Primer Problem....Maybe no solution

[TwoPoundPull]

83 grain Berry's plated HBWC
2.9 grains 231
Starline 32 H&R brass
Federal 100 primer
Six rounds of the above recipe, and a Model 16-4 will give me one hole at 50ft off a bag....

The problem is the primer will back out of the case when touched off, as expected, but there is apparently not enough energy to push the primer all the way back into the pocket by the blast shield....

Short of a military crimp on the primer, more, (or different) powder, shorter brass, (Bullet Jumps a no-no).... I'm at a loss

Want to maintain accuracy, but wheels don't turn well with high primers.

 

[Titegroups]

Lube the chambers? Maybe try nickel cases. Just a thought.

 

[J-FRAME]

Maybe up your powder charge a BIT- check a reloading book first. Or maybe a different kind of powder?

 

[Fkimble]

Maybe try a harder CCI primer?

 

[Andy Griffith]

Possibly open up the flash hole just a smidgen?

At least, that's what is done on blanks to keep the primers on them from backing out. One note of caution- keep the cases separated from regular ammunition, because if loaded to full loads once the flash hole is opened- the primer will likely puncture.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Sounds like the powder charge is too light. You might want to up the charge a bit.

 

[Chris_D]

Perhaps try some different brass, the primer hole could be on the large side.

Chris

 

[Pisgah]

That's a pretty puny load. Go up a tenth of a grain or two and the problem will go away.

 

[TwoPoundPull]

I need to use Federal primers with the light action....
My groups open up a 1/4 to 1/2 inch with each .2 grain increase in charge....
Chambers are slick, brass does not expand to seal in cyl, drops out w/o extractor....
I'd like not to drill the flash hole, more stuff to keep organized and separated....
Another manufacturers brass could be issue, not a lot of .32 out there....
May have to sacrifice some accuracy to keep the wheels turning....
Thank you much for the responses so far, always interesting and informative....
And....If you think the Berry's load is puny, I load 2.6 of 231 behind a 90grain HDY HBWC to keep the same POI and accuracy....But I don't remember if I had the same issues....
Heading to the range this afternoon with a hundred of each, will keep you informed....

 

[Bruce51]

Have you tried using 32SWL brass? With such a light load this may eliminate the problem if the shorter case does not affect accuracy.

Bruce

 

[H Richard]

Try different powder bullet combinations. Surely you can find a combination that gives a decent velocity which will create enough recoil to re-seat your primers.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

I have 2.8 to 3.2 of 231 in the 32 mag, if it does it with another primer I would guess that the brass is the problem. I would call Starline and tell them about it.

 

[Dale53]

twopoundpull;
I shoot .32 S&W Long cases in my 16-4 with 1.8-2.0 grs of Bullseye with excellent accuracy and NO problems. My revolver has a six inch barrel. I use the Hornady or Speer HBWC's with good results as well as dbl ended solid w/c's.

Dale53

 

[Alk8944]

Hodgdon shows a starting load of 3.2 231 for the 85 gr. Hornady, why are you wanting to reduce it so much? Bump the load to somewhere between 3.2 to 3.8 and the problem will go away.

This kind of falls in the "I didn't follow the instructions, why am I having a problem?" category.

 

[lebomm]

It's not the brass, it's the load. Betcha using .32 S&WL brass will help.

Larry

 

[mtgianni]

Starline and Fed are your only two brass choices. Federal had a history of short life with the heavier loads due to primer pocket opening up. I don't think it will be your answer. As others have stated, increase powder or change primer or enjoy it as a single shot.

 

[TwoPoundPull]

I caved in and bumped the charge .3 grains....All is well....
Just hated to give up a fraction of an inch of grouping for something as inconsequential as the firearm functioning after the first or second shot..
Been interesting..........Thanks.........2#

 

[Jellybean]

I can see where you are at. I've read quite a lot about reduced loads but don't remember reading anything about your problem.

I've never tried it before, but I wonder if it would make a difference if you glued them in with nail polish. I'm not talking sealing where you would brush it on after the primer is seated, but gluing it in where you would "paint" a ring around the side of the primer pocket before seating the primer.

 

[Horacesmiff]

Primer Problem

If an increase in charge doesn't do it; try seating the primer with green Loctite. Be careful to avoid primer contamination.