I Tried

[Calaveras Slim]

I tagged this on another post and got no response so gonna try a new one.

There has been some discussion about using W231 behind a 255-260 gr bullet in a 45AR.

I tried it yesterday and it felt like a good handling load. However there is one issue that I am concerned with and that is the primers

Aside from the dimple left from the firing pin, the primer caved in around the dimple. It did not puncture it. I used Federal LP primers and I know they are a little soft but this much?

 

[Calaveras Slim]

I tagged this on another post and got no response so gonna try a new one.

There has been some discussion about using W231 behind a 255-260 gr bullet in a 45AR.

I tried it yesterday and it felt like a good handling load. However there is one issue that I am concerned with and that is the primers

Aside from the dimple left from the firing pin, the primer caved in around the dimple. It did not puncture it. I used Federal LP primers and I know they are a little soft but this much?

 

[TwoPoundPull]

I used Federal 150's with 250gn Cast LRNFP over a modest charge of 231, under 800fps. These cartriges work well in my 25-5, Vaquero, and a friends Colt. The SA's will make a bigger dimple than the DA, but I've never had one cave in......You might try to back out the strain screw, soften the strike and see what happens. Could be too much mainspring for Feds....

 

[Snapping Twig]

I use 7.5g W231 under a 255g cast SWC in the LC.

Very pleasant and accurate.

 

[sunday bill]

Oooops, edited because I thought you meant .45 LC and typed in some stuff that may not apply.

Anyhow, I'm sure you've checked the shape and general configuration of the firing pin. In addition to TPP's suggestion above, I'd also give the hammer nose bushing some attention. I'm aware of a couple that have become faulty.

Good luck with solving the problem and be sure to tell us what the culprit was when you find it!

Rich

 

[Skip Sackett]

Pictures of the primers please.

If the primer metal is extruded into the hole around the firing pin then the pressure is too high.

You can get away from the indication by using a different primer. Federals are notoriously soft. CCI, Winchester or even a rifle primer will not show the same problems.

If it were me, there is no way I would continue a load that has this sign of over pressure.

FWIW

 

[Calaveras Slim]

OOpppsss. I mispoke or typed as it were. I am talking about the 45 Auto Rim

The flash hole is not blocked and isn't deformed in any way. Tried taking pix but no joy.

Gonna try another primer and see of that works, if not, gonna have to drop to about 5.5 to start.

 

[sunday bill]

Slim, My latest Hodgdon manual shows 4.3 gr. (699 fps) to 5.3 gr. (834 fps) W231 or HP38 as recommended load range for the 230 gr. LRN in ACP brass.

Rich