Originally Posted by
sharpshooter
Ok......I'll say it for the last time. While everyone has been side tracked by the mysterious shrinking case phenomenon, you have failed to address the lack of impact energy problem. Yes, it is there, that is the reason your problem is intermittent. The impact energy provided by that particular set up is "riding the fence" so to speak in terms of energy. When you get pierced primers from starting loads, or cratered primers, it is a sign of insufficient spring pressure on the firing pin in the fired position. With a lack of spring tension on the pin, there is less support in the "dimple " you just created, and subsequently when the charge detonates and creates 60K psi, it pushes the dimple back, either leaving a crater, or blanking it completely.
The reason you have FTF is because you still have a lacking on the front end. It can be caused by a few things, such as lack of travel or lack of spring energy. Lack of travel is the culprit 98% of the time. Lack of travel can be caused by: pin assembly out of adjustment,or (no adjust ability in your case ) decocking...in most cases about .040", too much protrusion, and trigger timing.
The biggest down fall of the one pc. FP assembly is there is no adjustment. The other problem is the spring is bare minimum. That is why I suggested a old style multi piece firing pin assembly.
I have studied ignition for over 20 years, and I have done lots of R&D and conducted scientific experiments on several other rifles besides Savage models. In those studies, I have developed a formula that will insure optimum ignition. It's very simple calculation of force X travel. You need a minimum factor of 4.0 and max of 5.8. Just from records and notes, the average specs for your model will put you in the 3.5 range......you don't have enough!