Thread: Factory loads exceeding reload speeds with less pressure signs

Greetings @Stephanhope,
Primer appearance is practically worthless for guessing pressure. @gimp is onto it asking about your shoulder bump as too much headspace will show flat primers at low pressure. 43 grains of AR2208 with the 150 grain in the .308 is piss weak and below start loads. 47 grains is book max which would give you roughly an additional 200 fps or you guessed it 2,600 fps. The problem is that you being misled by the primer. You are clearly sizing your cases too much and setting the shoulder back. This will give you head separations in time. There is nothing wrong with the powder you just aren't using enough.
Regards Grandpamac.

Im relatively new to reloading, but I’m running my brass through a FL resizing die, should I be doing something different? Cheers

Originally Posted by Stefanhope

Im relatively new to reloading, but I’m running my brass through a FL resizing die, should I be doing something different? Cheers

Back your die out 2 full turns then size a case and see if it chambers in the rifle. Screw the die in 1/8th of a turn and repeat the process until the brass chambers with a little resistance on the bolt

Originally Posted by Stefanhope

Im relatively new to reloading, but I’m running my brass through a FL resizing die, should I be doing something different? Cheers

It is just a matter of setting the FL die up so it is not oversizing the case which is the cause of the flat primers. I used to neck size but this can cause it's own set of problems and I have dumped it other than for light loads. I did try using a feeler gauge to set the die slightly off the shell holder working up the gauges until a sized case just chambers tight and then backing off a couple of thou but it is extra fiddly. The other option is to just ignore the primers and check the cases each load with a bent paper clip to see if they are developing a groove inside the case just above the head. It would greatly help if you could find a local mentor to help you through the initial stages of learning handloading. There is an awful lot to learn and a lot of myth. Will post again tomorrow.
GPM.