Thread: Federal brass primer pockets??

Originally Posted by grandpamac

Greetings All,
Sounds to me that all your loads are too hot. Traditional pressure signs don't show up on cases until pressures are well over max, 70,000 psi or more. Additionally the Federal cases may have less capacity than other makes. This is certainly the case with .308 cases I have. Might pay to weigh some and find out. Further no chronographed results are mentioned. A chronograph, in my slightly humble opinion, is the best and possibly only way for handloaders to keep track of pressure.
Regards Grandpamac.

Just reread the OP's posting. Primer pockets loose after one firing even if the brass quality is questionable is a sign of a hot load. And agree, no chronograph (sorry mickeyduck) you are flying blind. I also use a blade micrometer to measure web growth but if the pockets are noticeably expanding no micrometer is needed.