Very loose primer seating

[kawicrash]

I was just prepping some .223 cases, and when I was priming them, they all felt unusually loose and some seemed very loose.
I am using CCI 400 small rifle primers with an RCBS hand priming tool. The cases are WW Super, FC, and IVI.
My worry is leakage around the primer and possible damage to the bolt face. Am I over thinking it, or is there genuine cause for concern?

 

[Kelly Timoffee]

How many firings on your brass?

They could be expired.

 

[308BAR]

If I feel little or no resistance I usually just junking the case. FC brass are known to have looser primer pockets and after a few firings usually to loose retain a primer. If you can seat a primer without using a press then it's time to junk it IMO.

 

[snoopycda]

Had this happen with a 270 Weatherby after two reloads and Norma brass.
Have you chronographed your load to see if the velocity is what you expect it to be?
Using mixed brass and max loads can lead to trouble as well. I am suspecting overpressure here.
More information request.

 

[b72471]

You say VERY LOOSE primer pockets, and 223 brass. The brass is easy to come by so junk the loose ones and BUY new or 1X fired brass.
Enjoy.

 

[stubblejumper]

The usual cause is expanded primer pockets due to excessive pressure.

 

[legi0n]

to answer your question:
the primer comes out of the case no matter how tight but then the case recoils and pushes it back in
there's not much danger of damaging the bolt unless the primer is blanked or pierced (which I've done with CCI400 and stout loads of Varget and H322, now I'm using CCI450 instead)

 

[H4831]

How many firings on your brass?

They could be expired.

With primers that loose, they are expired and it doesn't matter if they have been fired once or twenty times.

 

[Cleftwynd]

With primers that loose, they are expired and it doesn't matter if they have been fired once or twenty times.

Wise advice from a wise man.

If it has been reloaded only once, it's time to reduce your powder charge.