I know this has been on here before but can't recall the specs. How much case expansion is ok before it means your load is too hot? I think the spec is .005 measured at the widest part of the case below the rim or belt?

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I think the spec is .005

Not for the rifles I shoot.....

.0005 is to much for me.....

But then I no longer use this measure much....I prefer to measure primer pocket expansion.

Hot Core will be along shortly to explain it all to us again.

vapodog whats the primer pocket spec?
Is it the same for belted magnums and non-belted cases? It's probably all on here if i do a search, so i will.
Thanks

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Is it the same for belted magnums and non-belted cases?

yes

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Originally posted by boatdoc:
I know this has been on here before but can't recall the specs. How much case expansion is ok before it means your load is too hot? I think the spec is .005 measured at the widest part of the case below the rim or belt?

If your primers start seating loose before the case wears out your load is too hot.

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If your primers start seating loose before the case wears out your load is too hot.

Am I to assume this means the pockets actually loosen up on specific cases? This comes from some of my primers seat way easier than others. I'm not happy about it but I know my loads are nowhere near hot enough to expand anything! But I have no idea whether any of these cases have actually changed or whether it is the primers that are inconsistant. Can primers vary in tightnes? I suppose I should mark those loose and tight cases and monitor them!

Can primers vary in tightnes?
Yes.. cci cups are softer than remington.
problems can go the other way with military brass. tight pockets from being swadged and I had cci primers that would distort and someone suggested i try a diffrent primer and the remingtons were fine

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Originally posted by boatdoc:
...It's probably all on here if i do a search, ...

When you do the "Find" function, see if it locates CHE & PRE for you.

By the way, Woods flick is supposed to be used when folks ask about Run-Out, Stoney Point Thingys and Neck Turning. I feel sure he just got confused due to leaking exhaust fumes from his truck.

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Can primers vary in tightnes?

I am getting variations with the same make primers (Federal - these have never given me any quality problems and I shall be sticking with them) and the same make of cases. The same variation has occured with different case makes and different primer makes.

I have had some Federal Magnum primers that almost refuse to go in the cases.

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Originally posted by 303Guy:

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Can primers vary in tightnes?

I am getting variations with the same make primers (Federal - these have never given me any quality problems and I shall be sticking with them) and the same make of cases. The same variation has occured with different case makes and different primer makes.

Where did you get your brass...picked up at the range or purchased used? What has happened to the brass before you got it could be part of the equation. You mentioned different case makers so I just though you might be picking up brass. If not, in another thread you observed powder drops were inconsistent w/ Varget. Are you sure you are not over pressure on some of those rounds? Just thinking out loud...

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Are you sure you are not over pressure on some of those rounds?

I am sure, yes. The differnt makes are from over the years. Some of them have been reloaded many times but still exhibit the same differences in primer seating pressure. I have had the odd promer actually crush. On replacing it, the next primer seemed OK but now I don't remember how 'OK'.

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Originally posted by 303Guy:

quote:

If your primers start seating loose before the case wears out your load is too hot.

Am I to assume this means the pockets actually loosen up on specific cases? This comes from some of my primers seat way easier than others. I'm not happy about it but I know my loads are nowhere near hot enough to expand anything! But I have no idea whether any of these cases have actually changed or whether it is the primers that are inconsistant. Can primers vary in tightnes? I suppose I should mark those loose and tight cases and monitor them!

Individual cases and primers do vary.
I have found that some brands of primers (or maybe just lots in a brand) are larger than others.
I had a 35 year old batch of 45-70 cases that got loose after years of reloading and firing in at least 7 different rifles. The Federal and Remington primers that I normally use got loose to the point I was afraid of leaks. A lot of Winchester LR primers from my Clinton hoarding days proved to be much tighter. I got about 4 more loads out of those case before they were finally retired.

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Originally posted by boatdoc:
I know this has been on here before but can't recall the specs. How much case expansion is ok before it means your load is too hot? I think the spec is .005 measured at the widest part of the case below the rim or belt?

The web area of the case should never expand. .0001" is to much. Remember, standard dies do NOT size all the way to the extractor cut in bottle neck rifle cases.

Photo of web area marked. This area should never expand.