Does this primer look normal?

[beardking]

As the title states, I'm trying to get an idea of others think this primer looks normal, or if I'm getting too close to the limit on this load.

For reference, this load is as follows:
125 gr plated RN bullets
Range brass, mixed head stamps
Winchester Small Pistol Primer
3.7 gr Hodgdon Titegroup
1.15" OAL
Shot out of S&W M&P9c with 3.5" barrel.

(I don't have a chrono at the moment, but I'm hoping to add that to my reloading tool collection)

I've used this load previously, but this is the first time I've come across primer strikes that look like this.

Thanks in advance for any input others have.
Beardking

 

[rcmodel]

No, your load is well under a max load.

I believe it is normal for that model to leave a tear-drop shape in the primer.
There is a slight depression machined at the bottom of the hole to prevent extruded primers from shearing off and working back in the hole and binding the striker.

rc

 

[beardking]

Good, that makes me feel better. Especially since this load was very accurate for me.
I was just concerned because I had never seen that tear drop primer strike before.

 

[rcmodel]

Maybe look at some factory load primers next time you shoot some?

Pretty sure it always did it if there was enough pressure to flow the primer cup into it.

Rc

 

[cmhellie]

I went to the Hodgdon site and in their reload data it states 3 separate loads for the 125 grain bullet. The max load goes from 3.2 to 4.0 and the COL ranges between 1.069 and 1.125. In my opinion here's the rub, none of the bullets you are using are represented in this data. The closest would be the LCN recipe. The extra space in the COL when near maximum would concern me, too. Having said that, I don't think you need to be too worried, but I would definitely get a chrono or borrow one. The one unknown here is speed. If that mics in OK, then load em up. If not, better rethink the process.

Best.

 

[sexybeast]

I have no idea what is going on there. I shoot hundreds of 9 out of my m&p each month. My load is 125gr rn with 3.5gr of titegroup and I have never seen anything like that before. Perhaps just an abnormality of some sort. Try to duplicate it.
Like RC said, its well under max and actually right at the beginning of starting loads.
I have two m&p's, neither of them leaves any "teardrop" on the primer.