t/c venture 204 went BOOM!

[Ted e bare]

Hi all.
i had a cartridge go boom on me the other day. i was load developing and was working from min book loads to max book loads and when i reached the max load it blew back and blew the magazine out and smashed it and where it clips into the stock and also removed the extractor and ejector from the bolt. what i have checked.:
Powder weight to book (last 2 weighed exactly 27.3 grains
headspace
brass condition
what i have found is this:
http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh6 ... da1943.jpg
http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh6 ... 4b6f50.jpg
http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh6 ... bd4bf5.jpg
http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh6 ... ce514e.jpg
http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh6 ... 326c5e.jpg

To me the "feed cone" shown in the above photos is way too big and sot supporting the last 3/16 - 1/4 inch of the cartridge. it appears this may be a error in manufacturing??? Has anyone got a TC Venture in 204 that they could compare and/or take a photo and send to me? what do the rest of you say?

[Bill K]

Could be a chamber issue, but most of the time when a case ruptures and separates as this one shows, it is head space, with the case working back and forth. Are you setting the shoulder back with your dies or leaving the case sized to your chamber and just neck sizing when you reload ? I would make a cast of this chamber and do some measuring to compare with a chamber chart. I also would lower your powder charge, you are getting to much pressure, maybe, for you rifle. Then I would contact TC if all measurements prove the chamber is off. Just a few thoughts. Glad no one was injured by this. Bill K

[Ted e bare]

Bill thanks heaps for you reply! I have measured head space and it's spot on. Agreed the powder weight was at Max but was not over. I really think the "feed cone" is way too big and not supporting the case properly but I was hoping to compare it to another tc venture to see if it is mine or all ventures but in my neck of the woods they are a bit scarce. Again thanks so much for your reply.

[varmit_master]

Hi I have the same gun . I fount some RL10 I loaded up some test loads any not max. I am using 32 gr z max. I have 10 boxes of factory Winchester 34 gr jhp ammo to shoot up first. I am waiting on my 2 75.00 rebates to use on a scope for my new TC 25/06 . Before shooting my 204.

[varmit_master]

I can send u any pictures pm me your email I have one haven't shot it yet. Was that load for a 40 gr bullet? I have a extra clip for a 204 too.

[Ted e bare]

I can send u any pictures pm me your email I have one haven't shot it yet. Was that load for a 40 gr bullet? I have a extra clip for a 204 too.

Thanks! I have pm'ed you.
Thanks again!!,