model 94 head space

[birdshot8's]

day one:
i think i have a head space issue with an older 1950's model 94 30-30. the gun is new and i do not know it's history. upon taking the gun out i first shot some handloads i use in my marlin. no chambering problems but big problems after firing. i fired 3 rounds without noticing a problem the fourth round stuck in chamber after firing. i picked up the 3 cases and noticed signs of overpressure, ie flat primer, pierced primer, case head almost seperated cracked around 90% of the head.
day two:
removed stuck case and returned to range with factory remington 170 ammo. this trip gun functioned flawlessly. but i noticed all of the cases had primers backing out. maybe a fingernail's thickness. i noticed when the bolt is locked up there is some movement also.
is this normal?

 

[rcmodel]

Pretty normal.

Your handloads sound like they are just plain too hot.
And your Marlin may have micro-groove rifling, which takes less force to engrave the bullet then the cut rifling on the Winchester.

The factory loads with backed out primers is another matter.

But it is not uncommon on rimmed cases like the 30-30.

I have found more variation between different brands of 30-30 cases (rim thickness & length) then anything else I reload.
Cases with thinner rims will cause excess headspace & backed out primers.

The 94 Winchester is also a fairly "springy" action, as are most all lever-action designs.

I'd probably try another brand or two of ammo before I got too excited yet.

Another thing is, if you are reloading.
Back the sizer die off and headspace off the shoulder insted of the rim. It may take some experimenting to make the ammo fit both guns, but it may be possible to help the Winchester some.

rc

 

[birdshot8's]

RC, i will give the shoulder headspace idea a try. i load for .357 herrett and headspace that off the shoulder, makes sense would work for other rimmed cartridges.
i really would like to find a way one load would work in both guns.