Help with M1 Carbine reloading!

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frankt

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I have been reloading on a regular basis since I started on my kitchen table in an apartment around 1976 and usually have no problems. But I do now!
I bought a new M1 Carbine. I bought 400 rounds of PPU JSP. Fitst 30 rounds I had a few failure to go into battery etc but to be expected with a new semi auto. After that it settled down and no more issues of any kind.
I wasn't going to reload but ended up with so much brass from mine and a friend gave me a bunch too,
I cleaned,deprimed, full length resized, cleaned primer pocket. Trimmed to 1.286. Lightly flared case mouth and loaded some 90 grain Hornady JHP. Internet reloaders said to load to 1.550.
I had problems with them not firing. I used CCI small rifle primers and then switched to Winchester. I had to lengthen the cartridge to 1.609 to get it to feed and cycle but most are not firing and looks like a pretty decent primer hit.
Last night I pulled three bullets and all the primered cases fired!
I kinow the bolt is fully home. I know the M1 carbine headspaces on the case mouth. That is about all I know.
I tried crimp and no crimp and it made no difference.
I am at a loss at what to look for next!
Thanks!
 
I will take your advise and try another powder and primer!. The 110 fills the case up pretty full though!
 
I've had no troubles with using 14.0 to 15.0 grains of H110, behind a Berry's 110PRN, regular CCI rifle primers (400?) with a 1.680 OAL in an IBM M1 Carbine. Hodgdon lists 3 bullets, 85 grain, 100 grain, and 110 grain, and the OAL is 1.625 for the first two and 1.680 for the 110. So your OAL may still be a little short for proper feeding and you didn't say what your load of H110 was.
 
I had problems with them not firing. I used CCI small rifle primers and then switched to Winchester. .............but most are not firing and looks like a pretty decent primer hit.
Last night I pulled three bullets and all the primered cases fired!
99% of the time when that happens the primers are not seated deeply enough. The first hit drives them a little deeper, the second sets them off.

What priming method/tool are you using?
 
What Walkalong said, as usual....especially noting that you said the primer strikes look deep enough. Nothing wrong with H110; I believe it's the original M1 carbine military powder.
 
Reflecting back on my first response, I chose H110 as it was a very recommended powder for the carbine.
I was using 15.5grns with a 90gr bullet which is in the manuals.
I use the Lee Hand primer and seat the primers with a good firm push. I am not as concerned with the feeding as in the just not firing. I expected possible feeding issues with a hollow point but wanted to try it on pigs.
Even with a weak or poor primer choice the primer should go off.
Today I took the rifle apart. The hit on the firing pin looks good and centered. I cleaned the bolt and also made sure the chamber was clean.
I previously tried some CCI#41 primers which are magnum but also harder to set off. When I had problems with them I tried WSR primers with about the same results.
I am not sure if I tried to refire any of the once struck rounds but will next range trip.
I loaded 15 today doing everything I can to ensure a quality round and may get to try them again this week. I used all PPU cases this time also just as an extra caution!
 
H110 w/ Magnum primers and a 110gr. bullet is what I use w/o a problem.

I wonder if your firing pin spring is too weak.

What make Carbine did you buy?
 
New Kahr Auto Ordnance! Firing pin is free floating and hammer spring feels fine and fired factory ammo fine!
Thanks!
 
Sounds like you are doing things correctly, I would go with the primers not being seated properly theory. I normally load Hornady 110gr bullets over I think 14.9grs of H110. The only issue I have had was having to increase my seating depth with some Berrys plated bullets, because they had a more rounded nose then the Hornadys and they were keeping the bolt from going into battery. I would try refireing the ones that didn't go off.
 
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