Diagnose my ammo problem...

[Fentonite]

I took the 260 out today to try a few different loads from Southwest Ammunition (I still don't reload, yet). Two of the loads did fine. When I was trying out their 136 grain Scenar-L, I ran into a problem closing my bolt after a few rounds. I finally found that a primer had come out of the case, and was blocking the bolt lugs from rotating into position. When I inspected the brass, I found that 4 of the 10 rounds I had fired of that load had either bulging or missing primers. The brass from the other two loads (139 Scenar in Lapua brass, and 142 SMK) were just fine. I shot the 142 after this load, and there were no problems. Seems like this ammo is loaded too hot? I've had good luck with this company in the past, but am reluctant to shoot more of that ammo. Of course, I have over 200 rounds of it...

Here's a pic of what I was seeing. Recommendations?

[JM Ver. 2.0]

My buddy had some 308 that the primers fell out of. They weren't loaded too hot. The primer pockets were just too loose.

Check that before you assume they're loaded hot.

Sent from my teepee using smoke signals.

[Delfuego]

Hey Fentonite, I haven't had any issue with the SW 260 in my rifle. I have shot their 139 scenar and 142 smk in both Lapua and RP brass. I have yet to use their SWA (Silver State Armory) Brass yet. I would call them to see if they have had similar issues, they are pretty nice folks.
Or you could give them to me and let me see how they work in my rifle.... I still have some 142's on hand if you want to test them.
In all honesty, let me know how it turns out.

[Fentonite]

My buddy had some 308 that the primers fell out of. They weren't loaded too hot. The primer pockets were just too loose.

Check that before you assume they're loaded hot.

Sent from my teepee using smoke signals.

Will do, thanks. Good advice.

Hey Fentonite, I haven't had any issue with the SW 260 in my rifle. I have shot their 139 scenar and 142 smk in both Lapua and RP brass. I have yet to use their SWA (Silver State Armory) Brass yet. I would call them to see if they have had similar issues, they are pretty nice folks.
Or you could give them to me and let me see how they work in my rifle.... I still have some 142's on hand if you want to test them.
In all honesty, let me know how it turns out.

I sent them an email, but I know they're really busy, and might take a bit to get back to me. I agree that they are good folks, and run a class act. I liked their 139 Scenar, but since they stopped selling it and started selling the 136 Scenar-L instead, I figured I'd transition over. I'll let you know what I hear. Thanks.

[spqrzilla]

I have actually seen that behavior when loaded too light believe it or not. I'd check velocity on that batch myself.

[Fentonite]

I have actually seen that behavior when loaded too light believe it or not. I'd check velocity on that batch myself.

Looks like it's time to get a chrono...

[XC700116]

Looks like loose pockets to me as the primers aren't flatened, and there's no evidence of ejector markss on the case heads.

[JM Ver. 2.0]

Looks like loose pockets to me as the primers aren't flatened, and there's no evidence of ejector markss on the case heads.

That's what I thought too. The primers look perfect.

Sent from my teepee using smoke signals.

[Zombie Steve]

If there are no signs of overpressure like extractor marks, I'd bet you're too light.. not enough juice to reseat the primer on the bolt face.

[MarkCO]

Loose primer pockets or bad batch of primers would be my starting theory. Light loads should not even do that unless they are cheating the system and using a smaller charge of a faster powder and getting a spike, but not enough to cause flow issues.

Measure the ID of the primer pockets and compare with spec.