revolver firing pin penetrating primer?

[notjustsomeone]

I recently purchased an H&R American Double Action 32s&w, and this particular one appears to have a firing pin permanently attached to the hammer that looks like a four sided spike. For it's first firing I put some wadcutters through it, though it is a second model chambered for 32s&w long with smokeless powder and should be able to hold up to regular loadings. My concern is that with the fiocchi ammo I was using about 80% had complete primer penetration. I'd like to continue using this pistol but want to keep alterations to bare minimum. Is there a way to correct this issue without reshaping the firing pin or replacing the mainspring? Would using harder primer cups, ie small rifle, be likely to help?

 

[rem1858]

I would first try some different ammunition before getting carried away with reshaping something that you cannot undo.
Could be soft primers.

Hope this helps.

Clarence

 

[jstein650]

I agree with Rem1858 to maybe try some different ammo, but it seems what you are using shouldn't be causing the kind of piercing I've experienced with just too hot a' load. And that pin does look a bit sharp and irregular. I wouldn't be surprised if you have to gently round and smooth it down a bit. The other thing, is that the primers in the pics seem to indicate that the firing pin hole is worn open - maybe from the firing pin - causing more flow back than you'd want. That's not so easy to remedy.

 

[Jim K]

You might also want to check the hammer spring (mainspring). A too light spring can also caused pierced primers.

Jim

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Fiocchi ammo is made in Italy and they use CIP pressure limits, not SAAMI and is known to be "hotter" than American ammo. It's possible those rounds are too high in pressure for your fine old revolver. Along with the good ideas above don't discount high pressure either. In that picture all seem to be showing high pressure signs although high pressure isn't the only cause of what we are seeing.