Over pressure, or the price for performance?

[Triple D]

The load that I've found to be the most accurate and the fastest is leaving ejector marks on my brass which has me slightly concerned. I've had no blown primers and the spent cases aren't hard to eject. I have found an accuracy node that was approximately 1.2grains lower, but as a result was slightly slower. This load is for my F/TR rifle and I want to beat the wind with speed as much as I can (my scores have increased with the faster load). Are you guys seeing similar results or am I running them too hot? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

178's at approximately 2680fps from a 26" barrel
Remington 700

 

[buffybuster]

Your primers look fine (slight puckering but that could be a FP hole) but I do see the slight ejector marks. What's your load? What action?

I get 2680fps with 178's from a 22" barrel with no pressure signs. You should be able to get a bit more from 26" with the right load.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

The only way to actually beat the wind is to shoot lasers.

Everything else responds to the wind, and beating up one's brass and throat just adds a premium that always becomes a debit every time we blow that last wind call. The gain is just so unworthy of the price.

Better to spend the effort improving wind skills and save the equipment in the bargain. Remember, a diabolical wind switch catches all but the wary, and no velocity 'advantage' will help you if you're not one of them. If you are one of them, you don't need that dubious 'advantage'.

Greg

 

[rduckwor]

What powder are you loading? Do you see ejector marking on other loads, particularly the 1.2 lower node?, Factory ammo marked?

It could be the ejector if no other signs are present.

 

[kyhuntclub]

I am having the same issues with a new rifle. It is present with min loads as well as the heavier loads. I am thinking it is an ejector issue. Possibly a couple thou too long..

 

[turbo54]

It takes upwards of 70,000psi to push a button like that with Lapua brass, assuming the cartridges and chamber are clean and dry.

The direct answer to the OP's question is OVERPRESSURE.

Not cool.

You need to ensure your cases and chamber have no residual lubrication, as that give pressure indicators much earlier than pressure alone.

After that, you either need to back the charge down or try a different powder.

 

[milo 2.0]

I am having the same issues with a new rifle. It is present with min loads as well as the heavier loads. I am thinking it is an ejector issue. Possibly a couple thou too long..

When you see the hole mark on brass, it's from the actual hole on the bolt face itself, not the pin. You can pull the ejector and it will still appear. Like turbo says, it's pressure!

 

[Triple D]

I'm running RL-15. I'm over book max, but I'm running them significantly longer than book COAL.

During load development several weeks back neither of the loads exhibited any signs, so I went with the hotter load. It was about 15 degrees cooler on that day.

Case lube could be an issue, but I think the charge is the larger issue, despite not seeing the mark on every case (approx 40%).

I can't remember what factory loaded brass looked like, it's been well over a year since I ran any.

I'll load up the lower node charge to try on a 90+ degree day. Mid to high 190's were still attainable with that load. I will also double check the chamber to ensure its nice and dry.

Thanks guys

 

[rduckwor]

I'm over book max, but I'm running them significantly longer than book COAL.

It was about 15 degrees cooler on that day.

I can't remember what factory loaded brass looked like, it's been well over a year since I ran any.

You answered your own question.

Wise move.