Just a note on my experience. During the "primer shortage", I bought a couple of 1000 Wolf primers (small pistol, large pistol).
I have had a lot of issues with the large pistol primers for .45 ACP (note: I will try some in .45 LC when I switch calibers).
I had issues with about 5% of the rounds not getting the primers fully seated. Since I check this (using the time tested set them on the table and see if they wiggle) I fix this before they get shot. They did feel "funny" during seating on my Dillon press. I had to be very careful in seating...but still had issues.
The issue was during the shooting. For about 1% of the rounds, my Kimber Custom Classic would have a FTGB (failure to go bang). A second try worked most of the time. My Glock 36 seems to have the same results. My S&W 325pd revolver would have a 30% FTGB. I was convinced that I had a problem with the S&W as it was new.
So, I tried about 100 rounds of factory ammunition in the S&W and all was well. Dang. So I bought a sleeve of Federal Large Pistol primers and loaded up 100 rounds. They fired perfectly in the S&W. They also seated much more smoothly.
So, my conclusion is:
1. My S&W has a lighter strike. I've fired a lot of my self defense ammo through it with no problems (as I always do) and there have been no problems to date.
2. I won't buy Wolf primers again.
3. I'm going to have to segregate my loaded ammo for now and just shoot the Wolfs in the autos that seem to tolerate them.
A little more complex for the .40SW for my Glock 23C. I have about the same FTGB as with other primers. I'm first suspecting a setup measurement on my Dilllon primer assembly. I have also put a LOT of rounds through that gun. I've changed the striker spring (to a heavy duty) with no positive results and I'm thinking new firing pin. I'll blame the Wolf primers last as I have a new box of CCI primers which I'll experiment with when I need load .40s again.
Anyway, I just thought I would share my experience.
Dave
I have had a lot of issues with the large pistol primers for .45 ACP (note: I will try some in .45 LC when I switch calibers).
I had issues with about 5% of the rounds not getting the primers fully seated. Since I check this (using the time tested set them on the table and see if they wiggle) I fix this before they get shot. They did feel "funny" during seating on my Dillon press. I had to be very careful in seating...but still had issues.
The issue was during the shooting. For about 1% of the rounds, my Kimber Custom Classic would have a FTGB (failure to go bang). A second try worked most of the time. My Glock 36 seems to have the same results. My S&W 325pd revolver would have a 30% FTGB. I was convinced that I had a problem with the S&W as it was new.
So, I tried about 100 rounds of factory ammunition in the S&W and all was well. Dang. So I bought a sleeve of Federal Large Pistol primers and loaded up 100 rounds. They fired perfectly in the S&W. They also seated much more smoothly.
So, my conclusion is:
1. My S&W has a lighter strike. I've fired a lot of my self defense ammo through it with no problems (as I always do) and there have been no problems to date.
2. I won't buy Wolf primers again.
3. I'm going to have to segregate my loaded ammo for now and just shoot the Wolfs in the autos that seem to tolerate them.
A little more complex for the .40SW for my Glock 23C. I have about the same FTGB as with other primers. I'm first suspecting a setup measurement on my Dilllon primer assembly. I have also put a LOT of rounds through that gun. I've changed the striker spring (to a heavy duty) with no positive results and I'm thinking new firing pin. I'll blame the Wolf primers last as I have a new box of CCI primers which I'll experiment with when I need load .40s again.
Anyway, I just thought I would share my experience.
Dave