Primer hardness (I DON'T want Federal!)

[altitude_19]

So I'm running reloads through a Smith Model 327 (357 magnums). It's been modified with a Miculek kit and has a GREAT trigger pull. I have never had a FTF with defensive ammo, but get FTF about every 30 rounds of reloads. I'm running CCI primers and have had the same problem between SP and SP Magnum primers. So, what's softer than CCI and harder than Federals (don't want soft primers running in my progressive press)?

 

[Yarddog]

Winchesters ; )
Y/D

 

[TonyT]

CCI primers have the hardest primer cups and Federal the softest. Winchester primer cups are intermediate in hardness. I use Federal primers in my Dillon 550 for all my revover loads.

 

[ReloaderFred]

For our tuned handguns, we run Federal or Magtech primers, since they're the "softest" and always go off. Winchester primers will be next down in hardness, with Remington in close third. CCI will be the hardest.

You might also check to make sure you're seating the primers fully or the anvil won't be set. Ideally, they should be approximately .004" below flush.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[LightningMan]

I have used Federal primers in my progressive press (Dillon 550B) for years now and haven't had an issue with them. If you must use another, I'd go with Remington, just because I had FTF with Winchester's years ago. LM

 

[Iron Sight]

Double check that your strain screw is tight.

I had a problem with light primer strikes on my S&W 625 that got progessivly worse. Strain screw was backed out a bit, tightened it and have not had a problem since.

It's the screw in the front bottom of the grip frame. You might have to take the stocks off to get to it.

 

[altitude_19]

Screw is tightened down all the way. The spring kit in it just isn't designed for cheap ammo/hard primers. So, can we get a consensus here? Which is softer: Remington or Winchester?

 

[Hagen442]

Light Primer Hits

Curious , what is your issue with Federal Primers ?
What kind of Mfg. Ammo are you shooting?

 

[1SOW]

Mag-Tech, Remington. No Wolf, CCI or 'other'.

The Feds can be loaded safely, but I might not load the tube to the top.

I use Fed in a turret press, so don't have the primer tube to worry about. I'm way over 10K with Feds with a light spring pistol. I've had ONE FTFire and checked the primer. It was a strange color inside --sort of a kacka brown.

While I am a little embarssed, I have seated Fed SPPs "sideways" and even one that was "upside down" all done with very firm handle pulls, but no bangs.

 

[altitude_19]

I don't like primers TOO soft with my APS on the PRO2000. It's got plenty of moving parts to crunch a touchy primer in if it happens to get loose. Just trying to blend safety with sensitivity.

 

[ChristopherG]

Your concern is understandable, but Federals are the answer. Competition revolvers are typically set up to run with Federal primers and Federal primers are safe to run in progressive presses. I've run tens of thousands through a Dillon Square Deal and will run tens of thousands more.

Wear eye protection when you load, regardless of primer brand, and enjoy your revolver!

 

[Remo-99]

I got lighter springs in my 686 for competion and if I load ammo with CCI SP primers I'll get rounds fail to fire every so often.
Winchester SPP's haven't given me any trouble nor has Federal SPP.

 

[youngda9]

Does your Miculek kit change the mainspring to a lighter one, and thus strike the primers lighter? You may have gone too far and need to go to a heavier mainspring.

 

[Innovative]

altitude_19 .......

I'll choose Federal primers over everything else - every time for a tuned handgun. I've never had a problem of any kind with Federal primers ...... and that's a whole lot of primer over the last 30 years. Keep in mind that you don't want your hammer spring too light, because that can affect uniform ignition and cause intermittant flyers.

If I absolutely had to switch primers, it would ONLY be due to availability problems. Then I'd use Winchesters.

 

[altitude_19]

Hmmm....think I'll pick up 100 Winchesters and see what the FTF rate is. If that doesn't fix the issue, I'll give federal a whirl.

 

[Slamfire]

I copied this Hornady LNL tube picture from another forum. The gentleman was using Federal Primers. I don't recall the specific circumstances, but I would be extra gentle, don't force anything if something feels stuck, if you are using Federal primers.




Winchester redesigned their primers about 1999 making them more sensitive. Among the changes were nickel plated to brass colored, thinner cup, and did some other stuff to "combat off center firing pin hits".

 

[243winxb]

Tuned guns done by a gunsmith and spring kits give 2 different results. Hardness of primers change from lot to lot, same make. Lose the spring kit.

 

[altitude_19]

Thanks, 243. I didn't ask what modifications you recommended for the gun. I appreciate your recommendation, all the same.

 

[altitude_19]

I understand why the tube is a bad idea for primers. Anybody heard of issues with sensitive primers in strips (APS)?

 

[Skip_a_roo]

I have run thousands of Federal primers through my Dillons. Never a problem.

Why don't you try this: resize and deprime and take the cases off of the press, hand prime. Remove the resizing die and then go to town reloading. You will be able to feel each primer and there will be less damage if one primer goes off. FWIW

 

[EddieNFL]

I've loaded Federal primers well into six figures...most on a Hornady Projector.

 

[redneck2]

FWIW...I've literally run thousands of Federals thru my Dillon 550. I've had them upside down, crushed sideways (newbie that didn't know any better), etc. I've deprimed live primers. Never had one go off. Not saying it can't happen, but I can't imagine what it would take.

Well, actually I can. It takes a fairly good SHARP whack. If you take any care at all, you shouldn't have problems.

I use Federals in my Thompson Contender .357 Herrett due to maybe 40-50% misfires with CCI's. The CCI's look like good strikes and have a good dent, but don't light off. Federals have zero misfires if I get them seated correctly.

If you're set against Federal, I'd use Winchester.

 

[Oyeboten]

I was gettnig dramatically 'flattened' Primers in my Black Powder .45 Colt Loadings, using an average easy going weight Lead Bullet, primers are 'Federal'.

I was shocked!


Then happened to read that the Federal Primers are considered 'soft'.


Yeeeeeesh, I sure did a double-take on that one.


Now that I have found more education than I had, I thnik I will elect Winchester Primers from now on.

 

[243winxb]

You copied it but didnt edit it.

 

[altitude_19]

Thanks so much to everybody for the info. Like I said, I'm only getting a misfire about every 25 rounds, so anything softer will probably fix it. Now, to get rid of about 2000 CCI primers. NO, they are not for sale.