Americans reloading spent primers

I haven’t tried primers but can’t be anymore difficult than repriming 22 rimfire. I reloaded them just to see if I could. I used match heads as a priming compound. Dissolved in acetone with a bit in the case. Not recommend. Too much work and sometimes the compound didn’t get under the rim. Much easier to just stock up on factory 22LR.
regular primers may be easier.
 
Watched several videos on it.
Scary that it may come to that but I will be giving it a try just to have the ability.
 
I was having a look online at the usual primer supplier retailers. Not much selection at all. For once Canada is a source of reloading supplies!
 
22 lrreloader.com
Heard an interview with the owner of this company, they are coming out with a kit for reloading spent boxer type primers, and a corrosive mix, shipped in separate components to complete it. They already have a berdan kit, and prime all mix. Some neat products. Don't think it's out yet, but he was saying soon. Seems very time consuming.....
 
22 lrreloader.com
Heard an interview with the owner of this company, they are coming out with a kit for reloading spent boxer type primers, and a corrosive mix, shipped in separate components to complete it. They already have a berdan kit, and prime all mix. Some neat products. Don't think it's out yet, but he was saying soon. Seems very time consuming.....
Ya they've put out a primer compound kit that you can use to re prime used centerfire primers, 22lr and other uses as well. Back orders are only taking 4-6 weeks to fill last I heard so everything considered that's not bad if you can't get primers.

I heard the owner of this company interviewed on "The Reloading Podcast." He has 45 gallon drums full of spent primers that he's going to use to harvest primer components (cups and anvils,) that he's going to refurbish and package and sell for people to use along with the primer compound kit to make their own primers. At least that was his plan at the time I heard him interviewed. He's definitely spotted a market opportunity.


 
Last edited:
Has anyone ever tried this ? Seems a little desperate /extreme.Cast Boolits forum.

I did it a couple of decades back, not out of desperation though.

Like others here commented they just wanted to try it and see if it worked.

Reloading the rimfire ammo, was my big concern as I had several antique pistols that required rimfire ammunition that was almost as scarce as hen's teeth. That priming compound has been around for a long time, specifically for the purpose I needed it. I also went so far as to purchase a punch and die to cut tin soda cans, back before the days of aluminum soda cans, and form the striated discs into primer cups. I needed to save the anvils from spent primers to insert into them.

I don't know what this newer product is like, but I used t have wet the old mixture with a bit of water to make it into a paste then almost fill each cup and push in the anvil. They had to set overnight to make sure they were dry. I usually left them open for 48 hours, then used a dab of extremely thinned down fingernail polish over the open face to keep it dry, from atmospheric conditions while in storage. I did the same with the rimfire ammo I reloaded, usually with black powder. I also sealed the primers into the pockets with fingernail polish, just in case.

When push comes to shove, you can do the same with the compound on match heads. I tried that also but it wasn't very consistent.

I believe the new priming powder mixture is very similar to that used in making match heads, potassium chlorate and sulphur with a binding agent and a wetting agent. I don't know. I haven't used or seen it in a few decades.

It hopefully contains other ingredients to keep it more consistent and likely burn hotter.
 
When I get to my last 200 primers, it will be hunting only. Fortunately, that will be at least 5 years away. :)
 
Primers are cheap. It’s not difficult to grab 10K when the are available. I’m a bit mystified how people with safes full of rifles choke on primer cost. $70/1000 or $700/10K. Sell 2 midrange rifles and buy 20K primers. Forgo the lift and wheels for your pickup and get 20-40K primers. One so urgent vacation canceled, same thing.
 
They aren't available in the US, and soon wont be here either. Buy what you need now.
Thats why they are re-priming. On Gunbroker auction site, a box of 1000 LR primers was going for $500+, SR primers $350 per 1000. They are desperate.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/891413399

Heres a good deal, 5000 primers for $1500+ ...
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/891288251

Couple months ago I bought a bunch at Cabela’s. I realize they are had to find now. I find the unwillingness to spend a few $$ when you find things means you run out when there are no more to be had. Powder is the same. Grab 8lbs instead of new patio furniture. You will always get your $$ back. Best investment out there.
 
I'll take up knitting before I'll start saving my spent primers for reuse.:rolleyes:

Sorry, but I'm just not that fanatical 'bout the sport.:(
 
Couple months ago I bought a bunch at Cabela’s. I realize they are had to find now. I find the unwillingness to spend a few $$ when you find things means you run out when there are no more to be had. Powder is the same. Grab 8lbs instead of new patio furniture. You will always get your $$ back. Best investment out there.

I've been stocking supplies regularly since Obama's 1st term. Learned my lesson back then.

If I could get $500/1000 I might even sell some...:)
 
Back
Top Bottom