Why These Misfires?

[exnodak]

I went to the range yesterday, and shot my S&W Model 19-5. The load was 158 LSWC - 3.5 grains Bullseye - CCI primers - Mixed brass. Out of 112 rounds, there were 4 misfires. Primers were dented, but no bang. I have used the same load a lot in my Model 19-3 with never a misfire. It may be coincidental, but all four of the misfires were with Winchester cases. The loads were put together on a Lee Classic turret, and I am very careful about seeing that all primers are properly seated. I suspect the hammer strike on that revolver may be a tad weak, and the CCI primers are supposedly quite hard. I plan to load another batch with Winchester primers to see if they perform better. Even if they do, I think the revolver should function with any standard primer. How do I determine if the gun is at fault? I don't know of any competent revolver smiths around here. Is this something the factory would check out?

 

[sambodie]

Check the strain screw on the main springto be sure its fully screwed in. It's located on the lower part of the grip frame. You will have to remove the grips if you have the target style grips.
Good Luck.
Sam

 

[Dragon88]

Make sure the primers are fully seated. The Win cases may have slightly different primer pocket dimensions, and require deeper seating than other cases. It's best to use a hand primer and go by feel, if this fits into your loading routine.

 

[David Sinko]

If all else fails, swap out the mainspring for a full strength factory spring. And while you're at it, a full length strain screw would be a good idea too if there is any possibility that the one you have now has been shortened. This combination should fire EVERYTHING and you will have eliminated some important variables.

Dave Sinko

 

[photoman]

Recently purchased CCI primers?

I'm in the midst of doing some testing due to problems with CCI primers and Bullseye powder. I've never had any problems with this combination until recently. I'm not sure if it's the powder, primers or springs in the gun.

 

[gregintenn]

If all else fails, swap out the mainspring for a full strength factory spring. And while you're at it, a full length strain screw would be a good idea too if there is any possibility that the one you have now has been shortened. This combination should fire EVERYTHING and you will have eliminated some important variables.

Dave Sinko

This is what I did to a model 10 I have that wasn't reliably igniting primers. A few bucks spent, and I was good to go. Much cheaper than shipping it somewhere or paying a gunsmith; do it yourself.

 

[jibjab]

For Winchester cases I use Federal primers but winchester primers will do, CCI primers do not seat properly with these cases for me.

 

[Fishslayer]

Did you try to fire them a second time?

If it's a poorly seated primer the second strike usually sets it off.

My Lee Classic Turret isn't fond of CCI LPP in .45ACP. Never had an issue with the small ones though.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Like asked above, did you try to fire those rounds a second time.

It's possible the springs in your revolver are simply getting old and may need replacement. Any change in tension will show up on a modified revolver.

 

[TSQUARED]

I use Federal primers for all my revolver loads-they have the softest cups.

 

[Chasing Crow]

Exnodak,
When I first started reloading I had several dented primers that didn't fire. Can't remember the components, but I had simply seated the primers too deep. Once I mastered the "feel" of my priming tool, all has been good.

Good luck and happy reloading

 

[Pig Hunter]

I have experienced the same problem last night and tonight. The 65-3 I carry A total of 6 ftf . I checked the strain screw, I have a full power Wolfe spring, And hadn't had a ftf since I got it with function checks with factory loads and over 1k reloads for practice with Win. Rem. and some old CCI that were so old the price was $10 a 1,000 and the same brass. The ftf was with new CCI 550's. I've been reloading since the '7o's and I've not had this happen before. All went off on second strike. Can't find a lot#. Have 3000 of these. Anybody else?

 

[Carnage_7]

CCI primers do have a harder cup-I experienced the same problem using them. As a result, I no longer use them for my revolvers.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

CCI primers do have a harder cup-I experienced the same problem using them. As a result, I no longer use them for my revolvers.

It's not the primers fault. Any revolver that won't fire with any commercial primer is not a safe revolver IMO.

All Speer, Federal, Blaser and American Eagle factory ammo are made with the same CCI primers we buy for reloading.