Primer charge/bang

[1SOW]

Just a bit of info about primer power.

I'll bet 90+% of reloaders have burned small amounts of powder to get rid of it or just observe how it burns.

Well that same question popped into my thoughts about primers after reading about blown primer reloading tubes.

I did exercize some caution and put a Federal SPP, into a small open-top tin cup (NON-contained ignition), on a stool in my garage and used my safety glasses, etc.

I touched a long fireplace match to the open end of the primer and low and behold, there was ZERO delay and it didn't burn.

It exploded with the sound of a 'good' sized firecracker. I was really surprised at the 'explosive power' of that tiny dab of uncontained primer formula.

I found the tin cup and what was left of the primer housing on the floor.

Primer 'formula' is nothing to play with. It's waaay more dangerous per quantity than powder. In quantity, even moderately small quantities it could cause serious damage to the reloader or his belongings.

The moral of the story is up to the reader. It's just info from a not-too-smart little test.

 

[ReloaderFred]

Priming compound is an explosive, not a gun powder. It truly detonates when compressed violently or exposed to heat or flame, as you found out.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Sunray]

"...from a not-too-smart little test..." Yep. You're lucky you didn't get hit by a wee bit of frag too.

 

[Sport45]

You're lucky you didn't get hit by a wee bit of frag too.

Yup, the anvil must have come out pretty fast. Any idea where it went?

You're not the only one to have found out about priming compound in a not-so-controlled way. When I was pretty young I found a live shotgun shell that had probably been lost by a dove hunter. After taking it apart to play with the shot and powder I decided to see if I could pop the primer. I set the empty hull maybe 10-15 feet away and took aim with my Crosman 760. I squeezed the trigger and heard a satisfying "bang" when the BB struck the primer. A fraction of a second later I felt a burning sensation in my side. The primer cup had gone through my shirt and t-shirt and was imbedded in my side sizzling. I'll never forget the origin of that particular scar.

 

[qajaq59]

Famous last words. "I wonder what will happen if I........."

 

[sta500rdr]

I was always fond of "It sounded like a good idea at the time..."

 

[Ditchtiger]

I was always fond of "Watch this!"

 

[bullseye308]

It's much safer to prime a case & fire it in a pistol at dusk. The kids love watching the flame come out of the barrel and are amazed at how loud it is for it's size. After seeing that a few times they realize just what they are working with and reapect it a little more.