Prolonging Brass primer pocket life

6mmBCC

Having reloaded and manufactured many custom rounds, I use different primers to prolong the life of primer pockets. I start by using the smallest diameter primer that fits snug in the pockets. As the pockets loosen up I switch to a larger diameter primer. As an example for large primers I use rem 9 1/2 to start with then switch to a larger diameter primer as the pockets loosen up. Their are many charts available on primer dimensions both large ans small.

MG1890

OK....

Most of my loads are primer dependent. No desire to switch primers. At the time that the brass hsa expanded that much that primers won't hold, I figure good enough, the case is at the end of its life.

MIKE WISKEY

just how do you 'wear' out a primer pocket??, I've loaded some cases 20 times and they are still nice and tight. Overloading is a horse of a different color tho.

jonk

If I had to guess I'd say some of my .45 colt black powder brass has been fired 200 times.

Even for high power rifle, I crack a case neck LONG before the primer pocket gets loose.

If you are seeing loose pockets you are running at very very high pressure. Simple as that.

perry shooter

IMHO only ammo that is loaded so HOT as to be a danger to shooter and firearm will cause a primer pocket to become enlarged . I have loaded some cases over 50 time where the Head stamp is hard to read but primer pockets were still tight.

reload999

Been reloading for nearly 30 years, and have never "worn out" a primer pocket.

6mmBCC

Okay okay,, You brow beat me good on this.. First of all I never develop a load without chronographing the load and mic'ing the brass. I load only rifle cartridges. Take a scenario.. 220 swift develop a load using H414 staying at moderate velocity and achieved best accuracy. Then you load up 400 rounds and head out varmint hunting. One of my customers fortunately he used a 9 1/2 primer. He developed the load at 65 degrees. All was fine til he shot at 90 degrees. Never noticed while firing any problems although there was. Noticed when he started to reload loose primer pockets and was going to throw out the brass using a 9 1/2 primer. saved the brass with a larger diameter primer...and loading with lower charge. My mistake I should have used the term enlarged primer pockets..

charliemeyer007

I think I have worn out some primer pockets at 100 or there about loading in 45-70. Sooner or later cases fail for some reason.

FEENIX

How to tighten primer pockets >>> http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f28/tighten-primer-pockets-heres-how-152361/

243winxb

When pockets get loose, its time for new brass, not a different primer. IMO. [:)] You do not want gas leaking between the primer and pocket. See bolt on left from defective primer. A gas leak will look about the same.

MG1890

243, what are the comparison pics trying to convey?

v35

Etching on bolt face from gas cutting, resulting from leakage between primer and pocket.
This is more pronounced on rifles and pistols shooting corrosive ammunition.