Something odd with my last lot of .357 Mag reloads

Fusilier

Fusilier

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I've recently began reloading for my 6" Python. The first batch came out fine but my most recent batch of about 100 rounds demonstrated a bit of a glitch: about 1 in every 4 or 5 rounds that I tried to fire double action failed to fire. The primer looked like it had an OK primer strike but the round didn't go off.

Every round fired single action went off. Those rounds that failed to fire double action might not go off with a second double action strike but they never failed to go off when fired again single action.

I'm loading with H110 and Magnum primers (sorry I can't recall the brand off hand). The brass and the primer pockets are very clean as I'm using stainless steel media in a rotary tumbler to clean everything.

A friend suggested making darn sure the primers are fully seated. He suggested setting the primers pretty hard. I'm using a new lee Classic Cast Press which has the primer seater integral to the column and I can get a lot of leverage on that puppy if I want. Should I just 'come onto' the handle to make sure the primers are well seated?

I'll have to try to uniform the primer pockets too.

Any other suggestions what to try?
 
2 Questions for you:
1) What brand of primers are you using? A lot of reloaders find CCI to be hard cupped which might cause your issue. Winchester primers are considered much "softer" by many reloaders and they use them if they have issues like yours.

2) Are the primers seated flush or slightly below flush? You may not be seating them deep enough. Slightly below flush IMO, is best.

I don't think you need to uniform the primer pockets. Under normal circumstances that should not be an issue unless you have some obscure brand of brass.

Many revolver shooters who put in replacement springs that produce a lighter hammer fall have found Winchester primers to work best in their guns.

Good luck. Let us know what you come up with. :D
 
Rugerman said:
2 Questions for you:
1) What brand of primers are you using? A lot of reloaders find CCI to be hard cupped which might cause your issue. Winchester primers are considered much "softer" by many reloaders and they use them if they have issues like yours.

2) Are the primers seated flush or slightly below flush? You may not be seating them deep enough. Slightly below flush IMO, is best.

I don't think you need to uniform the primer pockets. Under normal circumstances that should not be an issue unless you have some obscure brand of brass.

Many revolver shooters who put in replacement springs that produce a lighter hammer fall have found Winchester primers to work best in their guns.

Good luck. Let us know what you come up with. :D
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Exactly. I use primarily CCI primers and after I had my 6" Python tuned for double action shooting, I ran into the same problem. Switching to Federal No. 100 primers in reloads for double action work eliminated that ignition problem. Softer cup I guess compared to CCI.
 
I just checked my stores in the basement and I am indeed using CCI 550 Small Pistol Magnum primers. Sounds like I'll have to use that lot up and pick up some Winceshters if I can find them.

I purchased the Python years ago used and I've never had it open. The previous owner may have had some work done on it but I'm not aware of. It is extremely smooth in double action. There is a small screw on the left side of the frame that is a bit proud. The cylinder actually is scratched all the way around on it because when the cylinder is all the way out, it touches the screw. I doubt the pistol left the factory that way so it has probably been opened up at least once in its life.

Thanks for the heads up, and so quickly. Now I have to load and use up 500 primers and then try new ones. That'll be my challenge for the summer I guess.
 
I have no problem when using the Winchester primers. But because you are using Lee - you should stay away from the Federal primers.
 
rdl212 said:
I have no problem when using the Winchester primers. But because you are using Lee - you should stay away from the Federal primers.
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It's a single stage press. I handle and load each primer one at a time. Federal primers shouldn't be a problem.

I like Winchester primers for my .308 and all my other handgun loads. The only hard part is finding any reloading components here in Halifax.
 
Another vote for CCI's hard primer cups, I use Winchester and Federal when I can.

As to the question of primer seating, as long as you ensure that the cartridge doesn't rock when placed upright on a flat surface you're good to go. A high primer can cause cycling problems in a revolver due to the resistance created from primer's contact with the recoil shield, as well as the chance of a misfire if the primer hasn't bottomed out.
 
I'm not too keen on Federal primer only action jobs, either. I can almost always find one kind or another of pistol primers locally, but I can't always find Federal primers. Given that component shortages happen from time to time, I strongly prefer to be able to use any primer.

I agree that it is probably time for a new mainspring.
 
tjhaile said:
I'm not too keen on Federal primer only action jobs, either. I can almost always find one kind or another of pistol primers locally, but I can't always find Federal primers. Given that component shortages happen from time to time, I strongly prefer to be able to use any primer.

I agree that it is probably time for a new mainspring.
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Probably true but I seriously doubt I can find anyone that knows what they're doing inside a Python, here in the Maritimes. Anyone out there know any good Colt revolver smiths in Canada?
 
Fusilier said:
Probably true but I seriously doubt I can find anyone that knows what they're doing inside a Python, here in the Maritimes. Anyone out there know any good Colt revolver smiths in Canada?
Click to expand...

Although I hasven't been inside a python, a mainspring is a do-it-yourselfer. Part #7.

pix_python.jpg
 
Fusilier said:
I just checked my stores in the basement and I am indeed using CCI 550 Small Pistol Magnum primers. Sounds like I'll have to use that lot up and pick up some Winceshters if I can find them.

I purchased the Python years ago used and I've never had it open. The previous owner may have had some work done on it but I'm not aware of. It is extremely smooth in double action. There is a small screw on the left side of the frame that is a bit proud. The cylinder actually is scratched all the way around on it because when the cylinder is all the way out, it touches the screw. I doubt the pistol left the factory that way so it has probably been opened up at least once in its life.

Thanks for the heads up, and so quickly. Now I have to load and use up 500 primers and then try new ones. That'll be my challenge for the summer I guess.
Click to expand...

Run an ad in EE - you may find someone willing to trade.
 
I've never opened a Python, but have replaced mainsprings on S&W L-frames. Replaced the originals with Wolff leaf/mainsprings. Simple DIY job on S&W's.

Some people don't change springs, but instead, they loosen the mainspring set-screw (don't know the correct term and too lazy to look it up), hoping to reduce trigger pull.

Gunsmiths have cautioned against adjusting trigger pull by fooling with this screw. Not sure why, but they say the screw should be always cinched down, or torqued correctly. Probably because if not torqued right, screw could conceivably loosen and change hammer/firing pin "force" or "energy" and cause misfires.

Anyway, the Python might have the same screw and it could just be on the loose side.

fusilier said:
Now I have to load and use up 500 primers and then try new ones. That'll be my challenge for the summer I guess.
Click to expand...

I use magnum and regular pistol primers interchangeably, but if you are concerned about higher pressures with magnum primers, reduce powder charge by .1 - .2 grain....
 
Rugerman said:
2 Questions for you:
1) What brand of primers are you using? A lot of reloaders find CCI to be hard cupped which might cause your issue. Winchester primers are considered much "softer" by many reloaders and they use them if they have issues like yours. :D
Click to expand...

Glad this was mentioned. I have a lot of misfired cartridges in my revolver with the CCI primers while shooting single action, but my glock seems to work fine with them. I switched back to Winchester and I have not had one misfire. I am wondering if CCI made the batch lot bad.
 
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