off center firing pin strike

[rimfire]

I have a Contender 7-30Waters that shows off center firing pin strikes on the primer.  Other than possible misfires if it is extreme can this cause any other probelms?  I ma getting some excessive velocity variations in my loads and I want to make sure it isn't the gun or the chrono before I continue trying different loads.

[savageT]

rimfire,
I think your chronograph should be suspect.  I would purchase a couple boxes of commercial ammunition with the same lot number that you can use as a "control".  Since you have what I would call an uncommon caliber (7-30 Waters) you might want to use another gun in a standard case such as .308;30-06;.270, etc. to get a base-line for the chronograph.
Establish a good repeatable routine when you set up at the range.  I understand that sky conditions will produce variations in the readouts, so be aware and record weather conditions too.
Finally, I would re-read the literature that came with the chronograph and if you have any questions, call their customer service hotline for help.
Jim

[VTDW]

Off center sounds like a bent firing pin.  My buddy just sent his rifle in to the factory and they discovered and sent him back his bent firing pin.  It had to be removed from the bolt to see it but when the pin was out of the bolt it was VERY apparent that it was bent more than a little bit.

Dave

[lilabner]

I have a .243 that puts off center dents in the primers. I don't like the way the primers look but the rifle shoots sub MOA. That indicates to me that ignition is consistent, even if it is consistently lopsided. It also may say something about primer quality.

[Steve P]

I have a Contender 7-30Waters that shows off center firing pin strikes on the primer.  Other than possible misfires if it is extreme can this cause any other probelms?  I ma getting some excessive velocity variations in my loads and I want to make sure it isn't the gun or the chrono before I continue trying different loads.

It is the nature of the contender to have a little bit of variation in point of impact on the primer.  Not a big deal.  If you are having variations in velocity, I would check your powder and volume.  Use a powder that uses up the case capacity.  Using a powder that does not fill up the case can be position sensitive.  If you bring the gun up to aim point vs bringing the gun down to aim point could give you totally different velocity.

Steve  

[lilabner]

Steve just gave the possible reason my .243 behaves. I prefer compressed powder loads and that probably results in more consistent ignition.

[skb2706]

Although not impossible...not likely you could bend a Contender firing pin very far. Off center firing pin strikes would more than likely be due to the case fitting sloppy in the chamber.....for anyone of a few different reasons.