270 WSM Hornady brass issues

Sqdqo

Member
Joined
Oct 11, 2013
Messages
14
I bought a bag of new Hornady 270 WSM brass and have fired it once with various test loads ranging minimum to maximum book recipes. I fired 15 of those same brass for a 2nd time tonight and had two primers blow out and the shoulder face on most is rippled. The loads I fired tonight were 130 gr Sciroccos medium weight loads per the Nosler loading manual. I assume the issues are pressure related but I've never had brass failure that quickly. Is this common with Hornady?
 
I had the same issue with Hornady brass in a 25-06, second firing and popped three in twenty shots. Same thing with some Federal brass in a 300WSM. I have three loadings on Nosler brass in a 270WSM with no loose pockets.
 
I had some 458 Lott Hornady brass that was fine, have some 300WM brass that is junk. Have some Frontier (Hornady made) 300WM brass that is very very good.
I find not all lots of brass from the same manufacturer are the same.

I will never use ANY FEDERAL brass, EVER!

Cheers.
:)
 
Sqdqo
Were the primer pockets loose when you inserted the primers? Were you using a relatively fast burning powder resulting in a partially filled case? I seldom see primers blown out of a tight pocket unless there is an unusually high pressure spike. I normally have good results with Hornady brass. I like the powder I use to be slightly compressesed or close to fully filling the case once the bullet is inserted.
 
Not as extreme as blowing the primers but Similar issue with Hornady 270WSM brass and lose pockets Also look at the flash holes, off center, not round. Winchester brass is even worse without weighing I culled 14 out of 100 last batch, junk. When you can find Norma 270 WSM BUY IT. Very consistent, very little brass prep, on 6 loads on a couple batches and do not see any issues. And no it's not soft.
 
Some primers feel more loose than others. I loaded again tonight behind the 2nd firing and culled about 10 brass that felt loose, so almost 25% after two firings.
Sqdqo
Were the primer pockets loose when you inserted the primers? Were you using a relatively fast burning powder resulting in a partially filled case? I seldom see primers blown out of a tight pocket unless there is an unusually high pressure spike. I normally have good results with Hornady brass. I like the powder I use to be slightly compressesed or close to fully filling the case once the bullet is inserted.
I have been testing various powder/bullet combos. Powder fill varies slightly from base of neck to inside of neck. Been trying magpro, rl22, rl19, h1000, h4350, retumbo. I always get a couple of fliers within the five shot groups. Clean barrel before I start. Savage 110 storm.
 
Something else to consider with the powders you mentioned is the possibility of powder temperature sensitivity. I have blown a few primers using RL22 with higher summer temperatures.
 
Something else to consider with the powders you mentioned is the possibility of powder temperature sensitivity. I have blown a few primers using RL22 with higher summer temperatures.
I am northern u.p. of Mich. To date this year on the shoreline area of lake superior the temp has barely cracked 80 F. My shooting range is within 50 yards of lake superior. Has been sweatshirt weather so far.
 
I always load my rounds for max temp of 100 using QL, then you are good for any temp. I am on load 11 with my 270 win which is hornady brass. And load 8 for my 30-06 with Hornady.
 
I always load my rounds for max temp of 100 using QL, then you are good for any temp. I am on load 11 with my 270 win which is hornady brass. And load 8 for my 30-06 with Hornady.
Powders are much more prone for pressure spikes when temperatures approach 100 degrees. Accidentally leave them in the sun and expect trouble.

In my experience Retumbo has been the best all-around 270 WSM powder and it seems to be very easy on brass. Use it for 140gr through 170gr from a 27" 1:8 twist barrel. IMR4350 has been a reliable option in the past for me with 130/140gr from 24" barrel. I have been using Federal brass exclusively for the 270 WSM with very consistent results. Pushing the 170gr EOL with Retumbo at 3050 has had no issues with primer pocket expansion after 4 firings. I rotate brass firing in batches of 200
 
I always load my rounds for max temp of 100 using QL, then you are good for any temp. I am on load 11 with my 270 win which is hornady brass. And load 8 for my 30-06 with Hornady.
Powders are much more prone for pressure spikes when temperatures approach 100 degrees. Accidentally leave them in the sun and expect trouble.

In my experience Retumbo has been a great all-around 270 WSM powder and it has also been very easy on brass. Use it for 140gr through 170gr from a 27" 1:8 twist barrel. IMR4350 has performed well for me in the past with 130/140gr from 24" barrel. I have been using Federal brass exclusively for the 270 WSM with very consistent results. Pushing the 170gr EOL with Retumbo at 3050 has had no issues with primer pocket expansion after 4 firings. I rotate brass firing in batches of 200
 
I haven't had the best of luck with Hornady brass.
Too soft for my liking.
Nosler, Winchester, & Federal have all been nice to work with in all the 270 WSM's I load for
 
Warning! This thread is more than 6 years ago old.
It's likely that no further discussion is required, in which case we recommend starting a new thread. If however you feel your response is required you can still do so.
Top