Pistol and Rifle Primers the Same Size?

[lpsharp88]

In my research to determine if it is worth my time to swage NATO .223/5.56 brass, I came across the primer pocket gauge seen here.

My question, are the primers/primer pockets for small pistol and rifle (large as well) the same? My 9mm brass is on it's 4th loading, and it couldn't hurt to check some of them, and it would be nice to have one tool for both. I assume the answer is yes, since the tool only specifies "small" and "large", but I'd like to confirm.

 

[Slamfire]

Take a look at this page

Minimum and maximum dimensions of primer pockets

http://ballistictools.com/articles/primer-pocket-depth-and-diameter.php

Diameters are very close for the large rifle/pistol, identical for small rifle/pistol, but the depths are different.

 

[lpsharp88]

Thanks for the link!

 

[243winxb]

http://www.shootingtimes.com/ammo/ammunition_st_mamotaip_200909/ Mysteries And Misconceptions Of The All-Important Primer

 

[Reloadron]

They look like this:



So while small rifle and pistol share the same sizes the same is not quite true of large rifle and pistol. Note the difference in Height. However. large rifle and pistol do share the same diameter.

Ron

 

[lpsharp88]

Thanks for the picture! Seems that for my purposes, the gauges could be a decent investment. The small gauge I'd use to check my 9mm brass to see if they're getting loose, and see if I properly swage my NATO brass. Large used for same purposes as 9mm, but for .45 and 10mm. More worried about loose primers than depth

 

[Reloadron]

If you have a friend who is a machinist or know a machinist they could likely easily turn you a few Go/NoGo primer pocket dimension gauges (width). SAAMI spells out the primer and the primer pocket width allowances and tolerances. You could likely buy some pin or sometimes called plug gauges in a Z class which should be adequate. Distributors like McMaster Carr Supply sell them in the US or just buy a set made for primer pockets.

Ron

 

[Hondo 60]

243winxb - thanks for the link - very interesting reading.

 

[lpsharp88]

Unfortunately, I don't know anyone in that role. Thankfully, the gauges are around $10 a piece, so not terribly expensive.

 

[Reloadron]

Unfortunately, I don't know anyone in that role. Thankfully, the gauges are around $10 a piece, so not terribly expensive.

Really, considering Brownells at about $12 a gauge a set of large and small runs about $25 making it a good investment for the buck. I just use a caliper and only worry if the primers seem to go in much too easy.

Ron

Ron

 

[egd]

FWIW see this thread about primers. Don't know if it still holds true but...
https://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=569295