Need help with Encore and WLR primers

[willienels]

I recently loaded some .22-250 cartridges for shooting in a Thompson/Center Encore, but several of the primers would not fire on the first attempt. The loads are 55 gr Vmax, 36 gr Varget, Winchester Large Rifle(WLR) primers, 1X brass. The primers and powder are newly purchased. The primers that have had trouble firing may be seated very slightly deeper than the primers that are firing, but the difference is only very slight. I will try to do some measuring and report here. The firing pin appears to be striking the primers adequately. The rifle has been shot with only factory ammo in the past without any problems. I normally use only CCI primers and have never had failed ignitions even if primers were seated well below flush, but this is my first time at loading .22-250 and first time with an Encore. Has anyone had these kinds of problems with the Encore and/or WLR primers?

 

[snuffy]

Most likely, you set the shoulders back too far when you resized your brass. This allows the shell to go forward into the chamber so the firing pin can't get a solid hit on the primer.

What you need is a gauge to check how much you're moving the shoulder. Also, another way to tell is to back your FL die off a full turn, size a case, then try to chamber it. It won't go at first, just keep turning the die down 1/8 turn at a time until it allows the case to fully chamber with slight resistance upon closing. You're using the chamber as a gauge. Lock the die with the ring, that's where you should leave it.

 

[rcmodel]

Excess headspace from sizing to far, or a weak hammer spring.

See this about that:
http://www.bellmtcs.com/store/index.php?cid=188

rc

 

[snuffy]

Heh heh RC and I were typing at the same time. Looks like you got your answer!

 

[cfullgraf]

Previous posts are good things to look for. Here is one other possibility and may not apply apply to the Encore.

My first generation Contenders won't set of the round if the action is not closed smartly. Something inside the frame inhibits the hammer strike when the action is closed easily.

The Encore design may have eliminated that problem. I can't say I have had the problem with my Encore, but then it has not been shot very much either.

 

[UniversalFrost]

what RC said.

Mike bellm has probably foregotten more about the encores than I will ever know.

sign up for his newsletter (even a bit of drama tied into it with the recent split with his live in girlfriend and her starting up a competing business...) lot of good info in the newsletter.