Primer craters

[Jim n Iowa]

I have a 92fs thats had over 200 rds through it, all factory ammo. It crators every primer, target load or + p. some Remington has holes in the primers. Is this a problem I should look into? Its a 9mm.  Every once in awhile I think of trading it off for a 10mm, but not 100% on Glocks.
I am thinking if I keep this piece I would reload for it.
TNA
Jim

[Mikey]

Jim - that is a problem.  It may be that your firing pin is a tad to long which would cause the puncturing you described, especially with softer primers.  It would also cause the cratering and resultant 'flowing' of the primer material as a longer firing pin might get 'held' in place for a bit longer and cause the primer to 'flow' around it.  It also sounds like a high pressure sign or problem, which may be the result of a very tight chamber.  I would take it back to where you bought it and have the problem addressed by a Beretta qualified gunsmith, or have it sent back for repair.  But, something is definately wrong.  Hope this helps.  Stay safe.  Mikey.

[Jim n Iowa]

Mikey
Thanks for the reply. I will probably trade it for another piece. The wife is trying to count so I must change the inventory. As this was a defensive weapon, I may look to a 10mm, or a 40 sp snub for carry. What would also trip my trigger is a 45acp/ported in a short barrel.
Jim

[Jim n Iowa]

Mikey
I talked to tech at beretta name of Randel, after listing to the problem he said this is a built in feature of the 92 its in the bolt face and not to worry. We visited about reloads and in general should be no problem with the firing pin, feeding was on me. Looks as though the rem primers are weak, thin or tender as they were the one that puntured, not all but a few. So I will keep the 92 I really like the feel of it (fits my hand)
Jim

[Mikey]

Jim:  OK, if that's what the tech rep from Beretta said but friend, I haven't seen that before from a Beretta and haven't heard of anyone else mentioning that in any of the forums.  Possibly some other 92Fs or 92 shooters can add to this, but it would make me a bit noivous, as they say in da Bronxt.  Mikey.

[Jim n Iowa]

It does sound a little hokey, all my spent shells show this from p+ to target, no extraction problems etc.. I will check out the beretta forum, the bolt face is recessed a skosh around the pin hole. get back to you after more input.
Jim

[Iowegan]

I own a 92FS and get normal primer hits.  I've worked on a few that had excessively strong hammer springs. The first clue is a harsh trigger pull. Replacing it with a Wolfe spring from Brownell's fixed the problem. No more ruptured primers and a much better trigger pull. http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=752&s=2967#2967

[Jim n Iowa]

Thanks for the reply. I looked at the bolt face and it appears to be reamed, crowned  or what ever but its not a flat face with a 90 degree hole for the firing pin, as compared to my 1911. It is reasonable that this makes craters. Now I have cratered primers on many rifle reloads, never factory. And crater primer with factory ammo does not scare me off its the punctures in the rem primer that are a real concern. Now if this is not right, and Beretta states its a normal thing. Where does one go as this is a warrenty issue.
Jim

[Jim n Iowa]

I am not giving up the ghost. Went to my local gun shop and checked out the 92fs and clones, all had a recessed area around the firing pin (2). When I asked if any one mentioned cratering the reply was they knew not of any customers that reload. So much for inspecting brass. I decided to try and reload for it. I know 9mm is cheap to buy the ammo, but its a hobby in reloading.
Jim