Author Topic: .358win primer Questions.  (Read 296 times)

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Offline Suds1957

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.358win primer Questions.
« on: April 26, 2004, 01:01:43 PM »
Have started reloading this fine caliber,but , am having problems with primers not going off! About one in ten won't go off the first time,I'm using a BLR, and when I recock the hammer it fires on the second try.I have looked at the primer and there's a small, almost unseen mark . They all have been reloaded at the same time, and with the same reloader. Am I doing something wrong reloading or is it the gun? All primers have been seated and look the same. Any help would be welcomed!!!

Offline Iowegan

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.358win primer Questions.
« Reply #1 on: April 26, 2004, 01:34:12 PM »
Here's some things I would try. First, run some factory ammo through the gun to isolate the problem to the gun or ammo. You could have a weak hammer spring or maybe the action isn't going to full battery. BLR's have a geared lever, idler gear, and bolt. One tooth off makes the difference of reliably going to full battery (fully closed action).

If you confirm the gun is OK, then I'd look real close to make sure the primers are seated all the way in. Put a loaded cartridge, base down, on a smooth surface such as a piece of glass. The case should be rock solid. If it wobbles, you have high primers. If primers aren't seated properly, they won't go bang.

Another potential issue (and likely the problem) comes from sizing the brass. If you don't set the shoulder back, the case will cusion the firing pin blow, again, no bang. With the shoulder too long, the action may not be locking properly. The fix for this is to lower your sizer die until it almost touches the shell holder. Very common problem when "neck sizer" dies are used.

Last, the primer itself may be the problem. If you are using CCI primers, they are very hard and require a healthy smack to detonate. You can try Winchester or Federal primers. They will detonate with a much lighter hit.
GLB

Offline Suds1957

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.358win primer Questions.
« Reply #2 on: April 28, 2004, 02:18:53 PM »
Thanks Iowegan.I did run a box of remingtons through the gun with no misfires, about 2 months ago. I believe the gun is not the problem. This is the first batch of reloads I've ever done so thats the problem! I checked the cases on the table like you said and they all seem to be alright. This weekend I'll load some more with the die a little closer and see how that works. Again,thanks for your help.

Offline Iowegan

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.358win primer Questions.
« Reply #3 on: April 29, 2004, 08:00:36 AM »
Suds, Your additional information helps a lot. At least we know your gun is OK. Brownings typically have pretty tight chambers. This is a good feature for accuracy but it can cause other problems. Lever guns don't have the mechanical ability to force a round in the chamber like a bolt gun would. In fact, the Browning's gear track will get damaged and not go to full battery if you continue to try forcing it closed.

In your situation, I would do a full case resize. That means pulling the press handle all the way down, then screwing your sizing die in until it touches the shell holder. Back it off a 1/8 turn and lock it down. Your loads should fit better and allow the action to go to full battery. What's causing the problem is the safety interlock that prevents the gun from firing when the bolt is not fully locked. Your gun must have been right on the edge where the round wasn't chambering far enough to totally release the firing pin, thus the light hits.
GLB