Headspace problem?

[Scott Fisher]

I was shooting a new Remington .308 with factory 150 grain ammo, and  noticed the primers were pushed out after firing.  I measured the cases and the primers were between .008 and .009 above flush with the case head. Is this an indication of too much headspace, or is the ammo out of spec.  The ammo was of the premium type.

[KYsquirrelsniper]

It sounds almost like the ammo was loaded extremely light, as I've had the same thing happen with extremely light handloads.

It could be a headspace issue, but in the rifles I've fooled with that had excessive headspace, the primers usually end up getting slammed back into the pocket and flattened when the case expands and goes back against the bolt head. Of course excessive headspace in conjunction with a fairly mild load might casue what you describe. If it is a headspace problem, it could be the rifle, the ammo, or a combination of the rifle being made to the top of SAAMI specs and the ammo being made to the bottom of SAAMI specs.

I would try a different brand of ammo and see if the same thing happens. If it does, then it's time to start looking at the rifle a bit closer.

[Iowegan]

KYsquirrelsniper is right on. I would try some other factory ammo before getting to excited.

Here's a good demo of what KYsquirrelsniper was suggesting. Load a primed only (no powder or bullet) case in a 38 Special revolver and shoot it. Look at the primer on your spent case. It will push out just from the pressure of the primer mix. When powder and a bullet are added, the case will thrust back and reseat the primer.

I've had light rifle loads do the same thing as what you experienced.  You would think it was from over pressure but it's just the opposite.