Hey members:
I have been working on loads with jacketed bullets in my m44 MN here lately.
As always, starting at a start load, and working up. Pressures look good to start, then slight flattening of primer, with the increase in powder. Then, a little more flattening as the powder charge is increased. Then, slight cratering of primer, and so on. I realize that when the primer is flattened to the point that there is NO radius around the perimeter, you got problems, and better back off.
Now, I have seen a lot of factory loaded ammunition fired, and resulted in the same flattened primers. I have also seen primers that had "cratered" with factory loaded ammunition. (Some of this could be from an enlarged firing pin hole) I have ALSO seen shiny spots from the ejector slots and plunger holes in the bolt face, with factory loads.
I know that using fired primer condition as a pressure indicator is sketchy at best.
Questions: So, with all that being said; At what pressures does the brass case start to flow into the ejector slots, or plunger holes in the bolt face?
I believe there are a few members here that have pressure testing equipment.
Has anyone done any extensive testing (with pressure testing equipment) regarding primer condition, to respective
known pressures?
Any input is greatly appreciated.
Thank you.