Yes, I guess it does happen. (Exploding primers)

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BBQJOE

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I can't count how many loads I have made on my Lee loadmaster, but it is up there.
Well I was making a batch of bullets. I was on the down stroke, and just as the press was reaching full height it felt like it was jamming.
I could not see anything in the way causing it.
I increased the downward pressure, and kerpow!!!!

Yes, I should have stopped when I sensed something was wrong, I guess I just didn't want to believe it.

The cause?

The little arm that keeps the case in the shell plate had come loose and the case going in to prime wasn't lined up properly.

Primer was magtech.

No damage done, except for nerves. And I always wear safty glasses.
 
I'm glad you were not injured.:eek: I wear a face sheild when loading and it seems like I will continue that practice. I have not had any kabooms, but it sure can happen.
 
Hooo Boy!!

That would have me cleaining my bvd's.!!

I'm still awaiting the first time...not with baited breath tho.
 
This makes me glad I have intentionally set off primers to know what it'll be like. Glad you're okay.

Do this at your own risk. I'm not responsible if you get hurt.
For those that haven't seen a primer go off:
-Put on some heavy clothes, gloves, eye, ear, and face protection.
-Go out to your back yard and find a clear, open area.
-Make sure there is nothing flammable around.
-Put a single primer on the ground (preferably concrete).
-Whack it with a hammer.
-Delight in the magic of chemistry and loud noise.

It's almost like a single firecracker going off, and there's a bit of flash too.
 
Whew

Thank God you are okay--

Two Load Master Rules--
1. Never force the press--if something doesn't feel right stop right there and find out what is wrong.
2. Always check the case retainters--it is all too easy to forget to tighten the one at the repriming station when you change primer sizes or clean the primer assembly.

I have a routine I use with my press--at the start of long reloading sessions;

1. Lube the grease fittings and the oil fitting for the ram.
2. Make sure the shell plate knob is tight.
3. Make sure the turret holder keeper knob is tight.
4. Make sure the safety chain is taut so the auto disk will retract properly.
5. Check all shell retainers for proper positioning--best way to do that is push them all in toward the plate and run a caes through the press. It will force each one to the proper position.
6. Fill the powder hopper. Check the powder drop for correct weight--also make sure I didn't turn the hopper off!!
7. Fill the primer tray.
8. Fill the case feeder.

Go!!

If you keep your press maintained and set up the dies and primer seating depth properly it will work flawlessly. I have loaded thousands of rounds and wouldn't have any other progressive. It's like any tool--you take care of it and use it right and it will produce good work.
 
I have done the same thing with a different press when I got a 9mm stuck in a .45 case. The pin got all bent up and the 9mm case got stuck up in the die, but the unprimed case advanced when it got to the priming station, the new primer got crushed ugainst the unspent primer....***BAM***. It scared the tar out of me. Since then, I have made adjustments so that can't happen again.

-Lonnie
 
i never set one off in the press but, once i was taking a torch to my spent primers to burn off the extra gunk before i smelted them into an ingot, and bang some how a live one had gotten into the discard pile. sent about a thousand little red hot primers right at my face. i have never been so happy that i was wearing my welding helmet :)
 
BBQJOE, Glad nothing bad happened and your OK. I've never had that happen but I'm sure it is an eye opener. I was wondering how you like the Magtech primers. I have seen them for around $3 per K cheaper than other brands and was thinking of trying some.
Rusty
 
I had one go off in a Loadmaster also .
Other than scaring the crap out of me
nothing broke , not even the primer slider .

Bill
 
I've gone thru about 5000 MagTech primers so far. I like them, seem about the same as Remington, But I've only used the large pistol.

--wally.
 
RustyFN, So far, I have used magtech, winchester, CCI and I honestly can't say I see any difference.
 
I had a primer go off once in my 550B. The stroke met with a little resistance, and I forced it until it went bang. I knew when it was happening that I shouldn't force it, but I forced it anyhow.

KABOOM! It shook me up a bit, and my ears rang. I didn't know that primers could be so loud.

I tightened my loose parts, put in a new primer cup, and tossed some of the plastic ends off of my primer pick-up tubes that didn't always work properly. Things have been fine, since, and I no longer attempt to force any primers.
 
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