primer backing out

[tonyg]

Is it normal for a primer to back out of the cartridge when fired with no powder or bullet ? Just checking firing pins in old style hammers (a .360 and .44) . Primers fire ok but back up enough to slightly jam cylinder. I assume the cartridge is staying in place as no recoil.

 

[tiriaq]

Yes. The pressure inside the the primer pocket tries to push the case foreward and the primer back. There is no pressure trying to push the case back to the breechface. Doubt that you will notice the cylinder hanging up when you fire cartridges.

 

[smoking hull]

I used to fire wax bullets in my basement. No powder just the primer. The first batch the primers backed out and jammed the cylinder.

Just enlarge the flash hole( about 2x, leave just enough pocket to seat the primer) and you will not have any problems.

Be sure to mark those cases in some way so you don't use them for standard loads.

 

[tonyg]

thanks guys.glad it's normal thing.

 

[762shooter]

Would the amount the primer backed out be an accurate way to measure headspace? If so this would be a quick, cheap way to check headspace!

 

[NormB]

Would the amount the primer backed out be an accurate way to measure headspace? If so this would be a quick, cheap way to check headspace!

762,

It would work in a rifle. In the revolver mentioned it would be the size of the gap between the cartridge head in the cylinder and the backing plate of the revolver.

normB