How to detect loose primers?

[David Sinko]

This morning I was priming some .300 Savage with my Lee Auto Prime when the handle suddenly and without warning broke clean off. The thing is now useless. It is the only handheld priming device that I have and I needed to prime some more cases. I thought I was screwed. Then I eyeballed my Dillon 650 which is a dedicated .45 ACP but is empty at this moment for lack of bullets. Since .300 Savage and .45 ACP use the same shellholder I primed my Savage brass one at a time in the priming station of the 650. My brass has been heavily utilized and I did not have as good a "feel" with the lever of the 650 compared to the Auto Prime. I can't help but wonder if some of the primers seated too easily and are in danger of falling out in the rotary magazine due to recoil. This has never happened to me before but it would be embarassing to say the least. Is there any good way to "test" the fit of the primer in the case? The only thing I can think of would be throwing all the loaded rounds into my tumbler and subjecting them to the vibration. I know some shooters frown on this practice but in reality it is very widely done. Or what about the sealant that is applied to primers? Does it actually make them more secure?

Dave Sinko

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

It is done by feel, then by a visual inspection, to make sure the primers look ok, both on depth, flatness and if they stay in their pockets. If you notice in the future loose pockets, throw the cases away or you could damage your gun and firing pin.

 

[fredj338]

I can feel the primers seat, even on ym 550B. If it's too easy, I punch the primer out & toss the case. Carefully done, you can even reuse the primer.

 

[n4zov]

You just pointed out why I still use an antique Lee handheld priming tool - the one with the old screw in shell holders that let you endlessly adjust primer depth. It isn't fast, but it gives perfect feel when seating primers. Sure wish Lee would crank a few of those old tools!

 

[m75rlg]

Was it the handle or the connecting rod that broke?

Those parts are cast, and will break without any warning.

Lee does sell replacements. I ordered an extra connecting rod last time to save shipping the next time it happens.

Search on line for Lee pricision, Inc. You should be able to order on line.

 

[rewster]

After I broke my Lee primer handle, I ordered two handhelds just in case. I wanted a few extra parts. Be sure to lubricate it where indicated. I think that was my problem - I didn't !!

 

[David Sinko]

I managed to break two of these over the years. First time the connecting rod developed a groove and then self destructed. This time the handle broke off clean at the base. I will have to order some of the spare parts. I wish they didn't make this out of junk that breaks so easily.

Back when I was doing more competitive revolver shooting with my 625 I was using a "Federal primer only action job." The primers had to be seated below flush to fire reliably and I often used the Autoprime to reseat them. This practice is what wore out my first one. It's also the reason I broke a crank on a 550B. I have since re-sprung all my revolvers to fire hard primers and frankly I don't miss the lighter springs one bit.

So far the tumbler idea seems to work best. I think I need to stop being such a cheapskate and start using some better brass.

Dave Sinko