M_D, thanks for the detailed input. I'll give some more info on my equipment and methods. The rifle is a savage 12 fv, with about 150 rounds through it. I have been tumbling hornady brass in corn cob media, neck sizing with a lee neck sizing die (using the recommended double size method for best con...

So I have been working hard to find a good load with BL-C(2) and 39 BK's, and havn't had much luck. For one thing, I get definite signs of pressure (sticky bolt, cratered primers) if I load much above minimum (28 grains). I tested a bunch of loads at 28 grains this weekend with various seating depth...

Thanks bow shot, that makes sense. I am using hornady brass only, so maybe I should try a different kind.

hey thanks for the input OldTurtle. A box of Remington 7 1/2 bench rest primers just arrived in the mail. I have heard that these primers are tougher than most so I am hoping this solves my problems. I'm still not sure why I had a 39 BK keyhole, but hopefully it was a fluke, as this is the bullet I ...

hey thanks guys. lets see, I know it was in the 80's yesterday and fairly sunny. I did try to keep the ammo in the shade until I loaded it. I had a feeling that the primers are not made for higher pressures, as even light 204 loads are showing pressure signs. I will definitely stop using them. I am ...

guess no one has any input? :chin: well I did some looking and others have said that the magtech primers are pretty soft. I also looked at the batch of dogtowns that i had fired previously and they too had cratered primers. I will be getting new primers ASAP, possibly remington 7 1/2, as They are su...

Hello everyone. This is my first post, but I have been around the forum for a while now. The information that I have learned here has convinced me that a 204 is right for me, and a week ago I picked up a new savage 12fv! I broke in the barrel with the recommended routine. I have shot 53 rounds of fa...