Misfires

[unique]

I have a BC which occasionally misfires because the firing pin is too short or the primers are seated to deeply in the case.  When it misfires the primer is just barely dented. Is this a common problem with the H&R's?


Thanks

[oneshotonekill]

There could be lots of things responsible for the misfires.  You could have headspace issues with certain ammo, a weak hammer spring, broke or worn firing pin, or even a transfer bar issue.  Make sure you hold the trigger fully rearward when you fire every shot.  If you are letting up on the trigger the transfer bar could be dropping when the hammer strikes.  If you are sure you are holding fully rearward, the next thing I'd check is firing pin protrusion.  Open the action then cock the hammer and pull the trigger fully rearward with your finger while lowering the hammer with your thumb, measure the protrusion of the pin with the hammer fully down.  Sometimes the pin will wear, break, or even bend causing the occasional misfire.  How deep are the dents in primers that did fire?

[quickdtoo]

See the Handi Basics 101 sticky, misfires.

Tim

[skifastchad]

You mentioned it is a BC.  Both my BC and my 450marlin handis used to have some misfire problems due to shallow firing pin dents with certain ammo.
It wasn't a trigger pull problem.  I took apart the whole frame, polished the hammer pivot area, and used a light synthetic oil on the hammer spring, and it hasn't happened since.
A dry hammer spring with any dust or dirt will bind a lot more than one would think. 

Are you by chance using Hornady leverevolution Ammo?   The leverevolution ammo was the worst of my misfire experiences.  I think they have a hard primer as part of the lever gun tube magazine safe design.

[unique]

Well I can say with certainty that I am pulling the trigger completely and holding it for the duration.  Some brass is worse than others but in all cases the primer indent, even when it fires is marginal.  I pulled the bullet and powder on one misfire and tried multiple times to get it to fire but no luck.  I read in one post that this is known problem with H&R so I figured you guys might know.  One post is not enough to get me overexcited. I think I will measure the firing pin protrusion with calipers next.  I think average firing pin protrusion should be 0.050". Anyone know for sure.  I'll post the results.

[unique]

I just measured the protrusion and it is 0.040" average. I checked my notes which indicate 0.055" is nominal. The hammer face is obviously setting the protrusion and if I remove some of the hammer face I'll get more protrusion.  However, I really don't like to remove metal until I am sure it is the only way.  I'll poke around some more and see what I can find. Thanks.

[quickdtoo]

Fred has measured pin protrusion, seems to me he got .032" on one of his, I just measured one of mine at .035". I've never, ever had a no fire on any of my Handis, so I don't think it's as common as you think.  Weak hammer springs and too much headspace would be at the top of the list that would cause the problem IMO and Chad's polishing and oiling fix would help with the weak spring issue. It's probably more prevelent with extractor barrels cuz an ejector will hold the case against the standing breech, extractors don't. Seems to me someone removed a bit off the face of the hammer to allow it more forward travel since it stops against the frame.

Tim

[unique]

Thanks Tim.  I am surprised your reads .032". I have very good mechanical movement meaning honing and such shouldn't make a difference. I am a loss right now.

[MSP Ret]

I agree with Tim. I have 3 Handis in 45/70 and "several" other calibers and have not had FTF's. I do not know where you read that FTF's are common with Handi' but I do not believe that to be true. There have been issues with hard primers or bad primers in some ammo but the FTF issue then was across the board with every brand of firearm....<><....

[njanear]

Perhaps I missed this, but are these factory loads or reloads or both that you are having the issues with?

[unique]

These are all reloads.  Some brass is worse than others but they all show marginal primer indentation. One thing I am sure of, the problem is not due to weak hammer blow.

[stimpylu32]

unique

What brand of primers are you using ? the reason i ask is that i had to switch from CCI to Fed in my 25/06 and 243 because of the cup being thicker in the CCIs thus giving me some FTF and also light pin dints on the ones that did fire . just something to look at .

stimpy

[wtroger]

I took .010 off the face of my hammer on my 45/70 this allows the transfer bar to travel further forward hence more firing pin protrusion. That cured my guns problem. But that barrel will allow a no-go gage to close so I feel it has a head space issue I talked to H&R and they didn't think it is an issue. It shoots ok now. no other issues.

[Slufoot]

unique, I'm betting you have a headspace problem.
Take your barrel off the frame and push the extractor in, then drop a cartridge into the chamber. Measure the depth from the case to the barrel. It shouldn't be over .006". Also see if you can fit a feeler gauge between the barrel and frame when the action is closed and if you can you will have to add this to the depth.

GOOD SHOOTING!
Slufoot