Priming Error

[JackEllis]

I typically weigh the components and then check for errors by weighing the finished cartridges. For some strange reason this one would not balance on the scale when placed upright

[IMG][/IMG]

I prime with an RCBS single stage press and I'm guessing I placed the primer in the primer holder incorrectly, then didn't notice the error until I had a finished cartridge. Didn't take much pressure on the decapping die to pop it out but the primer itself is worthless.

[stilly]

I typically weigh the components and then check for errors by weighing the finished cartridges. For some strange reason this one would not balance on the scale when placed upright

[IMG][/IMG]

I prime with an RCBS single stage press and I'm guessing I placed the primer in the primer holder incorrectly, then didn't notice the error until I had a finished cartridge. Didn't take much pressure on the decapping die to pop it out but the primer itself is worthless.

SOMETIMES this happens when you have a shell that is NOT centered all of the way and it "flips" the primer trying to get it inserted. More common on progressive presses like the Lee Loadmaster if you go too fast or if you shake the press while priming...

[Chris M]

I've had that happen when I primed on the press. I switched to using an RCBS Universal hand primer and haven't had any issues since.

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[ElDub1950]

If that's the first time it ever happened, then good job!

[JackEllis]

If that's the first time it ever happened, then good job!

I'm still new to this. Probably loaded less than 200 rounds total.

It's range brass and at first I thought the pocket might have been swaged too big but when I saw the Remington head stamp, I knew what had happened. A good reminder to check each case after priming, which is why I posted this thread.

[CGT80]

I typically weigh the components and then check for errors by weighing the finished cartridges.

What a pain in the butt, and probably not all that accurate. Brass weights vary.

Use a powder with good volume so that it is not possible to get more than a hot load (preventing a double charge of powder), look in the cases with a flashlight and place bullets after checking all the cases in a loading block (assuming you are single stage loading). After they are loaded, you can shake the round and will probably be able to hear the powder. If you don't hear powder, it is a squib load or compressed load. These are faster ways to double check.

Extra caution is great when you are new, but make sure your variables don't invalidate your safety checks.

Yes, primers sometimes end up like that. If the pocket was crimped and didn't get reamed or swaged enough, the prime can get hung up and sometimes just gets rippled on one side. Upside down primers sometimes happen as well.

Wait until you screw up some ammo, but don't know it until you are a few hundred rounds through a batch...........that sucks. In my case the flare and crimp were not correct on pistol rounds. It can happen to experienced reloaders as well. There in an endless amount of info you can learn about reloading.

Welcome to reloading.
Have fun and stay safe!

[JackEllis]

Brass weights vary.

I have a spreadsheet on an iPad I can keep by the loading bench. I weigh the primed cases and the bullets. Yes, it's slow and it's a pain in the rear but it's already saved me from this mistake.

If I'm loading for my .30-06 and .243, the extra time isn't a big deal. Loading for the .223 is another matter, especially since I have a varmint hunt coming up in March that'll require a few hundred rounds instead of a few dozen. One reason I'm using ball powder to work up the .223 load is so I can throw consistent charges and possibly cut out the weighing step.

I'm a little concerned that once I've got hunting loads for my rifles, searching for a new challenge could easily get me sucked into the precision shooting rabbit hole.

[pacrat]

I'm still new to this. Probably loaded less than 200 rounds total.

Time to add a quick tip and a peek, at the base to your priming on press routine. Before you place in loading block.

Congrats, you are no longer a "screwed up a priming operation" virgin.

[TomReloaded]

I should have made a note, but all my priming failures like that happened with one brand. Might have been Remington. Some primers are more rounded.

[hambam105]

I've seen a thousand of those...who did it....who knows...

[Metal God]

I don't see how that could happen to you



ONLY ONCE

[mjmagee67]

I probably get 1 out of a 2 to 3 thousand on my 1050. Dissemble it and move on, it will happen again.

[TOM_ONE]

Happens to me on my Loadmaster from time to time. I have one where the primer is completely upside down. Is it okay to decap it? I'm afraid it will set off if I push it out because it's completely upside down


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[JackEllis]

Is it okay to decap it?

I wore cheap work gloves to protect my hands and a face shield in addition to my glasses (polycarbonate lenses), then very carefully applied pressure. In my case the primer popped out much more easily than I had expected. I think the secret is to go slowly, but then again I'm still new to reloading.

[pacrat]

Happens to me on my Loadmaster from time to time. I have one where the primer is completely upside down. Is it okay to decap it?
I'm afraid it will set off if I push it out because it's completely upside down


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Go slow, gently ease the primer out. I hold a clip board in front of the press as cheap insurance. Never had one pop.


JM2c