Thanks everyone for your help. The rifle in question is a mod 70 mannlicher style stock, probably made in the early 70's, inherited by my father in-law. He lives in Tacoma and came out for a visit, so we loaded some cartridges as I already have .300 dies et al. He had never fired the rifle before.

Based on all your help, I have to assume the problem is excess headspace...

As previously mentioned, the "pressure" problems also existed with factory loads. Additionally, the factory loads did not create these indications in my Browning, nor did the handloads, or the reloads.

ElDegeullo, is it possible for the problems you describe to occur with factory ammunition? These cases showed the same "wear" as the reloads, whether they were resized or not.

Thanks again everyone.

CE