Primers with Soot

[ChristopherO]

I've been loading 26 grains of 2400 under 405 grain boolits in the 45/70. This shouldn't be too hot according to the manuals. The primers I have are old WLR. Some have green corrosion on the underside but they fire. The last two outings I've had 3 primers show black carbon around them. Upon inspection it reveals that the soot is not coming from the primer pocket but from little blowouts on the side of the primer itself. Possibly the corrosion has caused a weak spot to form.
If you have experience with this please fill me in.
Thanks.

[Skipper]

Soak them in WD-40 and toss them.

[Scharfschuetze]

Yes, get rid of 'em. Continued use may etch the face of your bolt from hot gasses escaping past the primer.

[ChristopherO]

One thing I did forget to mention was the dozens of firings with IMR 3031 or H322 did not have this happen. They were pretty stout loads, too. Maybe the faster burning powder is the culprit?

[Mk42gunner]

The culprit is weakened brass do to verdigris (corrosion). Best to dispose of them safely.

Look at it like this-- A leaking primer is spurting a small jet of pressurized hot gas. A cutting torch spurts a jet of pressurized hot gas. Do you really want a primer sized groove in the face of your rifle's bolt?

Robert

[Gtek]

1000 primers = X$, Bolt face of ( ) = ?$. I applaud your detailed post firing inspections. My experience would tell me to chuck them as stated above.

[ChristopherO]

Thanks for the replies, gentlemen. Being frugal isn't worth harming the rifle.