Possible mislabeled primers

[DancesWithMoonclips]

A couple of weeks ago I bought 500 Remington #2 1/2 large pistol primers. Or so I thought. Let me explain. I went to use them, and opened them up. I noticed the cups are brass colored instead of the gunmetal color I'm used to seeing from Remington pistol primers. Odd, but not suspicious. I sized a case and went to install the primer. It started easy but seated harder than I'm used to with federal primers. i pulled it off the press. The primer was visibly proud of the case head. It seated with the hand primer, but a bit reluctantly. Figured I'd try remington brass. Same story. After one more case, I decided to investigate. My calipers show that these measure no less than 0.130" in height, well out of spec for large pistol, but in spec for large rifle, middle of the range, in fact. I bought these at a reputable store and am wondering if they were mislabeled at the factory. I think I'm at the limits of my investigative ability. I'm assuming I should contact the manufacturer? Any advice is appreciated. I'm just worried that some of these may be in less experienced hands and may be dangerous Thanks! You all are a deep well of knowledge and I value any input. Not casting aspersions, but I care about my fellow shooters and reloaders.

 

[AmStaff64]

Did you buy them from a retailer? You may want to start there.

Then try Remington. I would think it is highly unlikely they mislabeled a few. A whole batch, maybe. They would know this.

 

[gwpercle]

Quite possible they are incorrectly labeled ... anytime a human is involved in the process a mistake can happen .
Start with local retailer ... he may have more in stock and you don't want mistakes happening when reloading ...even little ones .
Good Catch !
Gary

 

[SMSgt]

I'd directly contact Remington.

 

[Greenjoytj]

Have the primer package lot number handy.

 

[oysterer]

Remington...they still even exist? I won't expect anyone to pick up the phone over there. I'd throw them out and move on.

 

[mikld]

If you have any rifle brass, you could try them to check the fit. Since the primers are made/handled by humans, mistakes are possible, especially today with all that's going on and Remington seems to be on it's last legs...

 

[Jeff423]

My guess is that some unscrupulous person swapped the primers in the packaging - unless they were sealed. Maybe LP's are more in demand than LR's. They are here.

 

[GypsmJim]

Your first mistake was buying a product with the label "Remington". I have had sooooo many issues with their ammo and components that I have sworn off them for good.

 

[jag22]

Really doesn't sound that unusual. I'm a brass rat so all my 45 ACP is range pickup and thus a great variety of makers. I do all my priming on an old Lee hand primer so I get a good feel. Some go easy, some I really have to squeeze. Also use a variety of primers, we all know you use what you can find during the shortages. Just don't think you have an issue. Do a hundred or so cases and see how it goes.

 

[AmStaff64]

Really doesn't sound that unusual. I'm a brass rat so all my 45 ACP is range pickup and thus a great variety of makers. I do all my priming on an old Lee hand primer so I get a good fell. Some go easy, some I really have to squeeze. Also use a variety of primers, we all know you use what you can find during the shortages. Just don't think you have an issue. Do a hundred or so cases and see how it goes.

The OP said he measured them at 0.130 height. This is a LR primer.
SAAMI specs for LP pockets are .118" to .122" depth. LR pockets are .128" to .132"
And we should seat primers a few thousandths below flush. Not gonna get a LR primer in a LP pocket.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'd directly contact Remington.

I agree, ask Remington directly. Supply the lot number and see if they already have issues with that lot number.

 

[max503]

Many years ago I bought a brick of WW LR primers. They will not seat in anything. I still have most of them. Someday I'll throw them in a fire and watch them pop. Or shoot them at a hard surface with a slingshot. It'll give me something to do after I retire. "Honey. I'm going going down to the river to burn up about 900 primers. I'll be back before you go to bed."

 

[stansdds]

It is sounding like you have large rifle primers, so it is possible they were packaged in the wrong boxes. You will need to contact Remington, it is unlikely the retailer is going to do anything for you, especially once the package is opened.

 

[Skeet 028]

. You will need to contact Remington, it is unlikely the retailer is going to do anything for you, especially once the package is opened.

Lots of luck contacting Remington...Their asset sale is slated to be going off this week. Some previous posters seemed to have problems with Remington ammo or primers . Never had a problem with any of their stuff. I have quite a few of their products with a couple thousand primers and some bullets dating to the 40s. Using the small pistol primers now.

 

[Pondoro]

Buy a 500 S&W Revolver. I am told they use large rifle primers.

 

[Rule3]

 

[Jeff423]

Buy a 500 S&W Revolver. I am told they use large rifle primers.

To the extent it matters they call for large rifle magnum primers.

 

[murf205]

Many years ago I bought a brick of WW LR primers. They will not seat in anything. I still have most of them. Someday I'll throw them in a fire and watch them pop. Or shoot them at a hard surface with a slingshot. It'll give me something to do after I retire. "Honey. I'm going going down to the river to burn up about 900 primers. I'll be back before you go to bed."

Yrs ago I bought a brick of WW LRP and they were so small you could seat them with you thumb nearly. I mic'ed them and sure enough they were quite a bit undersized, compared to all the other brands I had. I contacted Winchester and the lady I spoke with sent me a UPS label to return them, and later I got a voucher from Winchester for the price of the primers. They were super responsive so before you "burn up" 900 primers, I would let them know. At least, if they have a qc problem, they can fix it.

 

[DancesWithMoonclips]

Thanks for the input, everyone. I'll talk to the retailer, more to ease my own mind than because I expect any recourse. I'll notify remington and see what they say. Low expectations there. And I'll try some in low power rifle cartidges. Should last me a while since I don't shoot much rifle. Good excuse to get out the old .30-30. Thanks all!