Flattened primers acceptable pressure sign?

[RidgeRebel]

Hey fellas,

I know flat primers are a sign of pressure, but I was wondering if flat primers that are not cratered and have no leakage around them are acceptable. I am loading a 7mm Saum with ADG brass, Berger 180 hybrids, Hodgdon 4831sc, and Federal Gold Medal 210 primers. I worked up to a load of 60.7 grains that shoots one hole groups with an ES of 11 FPS for five rounds. I am super happy about the performance, but the primers are pretty flat and I am a little concerned I may be pushing it too hot. I am right at 2855 - 2866 fps which also right what I was shooting for. So my question is: safe to run? or find a lower node?
Thanks

Bob

 

[FEENIX]

Hey fellas,

I know flat primers are a sign of pressure, but I was wondering if flat primers that are not cratered and have no leakage around them are acceptable. I am loading a 7mm Saum with ADG brass, Berger 180 hybrids, Hodgdon 4831sc, and Federal Gold Medal 210 primers. I worked up to a load of 60.7 grains that shoots one hole groups with an ES of 11 FPS for five rounds. I am super happy about the performance, but the primers are pretty flat and I am a little concerned I may be pushing it too hot. I am right at 2855 - 2866 fps which also right what I was shooting for. So my question is: safe to run? or find a lower node?
Thanks

Bob

"I" do not like any pressure signs on any of my load.

 

[338 dude]

Hey fellas,

I know flat primers are a sign of pressure, but I was wondering if flat primers that are not cratered and have no leakage around them are acceptable. I am loading a 7mm Saum with ADG brass, Berger 180 hybrids, Hodgdon 4831sc, and Federal Gold Medal 210 primers. I worked up to a load of 60.7 grains that shoots one hole groups with an ES of 11 FPS for five rounds. I am super happy about the performance, but the primers are pretty flat and I am a little concerned I may be pushing it too hot. I am right at 2855 - 2866 fps which also right what I was shooting for. So my question is: safe to run? or find a lower node?
Thanks

Bob

Pics?

 

[can1010]

slightly flattened primers are not always a sign of pressure.

virgin brass and to much headspace can also lead to flattened primers. i much rather rely on case expansion and the stiffening of the bolt lift

 

[RidgeRebel]

 

[RidgeRebel]

These are once fired in my rifle and full length sized.

 

[338 dude]

View attachment 296139

That's pretty flatBut the edges are round and the primer has not filled the pocket but I would definitely back off some

 

[Tidus56]

Same, that's pretty flat I would back off half a grain or so.

 

[adam32+P]

Run it...who cares if you only get 6-8 loadings on the case instead of 12...it's the velocity you want and it is safe so go hunting.

 

[Shane Lindsey]

Looks like you have a faint ejector print ( ) and some swipe on the U/M area of the case. FWIW, I can never get to advertised top end charge weights in ADG. It always pressures up before that.

What did the virgin cases look like? Is this the same charge weight as the virgin cases?

 

[JMW67]

keep in mind that it is your face behind the action when it is fired

 

[BillLarson]

View attachment 296139

I,d call that load too hot...

View attachment 296139

I,d call that load too hot.

 

[Mikecr]

I would go ahead & see what fired brass does.
Properly set headspace should reduce the flattening.

 

[RidgeRebel]

I seem to get the ejector swipe no matter what even on light loads. The action is a Tikka. I do see the faint ejector mark now though and have not seen that when the brass was virgin. I was shooting a standard VLD before that were seated slightly longer with a similar load. I agree that I need to go to a lower node. I think I knew that before I asked but the load was so perfect I was hoping I was just being paranoid.