High primers on loaded rounds
- Thread starter Sylvain555
- Start date
I have done this several times, as recently as last month. I do not do it on a press, but using the Lee Hand Priming Tool. The "anvil" of which is a flat surface just slightly smaller in diameter than the primer. I have primed thousands of rounds of empty brass with it, and the possibility that I could set off a primer with that tool is so close to zero, that I'm quite comfortable using it myself on loaded rounds and advising others to do the same according to the instructions that come with the tool and due care.
Please tell me how that tool could possibly set off a primer already very close to fully seated?
Please tell me how that tool could possibly set off a primer already very close to fully seated?
In 25 years, I've had exactly one primer go off while seating in the case. 6.5x55, everything looked/felt normal until it went off. Can't even venture a guess why. But I still de-prime live primers and seat the odd primer deeper on a loaded round when needed. Just pointing out that as rare as it might be, it could still happen.
fingers284
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Alberta Cowboy Ranges
Might not be a high probability but with a loaded round I don't take chances on a "slight chance" The scenario that I envision having a partially seated primer detonating is if a kernel or two powder enters the space left open by the unseated primer through the flash hole. When the primer is completely seated the anvil is "moved" possibly enough to break the foil and scratch the fulminate as a match would, this is all it would take to light the fulminate.
Like I said not a big possibility but I have had primers go off unexpectedly in presses without any powder involved...absolutely do not want any possibility of it with powder involved, with me sitting beside it in my gunroom.
- Location
- Halifax - NS
Huh? No - that doesn't happen... best case - you whack it with the FPin and it seats; and then maybe goes off the second time if the anvil wasn't damaged during hit one. Worst case - in a revolver - it jams the thing up solid.
OP: the 650's design to seat on the upstroke takes a little time to get used to, that's likely the cause. Make sure you always "follow through" when making a round, even on that last round before you reach for more primers, a coffee, etc.
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The primers I've seated deeper had to be moved a max of 10 thou - from slightly proud to slightly inset. I've heard the warnings, but my informed decision is to keep doing that if I ever need to, and if asked, I'll continue to suggest to others that it's safe to do.
Like just about every discussion like this, there are those who will always "take the long road", because it's "safer".
That's great, but if anyone's risk tolerance is zero, then the shooting sports is not for them.
Like H4831, the only primers I can recall setting off were in my old Lee Loader, on the kitchen table. Really impressed my wife!
I generally use a Lee hand tool for re-seating a primer. Empty the tray and face away, squeeze.
While I do use a kinetic puller on occasion, if I have several to pull, such as salvaging powder and bullets from ugly surplus rounds, I use a collet puller.
I generally use a Lee hand tool for re-seating a primer. Empty the tray and face away, squeeze.
While I do use a kinetic puller on occasion, if I have several to pull, such as salvaging powder and bullets from ugly surplus rounds, I use a collet puller.
07blackwater
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Port Coquitlam, BC
I agree Bruce, I'd remove the bullet and charge first to be safe.
That said, I've never had a primer go off unintentionally.
As far as proud primers go, in my opinion, that's why I uniform (first loading with rifle reloads) the primer pockets. For subsequent loads I use my primer pocket uniformer and it cleans them up with a twist.
I got lazy with a batch of 30-30 one time and I had enough proud primers that it settled me on my procedures.
The proud primers on MY 30-30 made it tough to close the lever. Uniforming the pockets make my life easier (seating the primers easier) so I'm sticking to it.
fingers284
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Alberta Cowboy Ranges
Of course and "to each his own".
I have had 3 primers detonate out of the dozens that were pooched (loaded sideways. smeared, loaded backwards etc.) when I was using a Lee Loadmaster. I've had 2 detonate in my Dillons out of less than 1/2 dozen that have been deformed in one way or another. My risk tolerance isn't set at zero but it is set to not tempt fait with 50 grns of powder ready to ignite over 30 seconds of time saved.
Either I am very lucky or some of you guys are very unlucky. I started reloading about 40 years ago with my father as a young man and continue to this day reloading for rifle, handgun and shotgun and have yet to have a primer go off when seating or reseating which I have done many times. I know with my Dillon 550 if you don't give the loader lever a good deliberate push in it is easy to get a high primer, I just reseat the primer, no problem so far.
fingers284
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Alberta Cowboy Ranges
Might depend on the type of primers as well all the ones I've had detonate in the press have been Federal, widely known as the easiest to "go boom".
I have never had a front steering tire blow out on a 120,000 lb super B neither...but have friends who have when they let them get wore down so I don't do that either.
I have never had a front steering tire blow out on a 120,000 lb super B neither...but have friends who have when they let them get wore down so I don't do that either.
