Lapua Primer Pockets

[Proarc]

Out of 500 Lapua .308 brass I just reprimed, 30 have pockets that have no resistance when seating the primer. I am seating by hand with a RCBS squeezer. My load has been 44grs of varget powder with a 175SMK and Fed 210m primers. This is only the third load for them. Have I killed these cases? You can push the primers out with a awl by hand.

Was hoping to get more distance out of these cases. Worried that next time I will be culling a lot more.

 

[memilanuk]

Re: Lapua Primer Pockets

The load doesn't sound too hot, but the evidence would seem to indicate otherwise. Not all lots of powder, primers, or brass (even Lapua) are created equal... Is it possible these cases might have been the ones you used when doing load development and might have gotten pushed harder than the rest?

If you can push them out isn't a big deal. If you can tap the corner of the case on the bench and they don't fall out, you're still GTG, assuming somewhat gentle handling i.e. from loading bench to the range and back. If these are going to be taken for a hike (hunting, etc.) might want to cull the loose ones...

 

[Trevor]

Re: Lapua Primer Pockets

one of the checks i do if i feel the primer went in too easy is to run the case in my shellholder if the rim of the case makes for a snug fit most likely the brass is questionable and not worth the trouble. If i think it is ok but i am not sure I put nail polish around the primer.

The nail polish does two things

1) It acts like an adhesive and secures the primer in the case a bit more.
2) i can more easily identify if there are any gas leaks, pick a colour that is easy to identify... I use pink (my wife didn't like that particular shade) as any gas leak is very visible.

Last ideas is to change primers Wolf LRM are reportedly a bit thicker and might be a tighter fit.

Please note that if you are not comfortable with the fit and feel of the primer it would be better to cull them as there is A LOT of pressure when a round is fired and could cause some serious injury

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Lapua Primer Pockets

Check case length. If overlong, it can cause pressure spikes in an otherwise tame load. So can excessive jamming of the bullet into the rifling.

In either instance, there will often be some bolt closure resistance. With a hot load, the resistance usually comes when the bolt is opened on a fired case.

With handloads, with any instance where resistance is present, either in the press or in the chamber; there's usually something wrong with the load and/or die setup.

In the things we do, extra effort should never be needed; and its presence is a warning that something's not working right. Stop right away and find/fix it.

Greg

 

[BBeyer]

Re: Lapua Primer Pockets

I have Lapua .308 brass with shoulder pushed back to 30x47 that has been loaded well over 20 times without the failure of one in 100 cases.

 

[Proarc]

Re: Lapua Primer Pockets

Thanks guys that helps alot! Think I will toss these, really not worth the potential problems

 

[bm11]

Re: Lapua Primer Pockets

I'd cull them. I ran loose pocket Lapua cases too long, and ended up with a primer leak cutting my bolt face a bit.

 

[Mr.Kirk]

Re: Lapua Primer Pockets

I have 600 pcs of Lapua 6.5x47 fired 4 or 5 times. 300 pcs of Lapua 223 fired 5 times.
none of the above has ever given me trouble
I have 100 "new" pcs of Lapua 223 with around 20% loose pockets.
A guy that I shoot with sometimes was bitching (he realy was)about his 6.5x284 Lapua brass doing the same.
It's hot outside and I load mine for speed, but you're number three.
I keep meaning to seperate the loose ones, but am too lazy

 

[taliv]

Re: Lapua Primer Pockets

similar to mr kirk, i have 600 pc of lapua 308 win and prob 1000 pc of lapua 223rem that never gave me any issue over past 10 years+.

last year i bought some lapua 243win and i got 1 firing out of some of it and 2 out of the rest. very disappointed, even though i was running a little hot.

seems price keeps going up, and quality keeps going down. i've switched to cheaper brass

 

[Proarc]

Re: Lapua Primer Pockets

Whats the next best case to try?
I think I paid 66.00 a hundred X 5 that does add up.

 

[bcrich]

Re: Lapua Primer Pockets

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Trevor</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

change primers Wolf LRM are reportedly a bit thicker and might be a tighter fit.


</div></div>
That's what I did when I came across loose pockets vs winchester primers

 

[Mr.Kirk]

Re: Lapua Primer Pockets

I'd rather toss 20% of lapua than neck turn and match sort Winchester. Maybe watch for the LC virgin brass when it comes around.