Thread: .308 flattening primers

Greetings Strider B,
Your velocity of 2,730 fps would indicate normal pressure assuming your barrel is not stupid short. Minimms2 suggested above that primer appearance is the least reliable indication of pressure. I would go further and suggest it is practically useless. In my experience flattened or even riveted primers is more an indication of head space. If you are full length sizing with the die hard down on the shell holder then head space is almost certainly the problem. To get over it, if it bothers you, you can either neck size or set the full length die a little above the shell holder so the case just chambers easily. This is a hit and miss affair and initial adjustment is best done with the depriming gear removed. In any case cartridge cases fired with slightly excessive head space need periodic checking for incipient head separation using a piece of sharpened bent wire feeling for a groove just above the head of the case on the inside of the case wall. Hope this helps.
Regards Grandpamac.