BOOM - primer detonation

[Diabolus]

I've reloaded thousands of rounds on my XL650 without a hitch, except for today!

I always wear safety glasses and was reloading some 9mm, going slow and steady as normal. All of a sudden, BOOM, primer popped. I was going very slow, it seems the housing failed and the ram detonated the primer.

Take a look at the pics, put a good dent in my ceiling and twisted the crap out of the rod:

[Gio]

Oh snaps! Glad you are safe, sorry to hear about this. What press you using, looks like a Dillon Primer Rod but what model?

[Diabolus]

I just looking into this further, and it was a massive chain reaction!

Is this common when a primer pops? This really sucks.

[xrMike]

Crazy! Glad it was just some dented drywall and a bent rod...

[Gio]

Not sure how common it is, I have loaded over 15k rounds of ammo raning from .223, .40 and 9 and I have not had that happen. I tend to re-oil every 1K or so and break it down every 3K and do a full clean and oil job. I am on a XL650, so not sure if those are a little less prone to having that happen on them. At least Dillon will send you all the parts for free, you might want to send it back to them and have them freshen it up for you.

[chim-chim7]

What put the dent in the drywall, the rod itself?

[bumpo628]

Wow! That is crazy.

[Gio]

What put the dent in the drywall, the rod itself?

More than likely it was a chain reaction and the primers ignited causing the rod to go flying, wee!

[chim-chim7]

Is that a F.C. case with NT stamped on it? If it is then there was your problem. Swedged the primer right into a crimped primer pocket.

[Diabolus]

So good news is I got a hold of Dillon and they are replacing my entire primer system, that is awesome. I picked up some more pick-up tubes and a new tool head.

They said the Federals are not the best too use, way too soft.

The follower rod put that dent in the ceiling and he was surprised it didnt go all the way into the attic, lol.

[BraveUlysses]

Is that a F.C. case with NT stamped on it? If it is then there was your problem. Primer the primer right into a crimped primer pocket.

For the layman, can you please explain?
Thanks.

[Diabolus]

Is that a F.C. case with NT stamped on it? If it is then there was your problem. Primer the primer right into a crimped primer pocket.

It's WCC manufactured in 2010, and from what I have read, it's re-loadable and good to go.

[sargenv]

I know at least 3 ppl that have launched the primer level rod into the ceiling.. you would be # 4..

Knock on wood, I have over 250k rounds loaded over the last 12 years, rifle and pistol, all kinds of primers including Federal, and nary a hitch..

[zfields]

Glad your ok. Ive herd similar things about federal. I stick with winchester.

[Bill Steele]

One of the regulars on these threads mentions this happening on his Dillon, on one of his videos.

Dillon replaced everything no questions asked with him as well, Great customer service.