Any cases of primer detonation while seating bullets?

[Wjro]

Hi all, first post. I've been reloading for about 10 years, never had any major problems really. Just started, as in today, to load for 50 BMG. Using once fired, from my rifle, Hornady brass, H50, 750 AMAX, CCI #35. After prep, I started to prime them on Ammomaster using the press mounted prime. That made me nervous because the primers are just so big. So I started second guessing myself, depth ok? Too much crush? Etc.... They looked fine, all are about .007 +-.001 below flush, flatened in the middle, rounded on the edge, uniform in appearance, fired one it worked. Then I started to charge them, and I was constantly thinking what if the primers are not right--lots of powder, holy cow, this is like a different universe than .308.

So my question is, if a primer was crushed into the pocket by seating with too much force, could that lead to detonation while seating bullet or make it overly sensitive? This never bothered me with L or S rifle or pistol primers, I just uniformed the pockets, primed per spec, and didn't think too much about it.

 

[kcofohio]

Hi all, first post. I've been reloading for about 10 years, never had any major problems really. Just started, as in today, to load for 50 BMG. Using once fired, from my rifle, Hornady brass, H50, 750 AMAX, CCI #35. After prep, I started to prime them on Ammomaster using the press mounted prime. That made me nervous because the primers are just so big. So I started second guessing myself, depth ok? Too much crush? Etc.... They looked fine, all are about .007 +-.001 below flush, flatened in the middle, rounded on the edge, uniform in appearance, fired one it worked. Then I started to charge them, and I was constantly thinking what if the primers are not right--lots of powder, holy cow, this is like a different universe than .308.

So my question is, if a primer was crushed into the pocket by seating with too much force, could that lead to detonation while seating bullet or make it overly sensitive? This never bothered me with L or S rifle or pistol primers, I just uniformed the pockets, primed per spec, and didn't think too much about it.

The simple answer is, yes, but not always.

But impact, more than pressure to set off the primer. I have crushed primers before and only ruined them. But one time I was irritated about something else and I seated the primer too fast. That fired cracker sound and ringing ears got my attention real fast.

Always wear safety glasses while reloading.

 

[Bcwitt]

I remember priming my first BMG was a bit daunting. Lol. The primer is bigger then some handgun bullets. Just make sure it starts & smash it good. REALLY good. My first hand loads had a few misfires as I didn't have the primer against the case. Seat them as hard as you can. Also, if no bang, wait 10 seconds & recock.

 

[Wjro]

I remember priming my first BMG was a bit daunting. Lol. The primer is bigger then some handgun bullets. Just make sure it starts & smash it good. REALLY good. My first hand loads had a few misfires as I didn't have the primer against the case. Seat them as hard as you can. Also, if no bang, wait 10 seconds & recock.

When I set up the on-press priming punch, I tried to set it so that on full downstroke the punch was about. .006 --I guess it ended more like .007--into the pocket. The primers, including the anvil sides, mic'ed out taller than the .220 depth of pockets, so they were all compressed by about .010. In reading how you describe it, it doesnt sounds like that's a dangerous amount of smash... Thank you.

I had envisioned "over arming" the primer while seating it and then it going off for no apparent reason while seating the bullet.

 

[Seedy Character]

Being nervous and loading .50BMG is a good thing.

No place for complacency.

Overall, you are good. Don't let nerves hijack your experience.

 

[Bcwitt]

CCI 35s have a pretty thick cup. I doubt very much you will over do it. Looks like you paid attention to the details. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Blue68f100]

Primers require a impact to go off. So unless you are doing something very odd to hit the primer there is no reason for one to go off. I have crushed, sideways many over the years. The only one that went off was one I hit with a hammer. So you do not have any issue with your procedure. Those primers are big and thick cup, it will require a pretty big impact to set one off.

Your attention to detail, seating depth is good. The main things on primer is that they must be bottomed out in the pocket and a little preload added to have reliable ignition.

 

[Wjro]

Thank you all for your insights, much appreciated!

 

[NMexJim]

I don't load for .50 and so can speak directly, but I can't think of a case holder or any other shell holder device that did not have a bore in it to prevent the primer from coming into solid contact on seating or other steps - I think just what you're talking about.

If your shell holder has a big hole in it, you should be ok.

 

[FROGO207]

Welcome to THR OP.
Agree with others that it takes a good blow to set off any primer. If you worry just check across the top of the head with a straight edege. When seating a bullet it will be next to impossible to set off a primer if it is any below the case head at all. Preloading the primer should always push them well below that "level" amount. We need a range report when you shoot them.

 

[lightman]

I've never heard of anyone setting a primer off when seating a bullet. I guess it would be possible but highly improbable.