Primmer sitting slightly high

Kenk · January 24 2018 03:58:43 AM MST

Morning,
I noticed something interesting when checking the OAL on a recent batch of 180gr XTP'S. All of them were looking great at 1.255, and then I came across one that measured 1.27 and thought something had moved / changed with my seating die. It turns out that the primer was not seated as it should have been, sitting slightly high. On a rd such as this, would it cause a problem had I not noticed it?
Thanks

tommac919 · January 24 2018 06:56:01 AM MST

Possible...
The prob issue would be the first hit MAY not fire as the primer is pushed in more.
Also I have seen sometimes the slide will not fully close.

sqlbullet · January 24 2018 08:01:45 AM MST

Slam fire is also more probable with a primer that is high.

Kenk · January 24 2018 09:51:26 AM MST

So if I understand correctly, you want the primer seated (ever so slightly) deeper than flush, correct?

sqlbullet · January 24 2018 11:22:14 AM MST

round should not wobble if stood on head (primer down). That would be perfectly flush or a bit below flush, which really means a bit below flush. Spec is +0 -a bit.

Spudmeister · January 24 2018 12:10:11 PM MST

Primers are designed that the anvil is pressed against the bottom of the primer hole. Seated snugly it is when they are the most sensitive and the most reliable. Like sqlbullet said that is normally a bit below flush. Problem is brass cases are not always equal. Some will give a good compression of the anvil while the primer is still flush with the bottom of the case. IME that is fine. But make sure the primer is not sitting higher because of a lot of buildup in the primer hole. Never never never and not matter the reason, shoot or even load a round where the primer sits above the case.

Of course... just to keep things from being easy, some primers fit slightly tighter and may be made of a harder or softer material. Just watch what you are doing and only work with one primer brand at a time. Have fun.

Kenk · January 24 2018 01:02:32 PM MST

Great, Thanks Folks!

CurtisM · January 24 2018 04:18:25 PM MST

May already know, but do not try and seat the primer deeper with the loaded round.

Duck of Death · January 24 2018 05:03:43 PM MST

I run a G29 w/a 3lb trigger, the OEM firing pin is lightened & a 4lb firing pin spring is used. I hand prime all my brass with a extra long seating pin--the primers are very firmly seated--it is 100% reliable.

Kenk · January 25 2018 03:22:43 AM MST

Thanks man

The_Shadow · January 25 2018 06:14:38 PM MST

FIRST off is it possible that you had some Large Rifle primers in the mix? The Large Rifle primer is slightly longer.

You can try seating the primer deeper with a hand primer tool using ever so slight easing it deeper to see if it seats deeper.
Be sure to use eye protection,ear protection and a glove holding it out and away from yourself... good luck.

Kenk · January 28 2018 07:43:57 AM MST

After checking 700 Rd's for slightly unseated primers using the "flat table wobble test" I ended up with 14 wobblers. Is there any reason I couldn't disassemble the 14 wobblers with my puller, then, ease the primer into the correct position with my hand primer, re-charge, seat, and then crimp?
Thanks in advance

Ken

sqlbullet · January 28 2018 12:02:00 PM MST

Yep. That is the book answer.

Shadow gave a different, faster answer. I don't condone it. I have done it.

Kenk · January 28 2018 05:15:40 PM MST

Thanks man : )

sparkyv · January 29 2018 07:29:02 PM MST

I prime on the press for sake of speed, but the "feel" isn't as good as hand-priming off the press, so I'll have a proud primer every now and again when using A-USA (Armscor) brass. I mark the primer with red Sharpie, and load only one of them in the mag so it gets chambered first, and ride the slide into battery with muzzle pointed downrange in case of slam fire. Haven't had one go off yet. Rather do this then pull them down. I don't have the guts to try to reseat a high primer on a loaded round. ${$default_shocked_smiley}$