I have been shooting Federal TSS in a TC Encore. I am getting cratered primers that are black and almost seem to be puncturing the primer. I am currently hand loading # 9 and 4 TSS and primers look fine, no blackening or pitting. Has anyone experienced this? I thought at first that my hammer spring might be too strong or the head space was off. But this does not seem to be the issue. These are 3 inch shells.
Are you setting your own primers or using hulls with primers already in them?
using primed hulls
Have you tried backing your load off 1 grain of power and trying it out.
Could definitely be the burn rate of the powder you're using. Why some have gone to small caliber pistol and .410 powders. What are you using? People think these TSS loads are hot in terms of powder but most are on the lighter side.
Quote from: Ranger on January 13, 2020, 05:26:49 PM
People think these TSS loads are hot in terms of powder but most are on the lighter side.
You're right my hand loaded TSS loads are shooting fine. It is the Federal factory loads that appear to be running hot with cratered primers, that are discolored.
Ten four, thought the problems were with the loads you're doing, read the OP wrong. That the case I'm not surprised, most TSS hand loads that come from one of the Big 3 pioneer developers and one in particular are going to be a lot more consistent done in small batches, and have been tested for YEARS longer than what the big manufacturers have. More proven and more consistent, glad I made the switch.
That may be the answer: factory loads running hot. I only have three Federal shells left. I'll dump them - getting very good patterns with the hand loads. Currently loading #4 for Coyote.
Quote from: Ranger on January 13, 2020, 05:51:27 PM
Ten four, thought the problems were with the loads you're doing, read the OP wrong. That the case I'm not surprised, most TSS hand loads that come from one of the Big 3 pioneer developers and one in particular are going to be a lot more consistent done in small batches, and have been tested for YEARS longer than what the big manufacturers have. More proven and more consistent, glad I made the switch.
Hey Ranger,
Do you mind sharing who you mean for the hand loads...specifically the "one in particular"? I've seen a few names mentioned while searching the forums.
Thanks!
PM sent
I had a problem with a couple boxes of Federal heavy weight 7's a few years ago. The head separated on several of them. I contacted Federal and they wanted all the hulls as well as what shells I had left. Of course they never offered any information as to what the problem was, but they did send me new shells. It never hurts to simply make a call and see what happens.
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I'd contact Federal and not shoot anymore out of that box/lot.
Quote from: PharmHunter on January 14, 2020, 10:04:41 AM
I'd contact Federal and not shoot anymore out of that box/lot.
I'll shoot them an e-mail. However, I'm shooting a TC Pro hunter and everyone asks if the head space is correct, it is, then they ask about the extended hammer not to mention I have switched out all the springs filed on the sear to finally get a 2 lb trigger. I also switched out the hing pin. I'm a big fan of Bellum's TC. So in all likelihood Federal would just mark it up to my customizing.