Primers partially popping out, again.

[NormB]

The three on the left, Federal factory load "blue box," fired in a like new, few years old, Browning A Bolt.
The two on the right are my handloads, also Federal brass, multi time use, full length resized with RCBS dies and fired in the same rifle, as a test.
In another thread it was suggested light loads were responsible for the primers popping out. Surely, factory loads wouldn't be that light, would they?
Note the factory loads show distinct cratering. The handloads, in particular the first one, plainly shows the cratering had occurred, but pressure has flattened it.
What do you say?

Measure the thickness of a piece of tape maybe 3-5 thous. with a Mic. Put it on the back of one of your FS reloads and on your factory rounds. If the bolt closes you have some excess headspace. You could try another piece of tape to see how much. If it won't close headspace should be OK and it is not the problem.

NormB

 

[H4831]

I just did the original post to show you guys what a particular box of factory ammo could be like.
The Browning A Bolt has no problems. Smooth chamber, normal headspace, everything fine.
Thanks for your replies.

 

[John Y Cannuck]

It may simply be that factory rounds use a different primer. You could pull a few bullets, and substitute your own loads to see the difference. (worked up safely of course)

Reloading can be a head scratcher at times.

 

[kamlooky]

Interesting post H4831.
I have an idea that hasn't been mentioned here.
Not sure what it would prove but eye'll leave that up to you.
Here goes..........
Take a case all ready for powder and just chamber it empty of powder
or bullet and fire it off.
See what happens to the spent primer?
I know you know more common sense than most of us here so I really hope
others don't chime in about the safety factor in all this.
This may prove soft primers or not?
The firing pin indent looks a little deep to me and the primer metal needs to go somewhere.
Keep us posted.
Looky.