Primer pocket size?

[Ryan500]

Quick one here, I'm using Lee FL dies for my 7.62x54r. When I run the decapping pin in should the end of the expander be pushing the back (inside) of the primer pocket back into shape or should it not touch at all?

Hope that makes sense. The reason I ask is that my primer pockets are getting deeper each time I load. It's all PRVI brass and some it shot 5 times, the pockets are still tight and will work but just want to see if maybe I have my die set wrong (not deep enough).

Thanks, Ryan.

 

[warrenb]

I do not believe the expander should be bottoming out in the case, if that is your question. At least I have not heard that technique described in any of my reloading manuals.
It would surely interfere with your dies depth of stroke. Raise the decap pin a smidgeon.

 

[Boomer]

Ryan, the web of the case does not flex on firing, why do you think your primer pockets are getting deeper? This makes me wonder if you are not seating the new primer too hard, causing it to flatten under the pressure of the seater. While the primer should not be seated so high that it will cause the cartridge to rock when placed on a hard flat surface, neither should it be seated so deeply that it changes shape.

If you set the decapping rod long enough to contact the bottom of the case, you will eventually bend it. Adjust the length of the decapper so that it will just knock out the primer every time, but deep enough that you don't have to run the case back and forth to clear the spent primer.

 

[acrashb]

When I run the decapping pin in should the end of the expander be pushing the back (inside) of the primer pocket back into shape or should it not touch at all?

Not touch at all. If it does, you'll bend the rod.

The primer pocket should not get deeper. At most, if you're using heavy loads, it might get wider.

 

[Ryan500]

hmm... will have to keep a closer eye on them, will measure as i load a few more times. Maybe i'm imagining things. Will use minimum pressure to seat primers too.