I go with #5, it depends on the gun and what it likes. Two identical guns probably will not like the same factory ammo, but, could shoot groups that are close or similar to each other with the same ammo. Finding a factory ammo the gun likes gives you a starting point for handloading IMO as you have ...

You don't mention what brand of rifles they are, but I've got a Savage FV12 in 204, and had some issues with Fiochhi ammo, see this thread: http://204ruger.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=11619 I had the same idea of reloading the Fiochhi brass but I'm going to think about it alot 1st, and see what the ...

I shot some other ammo, Hornady 32gr and Winchester 40gr Ballistic tips, and no problems with either those two, and after talking to a couple of experienced/knowledgeable reloaders at my gun range, I've come to the conclusion it's probably the ammo. Possibly loose primer pockets, maybe the loads are...

I think it's a Savage issue. Bushing the bolt will fix it. I have the same gun and read on another forum about the issues. Mine doesn't do it but the guy whose gun did was worried about pressure with his reloads. Another guy gave a lengthy explanation about the Savage bolt design and machining proc...

Just an update as the search continues. I ordered some GO/NO GO gauges from Brownells, and they came, so I checked the HS using the gauges by Manson. The go gauge closed w/o issue, while the bolt would not close on the NO GO gauge. Have some more ammo ordered (different brands) but not arrived yet f...

Here are the 32gr Fiochhi factory loads (not reloads) cases, I only fired 10 rounds of the 32 gr and you can see there are a couple raised primers but not anywhere near the 40 gr cases. The case laying along the top is an unfired round. http://i1281.photobucket.com/albums/a515/jimp10/Savage%20FV%201...

Thanks for the suggestion but what does bushing the bolt accomplish???

It was warm/hot when I was shooting (low 90's) but the firing line is covered where I go and I try to keep the ammo covered in some form or fashion with a towel or hiding behind the bag rest, etc. as the sun does shine on the bench tops as the day goes along. Will look into finding a reputable gunsm...

Finally got to the range with my new Savage FV 12 204 Ruger, and took one box of Fiocchi 32gr Vmax and one box of Fiocchi 40gr Vmax as that's all I've got for it. Started out with the 40 gr ammo, and since it was a new gun and all I was inspecting the cases after each round was fired. The very 1st r...

When I posted the link it showed limited quantities, so. I picked up 2 more bags of the Win brass at BPS yesterday

It's listed under the small caliber brass: http://www.cabelas.com/product/shooting/reloading/reloading-brass%7C/pc/104792580/c/104761080/sc/112555980/winchester-174-unprimed-small-caliber-rifle-brass-per-100/705757.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Freloading-brass%2F_%2FN-1109590%2FNs-CATEGORY_S...

Good read, thanks for sharing. Sounds like a good life you got going on there. Congrats.

I got 2 bags of the brass from Cabelas, some of the necks were bent out of shape, but a nail punch straightened 'em out pretty good.

Looks like you have it figured out to me.

Good read, thanks for sharing.