primer seating on lee press

A silly thought. Could I put just a primed casing, no bullet, into the M4 chamber by hand and then release the bolt and see what happens? I know it may not be a fair test as the full length of cartridge wouldn't be there. Could this work or would I end up with a stuck casing?
 
It sounds to me like you're not seating them hard enough - give the press a good squeeze at the top of that stroke to seat the primer and I'll bet good money your problems will disappear!

-M
 
The more you prime on the press, the better feel you'll get when the primer is seated. If the primers are CCI, they usually require a little bit more force to seat them, as compared to a Federal. Good Luck
 
Denn0001 said:
A silly thought. Could I put just a primed casing, no bullet, into the M4 chamber by hand and then release the bolt and see what happens? I know it may not be a fair test as the full length of cartridge wouldn't be there. Could this work or would I end up with a stuck casing?
Click to expand...

With no primer or powder, the case wont expand, the primer would just pop, no?

Worse case, tap it out with a rod.
 
You guys who dont seat primers on the press are crazy. Why not? You don't feel it? I have never had a primer blow or had any mishaps. What is the benefit of using a handpress? I don't get it. You just jam them in worst case they sit a little high and you have to put it back in the press and give in a nother press. The only thing you feel on the handpress is the primer bottoming out anyways. It's not like there is a sweet spot a certain depth in the primer pocket. You guys are ridiculous.
 
I will try rotating them a few times while repressing in the press. Maybe I was too gentle with the press when I initially primed. Being a newbie to reloading, that could be the problem. Next time I will ram them home.
 
I wouldn't even bother rotating, just ram it until you feel a good interference fit - don't lean on it like you're moving a piano, but don't "sissyfinger" it either.

-M
 
Still wondering about firing just a primed case in my M4. I wonder if it will fit the chamber properly without a charge or bullet? Just thought it would be a good test. Opinions?
 
I rammed all the cases again to seat the primers better. Took a few primed cases and my M4 out to the garage. I hand loaded each one in the chamber with the bolt held open and then let the bolt slam closed. No problem. I had to fire the rifle to make the primer go off. Did this 4 times. No problems. I think I am on on my way. I loaded powder in 10 cases, seated and crimped the bullets. A photo of my very first reload. .223 Cal. 60 grain Nosler Ballistic tip.

First_Reload.jpg
 
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