Texas10
12-19-2020, 12:59 PM
The problem with primer cratering and blanking can usually be traced to excessive clearance between the firing pin and bolt head. If it measures more than .002 you'll likely have issues. On my factory new Savage 12FV in 223 that was blanking almost any factory or hand load, that clearance measured .007. I have several drill indexes and just found the drill that best fit the firing pin hole in the bolt head, measured that and measured the firing pin, which BTW is out of round by about a thou. or more.
I was able to purchase several firing pins from Savage and cherry pick one that fit best, eliminating the cratering and blanking issue.
Subsequent to that I had my other 223 bolt head bushed and that really seemed to improve groups.
I was able to purchase several firing pins from Savage and cherry pick one that fit best, eliminating the cratering and blanking issue.
Subsequent to that I had my other 223 bolt head bushed and that really seemed to improve groups.