I can't comment with any knowledge of what happened to the OPs rifle. But I reload 14 cartridges, and am very careful, now about 15 years. I use the CCI special "hard" primers for my semi-auto rifles. I also full length my semi cartridges, and usually neck size my bolt rifle rounds. I use a case gage for every cartridge I make, a bit tedious, but picks up the occasional nicked rim or invisible split.
I also put a sharpi ring around the base of each case after I resize it, and discard it after 3 or maybe 4 loads, esp for my 303 Brit guns. For most of my rifles I trickle charge the last few grains.
I will only shoot reloads from one good friend, and I do give him some of my 308. If I give anyone any of my ammo, which is rare and exceptional, I state that he shoots them at his own risk.
I have enough components that I can shoot the rest of my life. If I find a primer on my bench, I toss it, and don't pretend that it surely must be this or that. I don't know, so it goes into the trash.
I chrono all of my loads, and keep careful records of my load and rifle chamber data. What I am saying, is that one can't take all the risk out of reloading one's ammo, but with care and precision, and extreme attention to detail one can produce quality, safe, less expensive ammo.
Other than bulk Lake City 5.56, I haven't bought or shot factory ammo for at least a decade, other than my defensive ammunition.
Being retired, I find reloading a peaceful, relaxing pastime; in fact, I like reloading as much as I like shooting. I try very hard to never have a blown firearm. I also take very good care and maintenance of my firearms. I inspect the bore before every trip to the range, to be sure I don't have a patch or other in the bore or chamber.
And none of this pertains one bit to the OP's situation. Just musings with a late nite cup of de-caf coffee with a few of my wife's cookies.
SF VET
