Primers

[Reeferman]

So what do you all think of these two sets of primers in 38 and 357?
The pictures are not the greatest and look a little different than what I am seeing under magnifier.

 

[Chief 101]

I don't think they will work anymore, except for de-priming practice. You can try them but I doubt any of them will go bang...

 

[sugarmaker]

New S&W revolver?

 

[alientrainwreck]

Maybe the hammer is striking with to much force for that primer, adjust hammer?

 

[Reeferman]

Ok the reason for the post is the 38 is factory American Eagle and the 357 is first time reloaded with 19.1 grains of 296, 125 Hornady XTP and Federal Match Magnum primers which is one of the most accurate loads that my S&W 686 with 4.2 inch barrel shoots.
A couple at the range came over while I was checking the primers and near had a stroke about them being flat and way to hot. These two seemed to know a lot about reloading but don't shoot revolvers.
Just wanted to show what Federal primers in factory 38 look like compared to reloaded 357 with Federal primers.

 

[Robert Ramos]

Your primers are well flattened which looks like a sign of high pressure.There is also a ring around the firing pin . Are you using Max loads .Maybe the primers are made from softer metal and are easily flattened out. I am a long time lurker and just joined recently , still learning about reloading .. Could sombody verify or corret me ,I also am curious..

 

[243winxb]

I dont see anything to worry about.

Just watch for a tiny pin hole. The gas escaping will cut the firing pin/hammer nose.

 

[sugarmaker]

Normal for a new S&W. The radiused firing pin bushing pokes out about .005 and does this to all primers. Makes it more difficult to read primer signs.

 

[Average Joe]

You are under max load by almost 3 grains, so I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Walkalong]

I dont see anything to worry about.

Me either.

 

[Walkalong]

but don't shoot revolvers.

They need an intervention.

 

[Reeferman]

That's the point of this thread. I was surprised as these two I found out later are well respected shooters and reloaders for years but all rifle and shotgun. I haven't reloaded anywhere as long as many here but did find that Federal primers seem to flatten more than any other I've used. I got a smoking deal on these primers and bought 11,000 of them a couple years ago and have not bought any other small magnum primers since.
I found really no difference between those that I loaded to 19.1 grains of 296 to those I loaded to 21.5 grains but don't have any to show.
I never thought of there being an issue until these two mentioned it.

 

[witchhunter]

You are OK. If it makes you feel better try another brand like CCI and see if there is a difference.

 

[Jim Watson]

I once scared myself looking at Federal Primers from a handbook 9mm load. Back to WW, normal appearance.
Federals ARE softer.

 

[medalguy]

Federal primers, all types I think, are notorious for being very soft. I also used some years ago and gave away all I had after the first reload. Your brass looks fine to me.

 

[Reeferman]

I once scared myself looking at Federal Primers from a handbook 9mm load. Back to WW, normal appearance.
Federals ARE softer.

Yup that's what I found compared to any I've used before such as CCI.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have fired hundreds of factory Winchester .357 Magnum ammo and the primers always look so flattened you would swear they were double charged. It happens with all Winchester .357 Magnum ammo I have shot and in at least 6 different revolvers. It's just the way they look.

As we all know primers are a very poor indicator of pressure.

 

[Walkalong]

Yes, and pics of some of those have been posted here. If one didn't know better from having seen the factory ammo, one would swear it was an overload.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Yes, and pics of some of those have been posted here. If one didn't know better from having seen the factory ammo, one would swear it was an overload.

Yes, it sure does look that way.

 

[captain awesome]

I dont see anything to worry about either...comparing 38 special to 357 magnum primers is apple and oranges. 357 magnums are rated at much higher pressure. naturally the primers will flatten out more. If looking at 38 special, Take a look at factory rifle ammo as a comparison as well...some times i am quite shocked at how flat the primers get; 30/06, 308, 223 ect...much higher pressure...different platforms. Sometimes using a slower powder fixes flat primer issues. I have a 44 mag when i use what ought to be a farely light load with a fast powder i get sticky cases. When i switch to h110 no more sticky cases, even though the h110 load is much faster/louder/more recoil and muzzle flash.

 

[loneviking]

They don't look odd to me either. I could be wrong, but unless those primers are getting so flattened out that they stick and are hard to deprime, you're good.