usually just a quarter or half a turn more once the die touches the shell holder or adjust the die slowly untill you get enough neck tension..

 

[Will the chippy]

Put a single piece of sellotape over the head of the cartridge, wtge end where the primer sits. If you can still chamber and close the bolt, then you may well have excessive head space.

 

[C h r i s]

What brand and type of primers are you using for your reloads? Might be a harder cup than the factory loads. I'd check that your firing pin spring isn't clogged up with grease or oil and is slowing the pins forwards movement down.

 

[webley701]

Your photo doesn’t appear (for me at least).

If you are really sizing your cases so much that the firing pin is hardly touching the primer - then you have more basic problems than just misfires.

A full length sizing die, even if making hard contact on the shellholder may end up pushing the shoulder back on a case more than desirable but it shouldn’t be capable of pushing it back so much that the firing pin makes insufficient contact with the primer.

You don’t say what brand of primer you changed from or to. I know from recent experience that one brand of primer can be problematic due to primer height below the minimum coupled with a thicker than normal primer cup.

I’d advise sorting your re-sizing out first - or at least reconfirming it’s ok.

 

[Tikkat1x]

why have you got a gap between the die and shelholder? are you using callipers with a headspace gauge to measure headspace? you should know if there oversized or not,

 

[petnyg]

 

[C h r i s]

I'm afraid your images are not displaying.

 

[petnyg]

Can you see the picture now?

What brand and type of primers are you using for your reloads? Might be a harder cup than the factory loads. I'd check that your firing pin spring isn't clogged up with grease or oil and is slowing the pins forwards movement down.

I have tried white river and CCI primers - both with the same problem.

 

[petnyg]

why have you got a gap between the die and shelholder? are you using callipers with a headspace gauge to measure headspace? you should know if there oversized or not,

No, I am not using callipers.

 

[petnyg]

Hope you can see the picture now.

 

[petnyg]

Your photo doesn’t appear (for me at least).

If you are really sizing your cases so much that the firing pin is hardly touching the primer - then you have more basic problems than just misfires.

A full length sizing die, even if making hard contact on the shellholder may end up pushing the shoulder back on a case more than desirable but it shouldn’t be capable of pushing it back so much that the firing pin makes insufficient contact with the primer.

You don’t say what brand of primer you changed from or to. I know from recent experience that one brand of primer can be problematic due to primer height below the minimum coupled with a thicker than normal primer cup.

I’d advise sorting your re-sizing out first - or at least reconfirming it’s ok.

The pin is touching the primer, but not just enough. I can clearly see the mark of the pin in the primer and if I reload again with the same then it goes off.

 

[hendrix's rifle]

Get yourself a headspace gauge or improvise with a bigger empty case, it only needs to sit on the shoulders. Get a fired case and take a measurement. Bump it back 2-3thou and try that.

If it ain't that, take it to a smith to have a butchers over but if it shoots factory, it sounds like operator error over rifle fault

 

[C h r i s]

What rifle and calibre?

 

[Tikkat1x]

No, I am not using callipers.

so how are you measuring how much you have bumped your shoulders back

 

[Tikkat1x]

Get yourself a headspace gauge or improvise with a bigger empty case, it only needs to sit on the shoulders. Get a fired case and take a measurement. Bump it back 2-3thou and try that.

If it ain't that, take it to a smith to have a butchers over but if it shoots factory, it sounds like operator error over rifle fault

and this

 

[Tikkat1x]

No, I am not using callipers.

what are you usig to measure your cases with, and COAL, a tape measure

 

[petnyg]

What rifle and calibre?

Blaser R8 in caliber 8x68s