Post mortum LE bolt failure...

[breakeyp]

Comments for what they are worth as we don't have the parts in hand.

1. Steel does not crystalize with age. Steel as it cools forms crystals with noticeable, under the microscope, boundaries separating the big crystals. Variations in boundary physical and chemical properties can affect material performance.

2, I agree that the culprit was handloading. I am not a handloader and do not intend to. From what I have read, reduced handloads can be very dangerous. SARCO's office manager Glenn DeGrooter was killed by his using reduced loads in a Winchester Lee Navy rifle. It was explained to me that there is a balance point of powder vs. available oxygen in the cartridge case. Less powder in the case and more air caused a "double detonation" which increased chamber pressures. A crack was started and full loads finished the lot off. Perhaps more knowledgeable people can expand on this.