Author Topic: Primer Cratering/Firing Pin in Handi .223 (Read 367 times)

McLernon · « **on:** January 09, 2006, 12:03:49 PM »

Can anyone tell me how far the firing pin on my .223 Handi should protrude with trigger held back and transfer bar up? Could too much protrusion contribute to misfires or cratering?

Thanks.

McLernon

bigshooz · « **Reply #1 on:** January 09, 2006, 12:21:54 PM »

what kind of ammo are you using ,is it .223,or5.56 surp;us .if its surplus 5.56 or nato you will have primer trouble

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:wink:

trotterlg · « **Reply #2 on:** January 09, 2006, 01:09:34 PM »

Too much protrusion will not lead to either. Cratering is caused by pressure forcing some metal back around the fireing pin and into the hole it passes through. A little is normal in the higher pressure rounds like a .223. Misfire is not related to too much firing pin protrusion. If they are dented well then it is a primer problem. What do yours look like when they have failed to fire? Larry

McLernon · « **Reply #3 on:** January 09, 2006, 01:56:14 PM »

The primers on the misfires look normal(well dented), however I just measured the firing pin protrusion on my Handi and it is 0.032 inches. The primers that I had trouble with(cratering) were the Federal Gold Medal that are known to be somewhat soft. The WWB 45 gr's shot well and I suspect this in part is due to the fact that the primer pockets were a bit shallow so the primers were definitely not set in below the surface. I've reloaded some of this brass without cleaning out the pockets to full depth. Maybe this will help compensate for the lack of firing pin protrusion. I'm using Winchester primers.

McLernon