Is this normal when fire forming? See pic.

[Despotes]

I'm using Lapua 250 gr factory loads to fire form 338 Lapua Improved brass, but noticed some cratering. Am I getting higher pressures due to the fire forming process? I hate to think Bartlein screwed up the chambering job.

 

[gohring3006]

Are you talking about the cratered primers?

 

[Despotes]

Are you talking about the cratered primers?

Yes

 

[gohring3006]

They don't look too flat, so I'm guessing your firing pin hole is slightly over sized.
Could be pressure, but I don't see any major problems..

 

[Despotes]

They don't look too flat, so I'm guessing your firing pin hole is slightly over sized.
Could be pressure, but I don't see any major problems..

I hope it's just the firing pin hole. Pressure signs before I even begin handloading to 338 Improved velocities would be very bad.

 

[bigngreen]

Do you have some crush on the case or bullets into the lands a little?

 

[bigedp51]

What make action/rifle?

My money is on a Remington 700 or Savage

 

[Despotes]

The bullets aren't close to the lands. Factory rds.
Weatherby Mark V action. 31" Bartlein.

 

[bigngreen]

Can you feel little crush fit when you chamber it? I don't see anything that would slow me down though if your fire forming and don't have the case held tight on the bolt face you do see a little bit more signs on the primer sometimes.

 

[flashhole]

Looks like soft primer cups to me. Try a different primer and see if you get the same results.

 

[Frank in the Laurels]

It's mild pressure but shooting in this 90+ heat could be the cause if your east of the Rockies

 

[kyron]

My rifle does the same thing (cratered primers) with every shot no matter the load. If your getting that with factory ammo I would not worry about it unless you see other signs of pressure

 

[Rich Coyle]

My rifle does the same thing (cratered primers) with every shot no matter the load. If your getting that with factory ammo I would not worry about it unless you see other signs of pressure

If you are fining factory ammo in an Ackley chamber, I can guaranty you are not over pressure.

 

[Mikecr]

I don't see any pressure sign, much less problem.