Kirby,
The firing pin spring could be causing the crater, i have seen a small flatening of the primers in mine with the top pressure loads. Very little crater around the firing pin punch. I use a stiff spring on my actions, 27# to be accurate. Std rem is 23# i think. You can go up into the 30# range. On some small actions to stiff of a spring can ruin the accuracy of the rifle. (too much vibration at ignition) On the bigger actions i think a heavier spring is needed.
I spent all day working on Shaners Titanium action, draw fileing the flats and block sanding. Then i talked with the owner of Broughton Rifle Barrels for about an hour on the big 338's and special barrels. We talked about how contours affect accuracy, heat dispersion, fluting, ect. Very nice guy to chat with.
Shaner....its getting closer!
Dave