Wolf SR Primers Soft?

[rhubarb]

I bought 1000 Wolf Standard Small Rifle primers at the last gun show. I've shot a couple hundred .223 with 55gr bullets and and a mild charge of H335 and all was well.

This week I loaded up some Hornady 68 BTHP with Varget from 24.0 to 25.5gr. Hodgdon's website lists starting charge at 24.0 and max 26.0. Every one of the Wolf primers loaded in these loads was flattened, some had drastic signs of flowing, and one was pierced. I've read that Wolf recommends SR magnum primers in semi-autos, but can it be that bad? As I understand, the purpose for using magnum primers is to prevent slam-fires. That wasn't a problem, but the primers exhibit significant pressure signs when they shouldn't be even close to high pressure.

Are Wolf standard small rifle primers soft?

 

[GaCop]

I have yet to try them but, from what I've read on a few forums, their supposed to be harder than most American primers.

Tom

 

[Slamfire]

As I understand, the purpose for using magnum primers is to prevent slam-fires.

No. The military uses magnum level primers because they want their ammo to go bang, even in the coldest weather.

The primary cause of slamfires is primer sensitivity. Sensitive primers are more likely to go off with a little nudge then insensitive primers. Military primers tend to be more insensitive than commerical primers. "Harder" sounds better, but is actually not 100% correct.

If you are experiencing pierced primers, then you are going to have to cut your loads. My only experience with Wolf primers is with large pistol. And all I was able to determine was that they were milder than WLP. Less velocity for same charge.

If you are having pierced primers at load that gave no problems before, then your Wolf primers are probably more sensitive and have a thinner cup than whatever you lasted used.

Cut your loads. I recommend, in the .223, cutting the loads a half grain, until the primers stop piercing.

When I went to the new brass WSR, I had to cut my loads something dramatic. Winchester had made the primers "more sensitive" and one effect was that the cups were thinner. They pierced easily.

 

[strat81]

Inertia during cycling causes the firing pin to hit the chambered round before you pull the trigger. Wolf recommends the magnum SR primers for semi-autos because the two of the most popular semi-autos - the AR and the AK - have floating firing pins. The Wolf magnum SR primers have a harder cup than the regular SR primers do and should reduce the chance of a slamfire..

 

[rhubarb]

Welp, I went out and bought some CCI primers and loaded up a dozen more rounds with the same bullet all the way up the the max load listed by Hodgdon for Varget under a 69 gr bullet, 26.0 gr.

Not one flattened or cratered or pierced primer. No pressure signs in the primer.

Having read that Wolf primers are pure copper, I'm convinced they are softer. I'll continue using them with the little bullets with milder loads, but it's going to be CCI with the big bullet/slow powder combo.

Wisht I had a camera that would focus well enough to show you all, but I don't.

 

[strat81]

http://www.wideners.com/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=7277&dir=278|284|737
http://www.wideners.com/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=7283&dir=278|284|737

That may shed some more light on the situation.

If your camera has a "flower" setting, try that.

 

[rhubarb]

Thanks, strat!

From Widener's listing on the Wolf primers:

Wolf primers look great. They are made in Russia and packaged in 100 rd trays in 1000 sleeves and 5000 cases. They are packed anvil up so no "primer flipping" required.

The WOLF Standard Small Rifle Primers have an all COPPER CUP, which is a little more sensitive than the brass cup magnum primers. If you are loading for an AR15 or Military Style semi auto rifle, or are loading high pressure cartridges in any other type of rifle ,we recommend you use the Magnum Small rifle primers. Both primers use the same amount of compound. The only difference is in the cup hardness.

Our testing of these primers indicate that they are very consistent when shooting for groups. Of course there is more to a load than just the primer. Try them out and see for yourself.

Now I know.

 

[Quickdraw McGraw]

Thanks, strat!

From Widener's listing on the Wolf primers:

Quote:
Wolf primers look great. They are made in Russia and packaged in 100 rd trays in 1000 sleeves and 5000 cases. They are packed anvil up so no "primer flipping" required.

The WOLF Standard Small Rifle Primers have an all COPPER CUP, which is a little more sensitive than the brass cup magnum primers. If you are loading for an AR15 or Military Style semi auto rifle, or are loading high pressure cartridges in any other type of rifle ,we recommend you use the Magnum Small rifle primers. Both primers use the same amount of compound. The only difference is in the cup hardness.

Our testing of these primers indicate that they are very consistent when shooting for groups. Of course there is more to a load than just the primer. Try them out and see for yourself.

Now I know.

I just ordered 5,000 of these from Widener's. Reloading LC brass for S&W M&P 5.56/223. UPS tracking says they'll be on my doors step today. Can't beat the price with the other primers, powder I ordered, shipping, and HAZMAT they come to a little over $19.00 per 1,000. I can't touch that in my local area.

I have been using Federal SR primers and have had no problems up until now but the cost about $24.00 per 1,000. Just loooking for a cheaper load.