Author Topic: strange at the range (Read 780 times)

Alice Cooper · « **on:** April 20, 2003, 04:52:28 PM »

was shooting a glock 21 today with homecast reloads(yes, yes, i know)..when one went click...recocked and click again...not an unusual situation with tumble lube build up on the breechface...but when i ejected it, there was no primer....well, i've gotten a few of those before, but thought i had it licked....but wait, i know this had a primer, it was in the box primer up....happened to turn the glock sideways, out falls the primer from somewheres, not a mark on it..it fell out of the case! checking the headstamp, the case was an "amerc", it had snuck in to a batch of winchester cases.anybody ever had this happen before? i've popped a lotta caps, never saw this before...

ricciardelli · « **Reply #1 on:** April 20, 2003, 06:44:46 PM »

Well, there could be one problem, and there is definately one problem.

The possible one is that ou are using a progressive press and not checking the primer seating stage.

The second is the AMERC brass...it is crap!

IronKnees · « **Reply #2 on:** April 21, 2003, 02:27:59 AM »

Franklin hit the nail right on the head ! IMHO primers are best seated with a single stage press, with a tool that uses the "up" stroke of the ram. I have two. One is the very simple and easy to use Lee Ram Prime system. You simply screw the part into the press that holds the shell holder, and put the part that holds the primer into the ram where the shell holder normally would go. The point is, you can "feel" the primer not only as it goes in, but you can "feel" the primer as it seats against the bottom of the primer pocket. I also use, and just love the RCBS ABS system. I load my own strips with the primers. This too uses the "up" stroke of the ram, and again, you can feel the primer seat with your fingertips... It's somewhat expensive, and also a bit labor intensive, especially for large batches of handgun rounds, but if you like to "fuss" over you handloads like I do, it is a sure fire way to control primer "goofs"... Also, I use my loading block, and under the lights over my press, carefully tip it sideways, and visually check for high primers, and to be sure each and every one is seated properly... Now, when I use my Lee Turret Press for loading a big bunch of, say, .38 special rounds, I do the primer seating as an entirely separate operation over on the single stage press first... Never have crushed primers, high primers, upside down primers, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.... :grin:
Oh.. and one other thing... I insist on cleaning my primer pocktes VERY carefully before doing anything else. This way, the anvil (which is above the edge of the cup before seating) is seated properly against the "charge", and you can feel the edge of the primer cup when it contacts the bottom of the primer pocket... This also helps you develope the "feel" so that you do not apply too much pressure and crush the primer...

I've gone a bit off topic here, but the whole point is, use a system where you can feel the primer seat with your fingertips... If there is a lack of resistance, such as was the case in your load, you will notice it... Dave

Questor · « **Reply #3 on:** April 21, 2003, 02:57:01 AM »

Time out! I think the root cause of the problem is the Amerc case. These are positively horrible in 45ACP and I deliberately cull them out of my brass. Do not use Amerc cases. They are the the only brass cases I know of that are absolutely no good for reloading.

IronKnees · « **Reply #4 on:** April 21, 2003, 03:01:36 AM »

Questor... Understood... To be honest, I've never even heard of them. Anyway, even if one did "slip in" as was the case here, using the above mentioned procedure, you would feel the difference when you went to seat the primer... Thanks for the heads up not reloading those cases... :grin:

Robert · « **Reply #5 on:** April 21, 2003, 07:55:23 AM »

It probably was a weak case and/or fired with a hot load that flattened the primer. When you see the primers toyally flat in the pocket ....there isnt any concave heel on the primer, the pocket can also open up and it wont hold the primer. Ironknees was right about 'feeling' the primer. When you seat primers, every once in a while you get one that you dont 'feel' any resistance. I toss them in the trash. Brass is cheap, repairs arent, and I dont know of anyplace to get a new eye.

Hcliff · « **Reply #6 on:** April 21, 2003, 09:25:35 AM »

I agree with Robert. I had a batch of brass that the primer would seat but would fall out if tapped. The pocket just loosened up from hot loads. The best thing to do is to cull out that brass. Also how many times was the brass reloaded Check out the other in the batch too no matter what headstamp. Look at the primer pocket there and the primers. If they were flaten the load was hot. If there is soot around the pocket it leaked and the pocket ian't tight. Remember safety first. Brass is cheap compared to a hospital bill, or loosing a finger, and you can't shoot amy more or worse and eye,etc.

Be safe

Hcliff

Alice Cooper · « **Reply #7 on:** April 21, 2003, 09:39:51 AM »

i was told to toss all amerc brass, now i see why...i'm pretty sure this was once fired brass,picked up when i was gathering my empties.i just never ever ran across a primer pocket this loose!i've reloaded a lot, starting with a lee loaderr when i was 16, now i'm 50.i got new glasses last week, so now maybe i can see those headstamps better...i already stopped playing with s&b brass, in 38 special they split down the side like a overripe melon and lock the gun up.never have had a winchester of any caliber to fail yet....