Hey guys. Took my brand new 300 win mag out to the range and put some factory ammo through it to get her warmed up. Then I put some hand loads and I can swear that a few i would hear the click then split second later the bang. Hangfire? Its 56 grains of imr 4064 pushing a 150 grain bt-fmj. Right out of the hornady manual. I am NOT using magnum primers just large rifle, because i read it was not needed for loads under 75 grains. Is that the problem? Most of the rounds went fine but there was about 3 that did this. Thanks guys
help!! hangfire?
- Thread starter Loganator
- Start date
- Location
- West Quebec
What does the load manual ask for Magnum primers?
- Location
- Central AB
A couple things to try would be to make sure you have a decent crimp, to ensure a quick pressure build. Or to seat the bullet out farther, closer to the lands.
Is the powder older? If it's been exposed to air (aka left in a powder measure) enough of the solvent will evaporate o cause temperamental ignition.
Of course you can always go to mag primers if all else fails, but I agree, you shouldn't really need them.
Is the powder older? If it's been exposed to air (aka left in a powder measure) enough of the solvent will evaporate o cause temperamental ignition.
Of course you can always go to mag primers if all else fails, but I agree, you shouldn't really need them.
1. Yes it does call for magnum primers for all the loads. But ive read that it un nessiciarily raises pressure when its not a large power load
2. I thought pretty good crimp. You may be onto something with the powder measure. There was only a couple rounds worth left in there. Perhaps it was those rounds. I will try again with a brand new bottle with the same loads.
3. Primers were seated as well as any other round I have reloaded. But its worth ir to double check
2. I thought pretty good crimp. You may be onto something with the powder measure. There was only a couple rounds worth left in there. Perhaps it was those rounds. I will try again with a brand new bottle with the same loads.
3. Primers were seated as well as any other round I have reloaded. But its worth ir to double check
Hodgdonreloading.com recommends with a 150 grain bullet and imr 4064 in a 300 win mag that the starting load is 60 grains and the maximum is 65.5. I wonder if more powder would help for a better ignition?
Hornady has 50 grains as starting and 62 max. Only one way to find out
good point. Thank you
Christ, it's 2016....Get some powder more appropriate for a 300 than 4064!!
Its the first choice in the manual. How would I know better.
Just another point to throw in the pot... is it possible you contaminated the primers with oil? Either handling the primers too much with your fingers, or too much case lube?
That has the potential to cause a hangfire in my experience.
That has the potential to cause a hangfire in my experience.
Ignore Gatehouse. He's a different sort of guy.
Next thing you know he'll be telling you to ditch your .300 Win. Mag. for a .375 Ruger.
I know manuals list it, but it's a bit fast for a .300. Using a slower powder should fill up your case more and might help with your hang fires
Alright will start over with a more sterile shop and see. Thanks!
Purple shoulder
Regular
- Location
- Winnipeg MB
Just an FYI. Manuals usually list loads in order from fastest powder to slowest powder so the first one on the list is usually at the edge of the envelope, as is the last. I try to stay in the middle to slow range.
Your fingers would literally have to be dripping with oil. And even then, several people have done tests where they soaked primers in oil overnight and they still went 'snap' no problem.
My opinion: use magnum primers.
56grs IMR 4064 under a 150gr FMJ gives a 75% load density. 4064 is better suited to a 308 or 30-06, I would try some 4350 or 4831. Problem with fast burn rates like 4064 is if you accidently put 75-80 grains in the case, (it can fit) you'll be, at best, blowing your rifle up
56grs is likely 10-13 grains below max with IMR 4064. Chamber pressures half of normal
sounds like a good way to have a KABOOM. Be safe
56grs is likely 10-13 grains below max with IMR 4064. Chamber pressures half of normal
sounds like a good way to have a KABOOM. Be safe
