Got Craters? Call Greg Tannel…
Shooters who convert factory actions to run 6BRs or 6PPCs should consider having the firing pin bushed. These small-cased cartridges like to run at high pressures. When running stout loads, you can get cratering caused by primer flow around the firing pin hole in the bolt face. The reason is a little complicated, but basically the larger the hole, the less hydraulic pressure is required to crater the primer. A limited amount of cratering is normally not a big issue, but you can reduce the problem significantly by having a smith fit a bushing in the firing pin hole. In addition to reduced cratering, bushing the firing pin often produces more consistent ignition.
This is a highly recommended procedure that our editors have had done to their own rifles. Greg Tannel (Gre-Tan Rifles) is an expert at this procedure, and his turnaround time is fast–usually 1-3 days (shop time). Current price for a bushing job, which includes turning the firing pin to .062″, is $60 including return shipping. (Price subject to change.)
If you have a factory rifle, a bushed firing pin is the way to go if you are shooting the high-pressure cartridges such as 6PPC, 6BR, and 6.5×47. This is one of the most cost-effective and beneficial upgrades you can do to your factory rifle.
I had this done by greg on my rem 700 after I had it rebarreled in 6Br. when pac-nor refaced the bolt from .223 to 6br. they opened the firing pin hole up slightly and that led to primer blanking. it was actually shearing small holes in the back of the primer and then the slugs where jaming the pin and the gun wouldnt fire. after gregs bushing (and ceramic coating) the bolt works like a dream and there are no more problems. price was very fair and turnaround was fast. I highly recomend him for work on anyones firearms.