light strikes

[jiminthe burg]

Yesterday, I was shooting my '89 model of the 625.  On two occasions, the f. pin struck the primer but it did not fire. When it was hit the second time, it fired. This is the first time this has ever happened.

On both of these, I noticed it was a Winchester because of the color of the primer. I fired 144 rounds and probably 75 percent were winchester primers. The rest were primed either w/ a federal or a cci 300 and absolutely no problems w/ them.

I hand prime w/ a RCBS primer and I do not clean the primer pockets.

I am not sure but think both of the light strikes occurred when i had the hammer locked back.

I have heard that winchester primers were harder than other primers.

Do you think I need to check the tightness of  the set screw on the main spring, or is this the characteristic of the winchester primers?

[The_Shadow]

I'd check the spring, it could have gotten loose.  Seen that happen on one of my S&W's while shooting extended periods. 

Winchester primers are not harder the CCI were the ones that people complained about.

[sqlbullet]

I would add that while there are differences in some primer cups, and while the end result for the shooter is ultimately the same, it might also be the sensitivity of the priming compound.  Different makes effect pressure differently, so I am certain they also have different amounts of sensitivity.

[tommac919]

Also consider that the troubled rounds DIDN'T have the primers seated all the way in...maybe crud in the pocket
a hit can fully seat the primer and give the impression of a light hit.

[jiminthe burg]

Thanks for the comments. I checked the main spring and the screw that applies tension to the mainspring was still tight.
Light strikes are  not a major problem as I only shoot targets on a informal  basis, usually by my self but I was curious. Some of the .45 cases have been shot and reloaded numerous times.

Jim

[The_Shadow]

Stating that the main spring screw is tight the other thing could be headspacing.  Are you using the moon clips to hold the cartridges?   If no the cartridges could be short and sliding forward.  If yes, there could be some differences in the moon clip or casing rims may be thinner allowing them to be further away from the breech face and firing pin.

Things to check...
Firing pin itself might have worn/broken?  Debris in the hammer slot?

[jiminthe burg]

I have always used full moon clips.

Will check the f.pin and for trash in the slot.

I probably have at least 1500 rounds through it and this is the first time I have ever had a problem like that.

Thanks for the feed back, Shadow.


Jim