primers with craters

[mooschi]

I am trying to work up a good load for my Bersa 380 and I find that a load that works reliably produces spent primers that have a crater around the firing pin hole. If I reduce the powder load to eliminate the craters the gun no longer cycles reliably. Any helpful suggestions would surely be appreciated.
Bersa 380
2.9 gr W231
100 gr Berry's plated hbrn
Western Primer
F C Brass
The load is surprisingly accurate and the gun works well and feels good but I dont like to see the craters around the primer. They also looks a little flattened.

Thanks for any ideas.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

can you post a pic of the primers?

 

[gamestalker]

If that is the only pressure sign I wouldn't wory about it. I like to load up at the higher end of the data spectrum and most of my primers are cratered. If the brass isn't showing separation or fracture signs, your OK in my opinion.

 

[rcmodel]

All that is a sign of is the firing pin hole is bigger around then the firing pin.

You might alleviate the problem with CCI primers.
They are slightly harder then Winchester primers.

rc

 

[FullEffect1911]

Everything I've read seems to indicate that traditional rifle caliber pressure signs may or may not translate to pistol rounds. It just isn't a reliable indication with pistol calibers.

 

[Steve C]

I wouldn't worry about it as its probably low pressure causing the cratering. See the .380 acp screen shot of the current Hodgdon data with the Hornady 100gr jhp. Since the Hornady bullet is jacketed it will drive pressures higher than a plated bullet with the same load. You are just at the recommended start load and have a couple grains to go up still.

 

[redbullitt]

Just depends. I have a rem 700 223 that craters every primer. Factory rounds, my reloads, subsonic. Everything. After looking into it, apparently it does it by design.

Check out your velocity as well. If it is a mechanical thing, then your velocity should be help point in that direction. Ie, if you are shooting 230g 45 acp 1200 fps then there is an issue lol. BUT if it is giong at like 750, then the load is probably not an issue.

ALSO, some primers seem to be "softer" and more prone to cratering etc. FWIW CCIs seem to be a bit tougher than most other by what I have seen.

As was mentioned, low pressure can cause some funny primer things to happen too.

good luck