I had an interesting experience with loading Steel in a 30-30 today. Everything I have read and compared loads with showing using at or below 2400 start data and working up, so I loaded some NOE 165 gr. RF (RD) on top of 14 gr. of Steel and the results were not what I expected.
First of all I have to confess to not paying real good attention. This is a new to me rifle, Sav. 219, and I am having sight issues. I was just trying to get on paper @ 50 yds. I noticed the problem when a fired case did not go flying over my shoulder when opening the action, it stayed in the chamber and would not come out. The second thing I noticed were the flattest primers I have ever seen. This was shot #11. I checked the other cases and they were the same. They did'nt seem particularly hot loads, and since I was just trying to get on paper they were not going over the chronograph so I have no idea what the velocity was.
I pulled the remainder when I got home and all were 14.1 - 14.3 gr. Since all previous shots were the same I can only assume they were the same. The boolits were not seated as far as the crimp groove and oal was set to just touch the lands.
The only thing I can come up with is that the loaded cases were in a ammo box boolit down, removed by the base and dropped into the chamber which was pointing down at approx. 45 degree angle, leveled and then placed on the rest/rear bag. I cannot think of anything else that would cause a problem, but I am open to ideas.
brotherdarrell