Plastic Cases for Practice Ammo

[vospertw]

I thought these might be a pretty good training tool when I can't get to the range. I have seen laser set-ups for revolvers but usually you have to have one that sticks in the front of the muzzle (which makes draw practice tough) or have a cartridge in each cylinder (which is pricey).

I'm not a reloader (some day!) but had two questions - can the primers be seated in these cases by hand? If you have experience with them, will they work with a modern J-frame? I have seen some reviews that say the primer pockets may be too deep and non-extended firing pins may not reach. Specifically I've seen complaints about J-frames but you never know if the problem was the pistol, the case, or the guy loading the case. Or... if it was early model, late model, etc.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[jericho89]

I have used them and I liked them for practice and kid training. You can knock the old primers out with a nail and set the new ones by pressing them on a flat surface. It is real easy in and out. Primer only fire and I just used an old t-shirt as the back drop behind the target to stop the projectile and a box underneath to catch them. You can get a lot of shots out of one projectile, but they do keyhole a bit. I used them in a J frame (all be it older) and it worked flawless.
I would still recommend ear protection as they primers do make a good pop, but you can easily turn up a stereo and pop them off in the garage.

[vospertw]

jericho, sounds like a hoot! I'm looking at exactly that - turning my garage into a mini-range. I thought it might be good for drawing and firing and other drills where some feedback would be beneficial. Thanks for the info.

[Divernhunter]

I use to use the Speer plastic ones in my dorm room in college for practice. Could hardy hear them outside. We had a lot of fun with them. Primers and a nail is all you need. We took a cardboard box and tossed some old rags into it as a target.

[BillnotBob]

hello vospertw, I don't want to be a party pooper, but primers are made with lead styphnate. When fired in an enclosed area the lead levels can become unhealthy. Please make sure and use some vetilation, open window or door with a fan blowing out. You might also do a search for glue bullets on this forum. The same problem came up.

[BigBronco]

Word of caution for the OP. Check your city regulations. Some municipalities you can be charges with discharging a firearm within city limits for shooting so much as a BB Gun. Since you will be putting these through a real firearm you can see the connection.

[jericho89]

hello vospertw, I don't want to be a party pooper, but primers are made with lead styphnate. .

FYI There are lead free primers available. A little more expensive but an option.

[vospertw]

Thanks all. Copy the lead and the regs. I hadn't thought about the lead so a great point - especially with kids still around. I think I would use these for specific drills so I don't anticipate burning through thousands of them each year... maybe the extra cost won't be prohibitive (famous last words...).

[tonyjr]

My brother likes them for the cats that hang around the bird feeders .
Outside they teach you about windage .
I have not used that brand thou . The ones I use are shaped like a bullet and can be used 3 or 4 times if you can find them .
Inside they stink up garage .
I use magnum primers in them for ballons . I bought them on ebay .
They work on split and dented cases - if they chamber . The cases do smell after thou .
I only use CCI primers and the br [ bench rest ] ones don't smell as much but there are no BR's for magnums .
They are good for mussel memory - but have to be hand cycled in autos .
The ones I got pick up the stuff you missed when cleaning barrel but also leave stuff , so you still have to clean .

[Bikertrash]

I use these from Midway, but these are not a toy. I've got a stand indoors with a quilted moving blanket folded in 1/3's & draped as a backstop, and they are shredding it. They are fun though

[hermosabeach]

Better off with airsoft or BB gun for home practice as these have zero recoil and some would say... you are discharging a firearm which might be a no no if you live in an area where "discharging" a firearm is prohibited.

Many cities have banned shooting airsoft and or BB guns... so the criminal aspect of shooting a real handgun....

[robert101]

I just shoot a CO2 BB gun in the garage for training. A lot less noise and smell. No need to worry about primer contaminants either. Air Soft is a very good option.