primer wake-up

[judgedelta]

I was loading some target ammo in .38 super the other day, using Winchester primers and a RCBS priming tool. When I got through priming about 250 cases, I just happened to notice, lying on the bench, a shiny new anvil. SO, I guess I'll have a failure to fire somewhere down the line; OR, maybe it was just an extra anvil that got in the package at the factory. I've been loading just about as long as the current president has been in office (not entirely a coincidence), and I haven't ever seen a free anvil before. I will be sure to check the primers in the tray in the future, especially hunting or SD loads.

 

[GBExpat]

Bummer!

In all my years reloading I have yet to have that occur. <knock on plastic laminate>

I am glad to be able to say that that is not likely to happen to me since all primer operations start with a ridged "right side up" primer tray (I am unfamiliar with the RCBS priming tool, unless it is the long tube fitted to the front of a SS press like the JR3), so any missing their anvil will catch my attention ... unless, o'course, one (or more) separates on its way to installation.

 

[Ironicaintit]

Have you filled those cases yet, with powder and bullet?

With a flashlight, you can see through the primer orifice, and tell if an anvil is present.

It may take a few minutes to get through all of them...but that beats the heck out of knowing for sure that you have a dud lurking around.

 

[LiveLife]

+1. Should be able to identify absence of anvil with reddish hue through the flash hole. Winchester used red colored sealant around yellowish colored primer barrier (see close up pictures below) and if you see yellow through the flash hole, you found the primer with missing anvil - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=7794378#post7794378

 

[judgedelta]

The rounds have all been loaded. Since it is just target ammo, I won't worry about it. I always check, of course, to make sure the primers are turned up before putting the cover on the priming tool, but I'll check a little closer now. Thanks BDS, for the tutorial...

 

[joem1945]

I've had a few over the years. If I have a dud I'll pull it down and try to find out why it happened. Usually primer problem.

 

[Rule3]

They put the extra anvil in the box, like the extra screw or washer in knock down furniture. Just to drive you crazy!