cratered primers....

[astrix]

Howdy all...
 I just bought a new Rem. 700 SPS Varmint in 22-250 and the factory Win. ammo I tried and my
handloads(with Win. primers) are cratering primers slightly.The handloads were not hot.Should this
rifle be returned to Remington?
If so,too bad because it shoots really well.

[gunnut69]

Cratering can be a sign of high pressure but then the 22-250 is loaded to one of the highest pressures of any commercial round.  Cratering can also be caused by loose fit of the firing pin in the bolt face or soft primers. How about trying some other brand of ammo to see if it too has a problem. I've had Winchester primers crater before when I knew the load was safe.. I normally use CCI primers.. If another brand of ammo craters then perhaps it should go back. If the rifle shoots really well and shows pressure signs it may mean a tight neck or short throat is causing the pressure signs. Check a chambered but not fired round for marks on the bullet. If the throat is short the rifling may leave marks on the bullet of a round that is chambered but not fired. Also some minor cratering is normal with a high pressure round..

[astrix]

Thanks for your input,much appreciated.I have tried CCI primers with exact same results.The bore seems
very tight,as a .22 caliber brush is a very tight fit and really snug to push through.I will give Remington a call
and see what they say.I shot it again this morning and I'm getting consistant .25" groups at 100 yrds. so
I hope I can keep it.Also, no marks on the bullet from a round being chambered.Thanks again 
gary

[gunnut69]

Just to eliminate the brass as being defective you might fire a few rounds from another maker. If those also crater then a call to Remington is in order. You may point out to customer service that you can send some of the cratered cases with the rifle.. The other thing you can check is firing pin protrusion, diameter and firing pin hole diameter in the bolt face. These factors can also affect the primer appearance.

[Rangr44]

[my handloads(with Win. primers) are cratering primers slightly.]

No disrespect, but what you see as "cratering" may be perfectly normal.

Why not FedEx a fired case off to the factory service manager, along with a letter stating your concerns & the rifle's serial number, and see what they say to do?

[astrix]

Both good ideas.Thanks guys.Will see what Rem. wants to do.
gary

[wtroger]

If it shoots 1/4 inch groups It wouldn't go back.I see this in a lot of rifles and it usually means the firing pin hole is a bit larger then it should be. If the cases are not sticking and they are not stretching a bunch I would probably leave well enough alone. You can send in the cases and see what Remington thinks.

[astrix]

I sent some of the cases to Rem. so they can check them out,but over the phone(with
e-mailed pictures of the primers),their initial opinion seems to agree.They will replace/repair
if I wish,but feel the rifle is safe to shoot.I think I'll just leave it alone since it shoots so well
and the fired cases are otherwise perfectly fine(no abnormal growth and no sticking cases
 or enlarged primer pockets).
Being new to buying Remington rifles(this is my second),I am very happy with the customer
service I have received.
Thanks to all for your responses,any help I get here is most appreciated
gary