Need Help: .308 FTF

[20X11]

Sounds like bad batch of primers...try some CCIs or Remingtons, see if the issue disappears.

[Zombie Steve]

Fail to fire?

High primers? It seems unlikely with the M14 having firing pin to spare, but if the primers aren't seated all the way (usually about .005" below flush), the firing pin energy is used up seating them the rest of the way. You'll know if this is the problem, because if you chamber them again, they will go off.

Did you remove the primer pocket crimp?

Also - 2.810" seems a bit long. Not sure what bullet you're using, but I'm usually only 2.800" as a max for 168's, shorter for 150's (just to make sure there's good neck tension). Seems remote, but is it possible it isn't going into battery because you're oal is too long?

[james_bond_007]

Fail to fire?

High primers? It seems unlikely with the M14 having firing pin to spare, but if the primers aren't seated all the way (usually about .005" below flush), the firing pin energy is used up seating them the rest of the way. You'll know if this is the problem, because if you chamber them again, they will go off.

I thought of that "not seated all the way" issue at the range. I re-chambered a few rounds 3 or 4 times with the same FTF.

I checked, by feeling them with my thumb to ensure there was a "dip down" when I ran my thumb over them. I did not measure, but I would expect if I felt a slight dip, it would be at LEAST 0.005" below flush.
I'll try putting a small metal straight edge on the bottom, holding them up to the light, and see if I see any light come through. That will at least tell me if they are flush or too high.

Did you remove the primer pocket crimp?

I removed the crimp with a reamer that has a 45 degree tip. Maybe I did not cut away enough...I WAS worried about cutting too much off.
How can I tell how much is "enough" and how much is "too much"?

Also - 2.810" seems a bit long. Not sure what bullet you're using, but I'm usually only 2.800" as a max for 168's, shorter for 150's (just to make sure there's good neck tension). Seems remote, but is it possible it isn't going into battery because you're oal is too long?

Good suggestion. I'll recheck my sources for the 2.81" stuff (or if you can point me to some info, I'd appreciate it).
The bullet is a pulled M80 147 grain. (I added that to the above description in the 1st post).
Maybe if they are too long, and hitting the lands when chambered, the energy from the firing pin is being used to "chamber" them the rest of the way, and the lands are cutting a small grove in the bullet tip. If I rechambered them, as I said above, it is not likely I'll align the lands to to "cuts" again, and I'll get the same results, but make more "cuts" from the lands.

How can I test this theory ?
Should I try to measure my chamber length ? If so, How?

Thanks for the Great Suggestions (send more, please) !!!

[james_bond_007]

Sounds like bad batch of primers...try some CCIs or Remingtons, see if the issue disappears.

One vote for Bad Primers. Do we have someone to "second" the motion ?