Bulged 30-30

[boatmanschneider]

I fired some Winchester 30-30 170 gr silvertip factory ammo out of a @1966 '94.

As I set up the old press that belonged to the same owner as the gun I noticed that the factory ammo cases were bulged about 1/2" up from the base, and the primers are standing proud. Since the press was already set up for 30-30 I put one to resize and there is still a slight bulge. Also the rim was hard to get in with the newer ammo while the 30 year old stuff fit the rim holder well.

I don't know all the terms yet as I just reviewed the '64 loading manual last night.

I recall someone taking some 30-30 rounds out of this box of stuff 10 years ago and it jammed in the breach, maybe 3/4 inch of the shell too fat to fit so I had to take it apart to get the shell out.

So, a couple issues here, other than me needing to read more.

1. Is it common for factory ammo to bulge and push the primers back on 30-30 in an old Winchester?

2. Might the chamber of the '94 be out of spec?

3. How to I check the die to insure it is in spec?

 

[tightgroup tiger]

Can you get us some pictures of your bulged cases?

Are you sure the shells in this box are factory loads or someones reloads? Did you buy them yourself?

 

[rcmodel]

1. Yes.
2. No.
The case is expanding at the end of the tapered case wall.

The primers are setting back because there is not enough pressure to stretch the case and re-seat the primers after they back out. It is pretty common to see it on fired 30-30 cases.

3. If they chamber freely after you size them, there is nothing wrong with the die.

rc

 

[James2]

I have an old Win 30-30 Model 1894. The primers are always backed out a bit. I haven't noticed any bulging on the cases though. I have two newer mod 94s and neither has ever had protruding primers. I always full length size for these guns.

 

[boatmanschneider]

Yes, the cartridges were purchased at the gun store.

I haven't tried to use the old reloads yet.

I no very little about reloading and I find it strange that a bulge can still be seen after resizing.

 

[243winxb]

I find it strange that a bulge can still be seen after resizing.

The die does not size all the way to the rim because of the shell holder. Plus some full length dies have a bevel on the mouth.

 

[hueyville]

Since.without pictures, measurements, chamber cast, etc. I am guessing like everyone else. But cases bulged and primers setting back point me.toward the rifle. Any chance it has excessive headspace, thus the rounds not going fully into the chamber? Maybe bolt not closing fully but still igniting primers? That could quite possibly cause issues you are seeing. I would have competent smith look at your rifle before you hurt a nice old Winchester or yourself.

 

[Walkalong]

Look anything like this? (Except in .30-30) If so, re-read rcmodels post.

 

[exbrit49]

If you are going to reload 30/30 buy a headspace gauge

Everything the OP asked was ok and is normal as many have noted. My only caution would be to use a good headspace gauge. Many decades ago I loaded 30/30 without one and quickly found I had some case separations just in front of the rim. Didnt take too long to figure what was wrong, I had moved the shoulder too far back and created a dangerous headspace problem. I had to pull about 47 and then re-fire form them again with a lower powder charge.
Got a Wilson gauge and using that have had no problems since...
Seen a lot of posters re-loading shouldered cases and wondering why they are getting case separation. In looking at the pics posted when this has occured, most show headspace problems.
Seems a lot of people forget this important criteria.

 

[gamestalker]

As for using the old reloads, I would not, simply because you have no idea what the load is or if there is a problem with them. And if it were me I would have a smith take a look at the rifle just to make sure all is in good working order.
And as you've already admitted, do some serious reading and watching of "You Tube" to get a good idea of how it's done. But don't rely soley on "you Tube" you want to learn the technical process from a reliable SAAMI stand point. I would pick up a Speer reloading book, that book really layed it out in terms and descriptions that made sense for me over 30 yrs. ago. But there are other very good books out there as well.

GS

 

[jcwit]

Does not 30/30 headspace at the case rim and not the shoulder?
Just saying.

 

[Walkalong]

Yes it does, but if we push the shoulder back too far we can still cause undue case stretching and early case head separation, especially in a chamber with max headspace built in, and also taking into account the flex in the lever gun action compared to a bolt gun.

 

[jcwit]

Completely understood. It is the way I thought it was. Does that make any sense?