Breech Face Erosion from .45 auto leaking primers

[FullEffect1911]

The lot of WLP primers I am having issues with is DML858G as mentioned previously in the thread.

 

[GLOOB]

I'm curious if the priming method/technique could also be contributing. When I first started reloading, I used to flatten each primer pretty bad. I imagine this folding and then subsequent unfolding of the corner as it fires, then flattening again when it slams into the breachface might weaken it.

So how goes it, edfardos and FullEffect 1911? What do your unfired rounds look like?

I'm not trying to defend Winchester. I'm just trying to justify a way to use my primers and ammo. But I only shoot two 45's. A G21, which is already known to have a very thin breechface. And my friend's cherished handgun, a Gold Cup she bought new, less than a year ago. So I'm loathe to just "shoot 'em and see." I imagine Winchester would be recalling primers if they were universally damaging firearms. So perhaps the problem is more sporadic.

 

[GLOOB]

Well, I emailed [email protected] about this to see if there was a known issue with my lot of primers. I relayed a quick description of the issue detailed in this thread along with the lot numbers listed here. I received a quick response.

We have not been made aware of any problems with our primers cracking. If you are experiencing this issue, please give us a call at 1-800-356-2666 ext 3697.

I, of course, won't be calling since I haven't shot any of these primers, yet. But for those who have experienced problems, perhaps giving them a call might get the word out, in case it's more than just a freak occurrence.

 

[FullEffect1911]

I'm not trying to defend Winchester. I'm just trying to justify a way to use my primers and ammo.

How many primers do you have? I am wondering if it could have something to do with the firing pin on the Springfield. I believe they use a 9mm sized firing pin. It is titanium and the mainspring is higher poundage to ignite the primers using the TI firing pin. I always thought the dimples look strange, oh well.

Long story short, I am not firing them out my Range Officer, and will most likely trash the remainder. I still think it is just a lot issue.

My Winchester small pistol primers just ran beautiful, so I will keep using them.

 

[Blue68f100]

I know if you have any problems with Fed ammo or products, Contact them. They will replace them with a different lot + extras. With ammo it's a 2 for 1 and they have a pickup shipping label to pick them up when they deliver the replacement.

So give them a call if your having problem. Also in your case send a couple of cases with the bad primers. They will need the lot numbers so they can trace all of the supply chains. If you think you have multiple lots give those number too.

 

[GLOOB]

How many primers do you have?

I just stocked up for the year. 2K Win LPP from the same lot number. I'd rather avoid damage altogether than to get 2 free bricks of primers. Although, come to think of it, that doesn't sound so bad what Federal does.

If it were SPP, and Win had the same 2 for 1 policy, I'd feel rather lucky. I have a couple milsurp beaters I'd be happy to test them in, and the thought of turning 7 bricks of primers into 14 would be like winning the reloader's lottery.

I wish I had a few of those old 357 cases with a large pocket. I may have to check the local ads for a beater 44/45.

Right about now, the Caracal's replaceable breechface looks genius.

 

[edfardos]

this is a good reminder to keep a reloading logbook, jot down when you start using a new lot of consumables, and mark your reloads with serial numbers. That way you can go back and find boxes of ammo which have bad parts.. I was lucky to discover my bad lot of wlp primers after only 150 rounds, and I was able to identify all of them.

--edfardos

 

[ghitch75]

i have ran thousands and thousands of Winchester threw all my 1911's(17) and have never seen any thing like the OP has shown.....there is something else goin' on....i would send it to Springfield and let them have a look.....

 

[GLOOB]

Did you read the linked threads and look at the pictures of primers with a pin hole in the shoulder? I don't doubt your experience with Win primers. I also don't doubt theirs, esp considering the photographic evidence!