Took my 1962 vintage Win. 94/30-30, Williams FP/Firesight, to the range today with four different kinds of ammo. My goal was to compare the four loads for group size and point-of-impact at 25 yds. and 100 yds.

Load 1 Rem. factory 170 gr. Core-Lokt
Load 2 Win. Super-X 150 gr. Power-Point
Load 3 Handload Sierra 170 gr. FN, 28 gr. IMR 3031, CCI 200, mixed brass
Load 4 Handload LazerCast 170 gr. RNFPGC, 23.5 gr. IMR 3031, CCI 200, mixed brass

At 25 yds. groups ranged 1"-2", points-of-impact varied as expected. 3 shots each.

At 100 yds. groups ranged 2 1/2" to 3 7/8", impact varied. 3 shots each.

While shooting the Super-X I think the lever popped loose once. It was so slight I wasn't sure it happened and gave it no thought. Felt recoil and report were not unusual for each of the loads. Obviously the handloads had a little less punch than the factory.

Upon inspection of the brass when I got home I noticed that all the fired Super-X primers are slightly backed out of the pocket. Otherwise, all the cases from all three loads look fine.

What happened? All I can think is that this box of Super-X is sized "small" for my particular chamber, therefore letting the cases bounce around some.

Any other thoughts?

Normally a slightly backed-out primer is a sign of lower chamber pressure.

All primers back out a little when you touch them off, then the pressure should force the case back against the bolt head and re-seat the primer.

I've only ever seen this in some fairly light loads when working up.

I have noticed the same thing from my vintage '43 Winnie. I bought some Winchester Super-X 150grainers and with every shot the primer would pop ou about 1/32 to 1/16 of an inch. I was worried that these loads were over pressured for my oldr gun and quickly gave all the ammo away. So it is caused by low pressure? hmmm. I went ahead and bought some Remington 150gr core-lokts and the problem ended.

naumann,

I have had a similar problem with my 1952 vintage 94. It would back the primers out on some ammo. Fraid I don't remember the brand but it was probably Winchester since my regular load for it was the 150 gr. HP. I still shot it and killed a couple of deer with it. No harm done.

I have heard in the past that Winchester brass is softer than most others and have had experiences that seem to confirm that with other calibers. Maybe that has something to do with it?


Reb

Thanks for the comments. Lower pressure makes sense. If it was excessive pressure I would expect flattened and/or cratered primers.

None of the other loads showed a problem. Because of that I am not worried that the gun itself has a problem.

I am going to proceed to work up a pet load for this carbine. The 150 gr. bullets gave the smallest groups, so that's a starting point.