Saw a new one today. I was loading up my PX4 using Blazer Brass (9mm) ammo when I picked up one round that didn't look quite right. Upon closer inspection I saw to my amazement that the primer was inserted backwards. I pulled the bullet and looked inside just to double check. Yep, the shiney silver side was facing inside the case. I didn't even know this was possible. Anyone ever run across something like this before?
Primer Inserted Backward
- Thread starter marb4
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Jim Watson
Member
A reloading press will occasionally flip a primer like that. Haven't seen it in a factory load, but they screw up every once in a while, too.
mahansm
Member
This happens. The primer flipped in the feed mechanism and was inserted backwards; QC didn't catch it.
On the reloading board there are periodic discussions of this happening and what to do about it and whether the components can be recovered.
On the reloading board there are periodic discussions of this happening and what to do about it and whether the components can be recovered.
Cowboybootnut
Member
Its happened to me once or twice, I think I never let it get to the powder/bullet phase on my RCBS single-stage. I would just carefully deprime it, and use the brass again. Chunk the old primer.
[email protected]
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I have seen it once, it was a Federal American 40s&w.
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
Once finished second in a match by 0.25 seconds -- when I'd had to run a "Tap, Rack, Bang" for what proved to be a flipped primer I hadn't noticed! Aaargh. 
Pull the bullet and if you resize the case carefully, you can catch the live primer and reuse everything.
Pull the bullet and if you resize the case carefully, you can catch the live primer and reuse everything.
I had it happen twice in a row whilst reloading yesterday. Pulled the bullet and carefully ran the cases through the sizing die to remove the primers and reused them. Have never seen it in a store bought cartridge, but it could happen.
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JimKirk
Member
I once had a Federal Shotshell that had the primer seated .... sideways !!! It was flush with the base of the shotshell.... just happened to notice the odd look just before placing it in my shotgun.... I was in the middle of a dove shoot .... any other time I would have pushed it in the magazine with out looking....
The Lone Haranguer
Member
I saw this years ago, on a brand called American Ammunition. (Headstamped A-MERC, not to be confused with Federal American Eagle.)
stoney1666
Member
pull the bullet and pitch it
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
Pitch it? Why toss the case and primer? They're fine.
A flipped primer is rare, but not unknown, even in factory ammo. Fired, the result is a pop and some smoke but no damage to the gun or shooter.
But in a Blazer case? Unless they have changed, the Blazer uses a case like a Berdan with the anvil built into the case. I have no idea how a primer could possibly be inserted backward into that kind of case. If anyone knows or is willing to try it, I would like to hear/see the result.
Jim
But in a Blazer case? Unless they have changed, the Blazer uses a case like a Berdan with the anvil built into the case. I have no idea how a primer could possibly be inserted backward into that kind of case. If anyone knows or is willing to try it, I would like to hear/see the result.
Jim
JimWahoo
Member
Had the same thing not too long ago...see link
Jim
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=651427
Jim
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=651427
Good one!
joecil
Member
Go one once in a 9mm Remington factory ammo. Did not catch it until I would not fire. Saw it once ejected.
joecil
Member
Got one in a box of Remington 9mm factory ammo. It didn't fire hence I found the reason why after I ejected it.
HisSoldier
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I had a Blaser Brass cartridge with no flash hole once. I called the company and emailed a photo, they sent me new box of ammo!
I had bought a Federal brand box the day before from the same store (What are the odds?) that had one case that was torn down one side almost to the base of the bullet, this much more famous brand didn't even say they were sorry when I sent them a photo.
Blaser = good company
I had bought a Federal brand box the day before from the same store (What are the odds?) that had one case that was torn down one side almost to the base of the bullet, this much more famous brand didn't even say they were sorry when I sent them a photo.
Blaser = good company
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