My article on recharging primers is up on SurvivalBlog!

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Dirty Bob

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The first two parts of my article, "No Ammo, No Primers, No Problem!," are up on survivalblog.com. The article will cover my experiences recharging rifle/pistol primers, as well as shotgun primers, and it includes some infographics I made to show how I charge primers with paper roll caps.

It will also cover making paper cartridges and an adapter for single- or double-barrel shotguns. This expands options with inexpensive shotguns, even if ammo becomes hard(er) to find. Plus, it's fun to do! I hope you like it!

The first part is at:
https://survivalblog.com/2022/11/22/no-ammo-no-primers-no-problem-part-1-m-b/

The second part is at:
https://survivalblog.com/2022/11/23/no-ammo-no-primers-no-problem-part-2-m-b/

Humbly,
Dirty Bob
 
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Toy caps or even strike anywhere match heads do work (somewhat) but are corrosive. Sourcing this material in a pinch could be could be a challenge.

Also corrosive, but functionally better are the kits from the link below. However, the kits are overpriced for the amount of material you get.

https://sharpshooter-22lr-reloader.myshopify.com/products/prime-all-repriming-compound

The H48 mix described in the pdf found at the site below functionally gets you the same stuff as the Prime All. An ample stockpile can be had for not much money.

https://aardvarkreloading.com

The pdf is at: https://aardvarkreloading.com/resources/Homemade Primer Course 2021-06-01.pdf

The site and pdf above also describe EPH-20 & EPH-25 mixes. These are non-corrosive based on Lead Nitratohypophosphite and the compound function is very satisfactory. The process is a little more involved, but the guidance is good enough that most people with any kind of DIY knack can make it work. There is a group of folks that are very helpful at the MeWe site:

https://mewe.com/group/611a4959d56ba522c1f18bd8

In addition to getting a mix that will work, the primer reloading community has been working on improving guidance for "the other stuff". The mechanics of reloading primers is somewhat tedious. However, if you are willing to put in the effort, reloading primers with EPH-20 & EPH-25 is good enough to be a replacement for normal primers for day to day practice and fun shooting needs. In the past year I have used these mixes to reload thousands of primers. Here are a couple of threads from another site that might be helpful:

https://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?434882-Making-Sparkplugs-My-first-100-primers

https://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?437558-Primer-Reloading-Pics-and-Tips
 
The first two parts of my article, "No Ammo, No Primers, No Problem!," are up on survivalblog.com. The article will cover my experiences recharging rifle/pistol primers, as well as shotgun primers, and it includes some infographics I made to show how I charge primers with paper roll caps.

It will also cover making paper cartridges and an adapt er for single- or double-barrel shotguns. This expands options with inexpensive shotguns, even if ammo becomes hard(er) to find. Plus, it's fun to do! I hope you like it!

The first part is at:
https://survivalblog.com/2022/11/22/no-ammo-no-primers-no-problem-part-1-m-b/

The second part is at:
https://survivalblog.com/2022/11/23/no-ammo-no-primers-no-problem-part-2-m-b/

Humbly,
Dirty Bob
Dang... Now I have something else to consume my "me" time... thanks for the info.
 
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Thanks for the info and the kind words.

I haven't messed with the mixes, but I guess that's the next phase. The paper caps are only suitable for use with black powder, but calibers like .45 Colt are awesome with good old gunpowder (black powder). I really want to shoot more with black powder, especially shotgun shells.

My hope is that the infographics will go semi-viral, as the paper cap process is cheap and simple. It just works with black powder and not with smokeless.

All my best,
Dirty Bob (you'll understand the nickname if you see me after tearing cartridges with my teeth. Black powder and sweat make for a great look!)
 
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The paper caps are only suitable for use with black powder....

If you topped off a paper cap with a mixture of 67% potassium chlorate and 33% antimony sulfide, it would be similar to the H48 mixture which the U.S. Army was using for smokeless powder in the early 1900s.
 
That failure rate is a no go plus the rolls are small. The Chinese caps have a better success rate but they're no good for bp caps. You can cut the plastic caps out of strip or ring caps and put two spots out of German made roll caps in them. The plastic caps fit either #10 or #11 nipples but the failure rate is still unacceptable.
 
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