Is this a pressure sign?

[Timothy]

The other day I fired 30 rounds of my pistol 44 mag load through my rossi 92. On two of the fired cases I noticed powder residue around the primer pockets. My load is 21gr 2400 with 240swc and has never given me any problem in my SBH and model 29. Thanks

[Griff]

That's a pretty hot load, at or near the max in the loading tables..., so yes, it could be a pressure sign, or an indication of a heaspace problem where the primer is backing out enough to allow gases to bypass it and being pushed back in under recoil, one way to tell that is the flatness of the primer, or is it off-kilter, is the primer "imprinted" with the machining marks from the face of the bolt. However, how many times have you reloaded these cases at that loading level... it could just as easily be a sign of impending case failure or a bad batch of primers that aren't as tight in the case.

[Malamute]

The standard Keith load has always been 22 grs 2400 with a 250 gr cast bullet, and it has always been a little under factory pressure. Sounds like maybe your cases are getting tired? The primer pockets can loosen up over time.

Did you use different primers this time perhaps?

[meanc]

As Griff stated, it could be a few things.

Using that load works the brass considerably and could cause out of spec primer pockets. This could allow for loose primers which can allow blow back thru the flash hole.

A headspace problem would also allow a primer to back out giving you the same effect.

A reason you may not have the same problem with your SBH or Mdl 29, is that the pressure will be a lot higher in a closed bolt rifle than a revolver because of the cylinder/barrel gap.

[adirondakjack]

I'd check the headspace of the rifle. Assuming that it's OK, my vote would be for tired brass.

[Timothy]

Thanks a lot fellas, the brass has only been fired three times, though all with the same 21gr load. If I remember right I believe the primers were also out of round a bit with flat spots on the sides. The other 28 cases were identical to the ones fired from my sixguns. I use winchester large pistol primers and remington brass.

[Don McDowell]

Two possible bugaboos.
Old brass and the primer pockets are loosening up.
Hammer fall and firing pin strike are a bit heavy for the softer cups of the pistol primers, switching to a rifle primer can help, if the primer pockets will let you seat a rifle primer properly.

[Glenn]

Alliant shows a max load of 20 grs. now for 2400.

http://tinyurl.com/d4azz3

Glenn

[horsesoldier03]

I think it sounds like a bit of a hot load as well. My load data shows a max of 20.6 grn. IMO the fact that it is being shot from a rifle rather than a pistol would lead me to beleive that it has a higher pressure curve because of the longer barrel and higher velocity. Without being able to actually look at your brass, IMO, I would reduce the load by .5 grain as a minimum. I guarentee whatever it is you shoot will never know the difference!

[missionary5155]

Good morning
Sounds like loose primer pockets...But I write this for all reloaders ....
1st Do you NOT have a reloading manual that discusses pressure signs ? Every Reloading manual I have held has a "Pressure Sign section". My dad was a reloader so I grew up around it. I was 35 when we arrived here in Peru and two manuals are here with me.
2nd Read a loading manual that discusses pressure signs. Have you done this ? I am not wanting to insult you BUT keep your fingers and eyes attached and functioning. I re-read that section every few years just to "Stay Aware". My hide is at stake.
3rd Find some one who owns "Pet Loads" and READ Mr. Ken Waters discussion and procedure for " Case Web Expansion". For me this is the BEST pressure sign test available to reloaders. I use it for all my reloading as I pass 90 % loads for handguns, rifle, and shotgun. This simple accurate measurement will keep us from detonating a firearm due to "excessive overloading". Firearm detonation is not in slow motion.... but instantanious and PERMINENT. You may be able to Google this subject ?? I will have to try that myself just to know.
Every year starting right about now.... lots of individuals start stoking up their tools. Some start pushing beyond sanity. And again this year the stories will be read "Did ya hear about .... "
Mike in Peru

[w30wcf]

My vote is for tired brass as well. In calibers with higher pressure than the .44 Magnum, there is no primer leakage with good brass.

w30wcf

[Hobie]

And the proper question is, "Is this a sign of EXCESSIVE pressure?" You have a pressure sign when the bullet leaves the case...

No need to thank me. Just part of my job on the Semantics Patrol...

[Lefty Dude]

Working at the top for reloads, Brass has a very short life span.

When the primer falls out of the brass primer pocket, you know you have gone to far with your powder charge.

I know, been there done that. It was in my early reloading days. That hot shot load broke the firing pin on my Savage 110DL 270 Winchester. Lucky for me, the action was very strong. The bolt was very hard to open also.

The experience taught me to be a safe and responsible reloader.

BTW; The Alliant 2400 powder now, is not the same burning rate of the Hercules 2400. The newer 2400 is slightly faster than that of Elmer Keith's day.

If Winchester 296 powder was around in Keith's day I am sure he would have used it instead of 2400.

[1886]

If your brass has developed overly large primer pockets, it can be felt during the primer seating process. Primers are able to be seated with almost zero resistance as compared to fresher brass. This assumes one is using a quality hand priming tool. Regards, 1886.