Reading Federal vs other primers

[GMP]

Have any of you guys found that Federal SP primers tend to flatten and indicate a higher pressure condition where the same load with a CCI or even a Win primer looks more normal?  I have been working with Sport Pistol in 9mm.  4.0 to 4.2 g  with  RMR 124 g FMJ RN @ 1.110".  Sub minor to minor in CZ Shadow 2, CZ P09,  Beretta APX and FN509.  Shoots great in all guns, and I've loaded 1000s with different primers.  At a recent range night a friend was shooting a similar minor power load with Titegroup through a Glock and inspecting his brass the Fed primers looked flat like mine.  I know they are supposed to be softer so I guess this is to be expected to a degree.

[George16]

That?s expected of the federal primers because of their ?softness? compared to other primers such as cci and Winchester. Try some Winchester and compare the primer after firing them using the same loads.

I load 4.0 Gr of Sport Pistol @ 1.101-1.104 OAL for my Shadow 2 for  RMR 124 Gr TCFP and JHP. I also use Winchester primers. Power factor is around 126-128

[Wobbly]

Welcome aboard !


What George said, plus....

"Reading primers" is a non-starter and most definitely not the way to judge a load. The best tool for that is a chronograph. You can also feel the expansion of brass in a revolver, or measure the expansion of brass in an auto gun.

[GMP]

Thanks guys.  Not new to reloading just new to Fed primers in 9mm.  Since I started loading 9mm a year ago they were tough to find and sold out quick.  Ran CCI and Win for 1000s or rounds and thought nothing.  Yes the loads I'm working with seem fine. Good case seal, no over expansion, 100% function in all guns and good accuracy.  We chronoed one night at the local range but the  chrono had issues with only 50% good reads.   

I like the RMR bullets.  The RN seems to be more accurate in my P09 for some reason so I usually run those @ 1.110" OAL.  The flat point "Matchwinners" I load at 1.085" for the same seating depth.

FWIW I run a Hornady L&L that I completely disssembled and shimmed out excess play under the shell plate, at the bottom of the shaft over the star wheel, and even several of the pivots.  Its totally reliable now, no powder spills, and the indexing adjustment has not moved in 5000 rounds.  Hornady dies with the exception of the flaring station, where I use  Lee die with an NOE two stage expander insert.