I started reloading for a S&W 642 J frame 38spl with Starline brass, CCI SPP, 125gr Berrys RNFP and HP38.
From day one I had issues with rounds not going off and either light firing pin strikes or cratered primers. I tried seating the primer deeper which didn't help, cleaned primer pockets, attempted to uniform them which wouldn't even cut and still 2-3 out of 5 rounds would not fire!
Today I loaded BE86 with those same primers, brass and bullets and ran 25rounds without a single hiccup! I tried HP38 rounds and misfire! I have pulled rounds of HP38 and it looks like its darker than the normal grey/silver color but not burnt.
Any idea what in the world is going on here?
BTW I can put 5 shots with the j frame in a baseball at 20ft. I love BE86 and it shot very well in the 9mm too.
From day one I had issues with rounds not going off and either light firing pin strikes or cratered primers. I tried seating the primer deeper which didn't help, cleaned primer pockets, attempted to uniform them which wouldn't even cut and still 2-3 out of 5 rounds would not fire!
Today I loaded BE86 with those same primers, brass and bullets and ran 25rounds without a single hiccup! I tried HP38 rounds and misfire! I have pulled rounds of HP38 and it looks like its darker than the normal grey/silver color but not burnt.
Any idea what in the world is going on here?
BTW I can put 5 shots with the j frame in a baseball at 20ft. I love BE86 and it shot very well in the 9mm too.