Model 11 223 primer cratering?

I have a model 11 223 from around 2001. From new the gun had a tendency to crater primer pockets, even with lighter loads. This weekend I was doing some load development with H4895 and experienced the same issue.

My loads were:
Hornady 53 grain V-max
Lapua cases
24.1 - 26.3 grains of H4895
2980 fps - 3280 fps

I experienced some degree of cratering with all loads, however cratering seemed to remain constant at velocities of 3100 - 3280. I have read that cratering can be the result of a weak firing pin spring or too much firing pin hole clearance. Is this something I should worry about?

Good a few things going on here.
First is your lot of powder.
You are getting pretty fast speeds, for that charge weight. This means that your powder is burning rather quickly, compared to current Hodgy stuff. So at least at your upper end, those are stout loads.

We really need a picture to see specifics. Cratering without piercing?? Piercing is a problem.
Just cratering can be several things. Can be weak spring and drag on the primer. Could be sloppy pin/bolt face clearance. Or could be nothing.

Too many people say that you can "read primers for Pressure". That is about as accurate as seeing a tire print in the snow and saying something heavy went through it.

[QUOTE=bdz65;352584r too much firing pin hole clearance. Is this something I should worry about?[/QUOTE]

Typically minor cratering is more a visual annoyance than anything else but it can also be a precursor to blanking. Barring a spring that's too light to support the indentation which is rarely the case take a look at....
http://www.savageshooters.com/showth...nking%85/page2

Bill

My powder has "1090115" and "5445" in the lot number area of the label.

I attempted to measure the amount of cratering on my primers. I measured approximately a .005" protruding sharp ridge around the firing pin indentation. It looks like the primer flowed into a void between the firing pin and bolt.

I can take pictures, but the rounds in the center of this picture looks very much like my primers.


http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/...1454184261.jpg

Well I took a close look at my bolt head and think I can clearly see the problem. My firing pin protrudes .045" and measures about .067" diameter, may need to disassemble bolt to get a better diameter measurement. However there is a visible large difference between the pin diameter and the diameter of hole in the bolt. This gun was like this from the factory I only wish I would have looked at this a long time ago.

I am going through the exact same issue with my 12FV. Check the thread mentioned above for latest updates. Short story is you need to call Savage and order a new firing pin. You may need to sign a waiver first (depending upon who you talk to) because they sell certain parts to gunsmiths only. Measure the firing pin tip when you get it and hopefully you'll get one that measures .071-.072. If not, order another one. They told me they would only sell me one at a time, so when my rifle comes back from warranty repair and still pierces primers, I'll start buying firing pins until I get one that fits properly.

I am thinking of calling Savage to see if I could return the bolt and have them fit a larger firing pin.

Greg Tannel at GreTan Rifles will bush the bolt down to 0.062 and remachine your firing pin for a better fit for under $80 shipped in less than a week's time.
You don't want a bigger pin you want a smaller pin as you get more support that way.
Put a 2x4 across a coffee can and a 250 pound person can stand on it.
Put the same 2x4 across a swimming pool and it is not supported and will bend or break.