Rifleman Q & A: Persistent Primers

by
posted on July 19, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
primers.jpg

Q: I am trying to figure out what has happened here. I removed the spent primers from three cases. Two have primer pockets with what appears to be thin metal cylinders in them, preventing a small primer from being seated. I would like to reload these cases. What do I have here?

A: I’ve seen this before, and what has happened is that the entire primer was not removed. The bottom of the cup is gone, but the skirt (sides) of the primer is still in the flash hole. It is impossible to say why this happened in your situation, but similar results have been attributed to excess sealer or a metallurgical issue with the primer cups. It may be more trouble than it’s worth, but if the primer remnants are fully removed, you should be able to reload the case.

—Charles E. Petty

Latest

Rugerzrepor
Rugerzrepor

Ruger to Discontinue Several Major Models

Ruger announced a major change to several of its longtime product lines this week, stating that it would immediately suspend production of several models while finishing out current production runs of other models through 2026.

I Have This Old Gun: The British Lee-Metford Rifle

In the late 1880s, the British military adopted its first bolt-action rifle chambered for the .303 British cartridge. This is the Lee-Metford, the first step on the way to the iconic Lee-Enfield.

Colt Delivers M4A1 Rifles to Guatemala Through Foreign Military Sales Program

Guatemala’s military recently acquired more than 2,000 Colt M4A1 rifles through the U.S. government's Foreign Military Sales program as part of the country's ongoing military modernization efforts.

NRA Launches New Texas Senate Ad as Part of Multi-Million Dollar Campaign to Retain Pro-Gun Majorities in Congress

The NRA today released a new 30-second ad highlighting Democrat U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico’s longstanding support for banning so-called “assault weapons” and standard-capacity magazines—the firearms and accessories owned by millions of law-abiding Texans.

Going Pro: Springfield Armory's Echelon Pro Comp

Springfield Armory has expanded its Echelon line of handguns with several new Echelon Pro Comp offerings, bringing a number of what the company calls "performance-oriented enhancements" to the platform.

Steel Yourselves—Metal is Back

These days, it’s safe to say that injection-molded polymer of some sort is the most prevalent material from which to construct a pistol frame, but lately, that trend seems to be reversing. Metal is back.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.