I ran my 6ARC brass through my universal de-capping die last weekend. There was a mix of Factory ammo (once fired) and my reloads (2-3 firings) and there was a VERY noticeable difference in the amount of pressure required to pop the primer out. How do you know when a piece of brass should be thrown away or if it could be loaded again?
At what point is a primer pocket bad?
- Thread starter Kpuck08
- Start date
Hidalgo
Well-known member
Hard question to answer ........ Seating primers is a "feel" operation. If they seat too easily the pocket is too big. What that feels like, I can't explain. It's something that comes with experience. Just trust your instincts: If it feels like it is too easy to seat the primers, then the pocket is probably too big.
As to your concern: I don't pay much attention to how hard primers are to remove ... just what it takes to seat them.
Sorry that I can't give you an exact and firm answer, but as far as I know there isn't a formula or measurement of force that exists for seating. Just like seating bullets ..... if they slide in too easy there is a problem with the neck size. Same situation with primers.
As a general rule for me, when the pockets get too large they will start leaking gas around the cup. These need to be discarded and not reloaded again. These gasses can ruin a bolt face quickly. I always, ALWAYS look at the primer after every round I fire. It can tell you a lot about not only the brass but the load in general.
As to your concern: I don't pay much attention to how hard primers are to remove ... just what it takes to seat them.
Sorry that I can't give you an exact and firm answer, but as far as I know there isn't a formula or measurement of force that exists for seating. Just like seating bullets ..... if they slide in too easy there is a problem with the neck size. Same situation with primers.
As a general rule for me, when the pockets get too large they will start leaking gas around the cup. These need to be discarded and not reloaded again. These gasses can ruin a bolt face quickly. I always, ALWAYS look at the primer after every round I fire. It can tell you a lot about not only the brass but the load in general.
TXCOONDOG
Well-known member
After you do it long enough and use a hand priming tool, you can tell by feel. However, if you use a press it can be tough to tell. They make primer pocket gauges with go and no go ends.
From Brownell's:
Stop guessing about your primer pockets. Know for sure with the Swage Gage Primer Pocket Gauge. Available for Small or Large primers. Check primer pocket depth and diameter. Use the "Go" end of the gauge to check primer pocket depth, if any crimp is properly removed, and if the primer pocket is loose. If it feels loose on the "Go" end of the gauge, use the other end of the tool, the "No Go" end, to test if the primer pocket is too loose to hold a primer. If the No-Go gauge slides into the pocket, then you know to junk that brass.
From Brownell's:
Stop guessing about your primer pockets. Know for sure with the Swage Gage Primer Pocket Gauge. Available for Small or Large primers. Check primer pocket depth and diameter. Use the "Go" end of the gauge to check primer pocket depth, if any crimp is properly removed, and if the primer pocket is loose. If it feels loose on the "Go" end of the gauge, use the other end of the tool, the "No Go" end, to test if the primer pocket is too loose to hold a primer. If the No-Go gauge slides into the pocket, then you know to junk that brass.
If in doubt, I use these to double check me:
https://www.brownells.com/reloading/meas...r-pocket-gauge/
I'll throw out the brass as opposed to get another firing on them. For me, it just isn't worth flame cutting a bolt face.
https://www.brownells.com/reloading/meas...r-pocket-gauge/
I'll throw out the brass as opposed to get another firing on them. For me, it just isn't worth flame cutting a bolt face.
arlaunch
Active member
I have the tool for small pockets and large. I have not found it that useful.
The best thing to do is segregate your brass by how many firings it has on it. Those Costco plastic bins work awesome for this.
Then do a little "case study" on what loads/powder charges loosen the pockets up, and on how many firings.
I am getting tired of fliers, and things that ruin groups. Worn out brass can be the culprit at times i believe.
Anymore, If i shoot a case over pressure, i just discard it. If the pockets are marginal, i will load it, then discard it after it gets fired again.
With many brass types in auto loaders, the 4th firing is the last for me. For my 308, i have noticed i only get 3 firings.
Another tip is that not all primers are the same diameter. Winchester brand "seems" (through casual observation) to be larger than the CCI line.
The best thing to do is segregate your brass by how many firings it has on it. Those Costco plastic bins work awesome for this.
Then do a little "case study" on what loads/powder charges loosen the pockets up, and on how many firings.
I am getting tired of fliers, and things that ruin groups. Worn out brass can be the culprit at times i believe.
Anymore, If i shoot a case over pressure, i just discard it. If the pockets are marginal, i will load it, then discard it after it gets fired again.
With many brass types in auto loaders, the 4th firing is the last for me. For my 308, i have noticed i only get 3 firings.
Another tip is that not all primers are the same diameter. Winchester brand "seems" (through casual observation) to be larger than the CCI line.