model 10 light primer strikes

[Grizzlypeg]

I'm having an intermittent problem with light primer strikes in my model 10 38 spl K frame revolver. I might get 3 light strikes in a row shooting double action, then no problems for several cylinders full. Most strikes are deep and normal looking. The light strikes are minimal dents. I removed the grips and checked the strain screw, which was not backed off. I fired 6 rounds of someone elses ammo and it all fired. I then re-inserted the 3 "duds" and 2/3 fired. I am reloading with nickle plated plusP cases and CCI 500 primers. The hammer seems to have good tension. Whatever it is, its intermittent.

What should I check?

 

[667]

My guess is you're not seating your primers fully...

 

[John in B.C.]

Try Win Small Pistol or Federal primers.

I had a similar problem with CCI primers in my M15 and a change of primers to WSP cleared it up.

John

 

[MTF]

It sounds to me also that the problem is with the primers (if you're sure the tension on the mainspring is good). When I prime cases, I always run a fingertip over the primer. You quickly learn the feel of a primer that isn't seated correctly. Leave those aside and fire them independently of the rest of your reloads. And as "John in B.C." wrote, make sure you have Small Pistol primers.

 

[Cerdan]

Probably high primers if some other ammo fired reliably.

I had the same problem when I started reloading for my wheelguns.

 

[T&G]

CCI primers are relatively "hard". Fifteen years ago in PPC everybody used Federal primers because they were the softest available, and almost always go off.
J.

 

[R. Pennock]

I agree with the high primer issue. Most PPC shooters still prefer Fed. Primers. Even with Fed. primers, if they are not fully seated, they can still misfire. They will generally fire the second or third time around.

 

[enefgee]

Yup, you need a softer primer, especially if the revolver has had any trigger work. The only gun I use Fed primers in is my PPC gun, but I find I can't use anything else.

 

[PH Racing]

I have had no luck with CCI in any loads, stick with Fed. Win...should be fine

 

[Etter]

Also agree with the high primer probability. The first hammer strike will actually seat the primer deeper so the second time around it will fire. You can also try to crank another 1/2 turn on the strain screw if it's not already at its limit to help with the hard CCI's if primer seating is not the problem.