Doof! I did something stupid. Now what?

[SGK]

So...I just did something without thinking it through properly. I had resized some brass with a neck bushing and primed the cases. I wanted to compare the same powder load but with a 1 thou smaller bushing. I did not take note of the decapping pin in the Redding neck sizing die. I do not use this for decapping and it was set 'short' but it still contacted the primers. Luckily I was doing things very slowly. It did not pop the primers all the way out but did partially unseat them - I'd say about 50%. I have managed to reseat them but now I'm wondering whether to use them or fire them (unloaded round) and start again.

 

[SSL]

You quite probably deformed the anvil portion of the primers. I would be surprised if you wouldn't experience erratic ignition, if some fired at all. If it's any consolation, we've all pulled a bone-head stunt or two. Welcome to our not so exclusive club!

 

[Davidb187]

No problem. Are these ammunition for a life or death situation or just for some fun? I've done similar a couple time and never noticed a difference.

 

[SGK]

Wondering if it's not a good platform for comparing the effect of changing the neck tension? It was 6 rounds only.

(Rounds are simply for this purpose.)

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Shoot em

 

[riflewoman]

If shot decapped live primers. Just reseat and shoot ‘em.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

I've shot a few hundred or so decapped and reseated primers with absolutely no issues at all. I may not feel comfortable taking them to a br match but frankly, I've never actually seen a reason not to.

 

[nmkid]

I would shoot them. Probably didn't do a thing to them. Ever take a close look at spent primers after you remove them from the case? They look fine except for the burnt powder.

 

[Twoboxer]

You are running a test of two samples with (hopefully) one and only one variable.

The odds are quite good the primers are fine.

If the thought of possible erratic primer function is gonna play tricks with your mind when trying to interpret the test, pull the primers and reseat fresh ones.

We're talking $0.18 here, right?

 

[carlsbad]

Have some fun with the other members of your household.

 

[SGK]

Ok I will carry on. Thanks guys.

 

[C.E.Smith043]

You are running a test of two samples with (hopefully) one and only one variable.

The odds are quite good the primers are fine.

If the thought of possible erratic primer function is gonna play tricks with your mind when trying to interpret the test, pull the primers and reseat fresh ones.

We're talking $0.18 here, right?

I agree, if nothing else i would change them with fresh ones just for peace of mind. Like mentioned, testing for differences in group size for a switch of .001" neck bushing, i wouldnt want to risk adding another variable if i could prevent it.

 

[Jarhead6870]

I think most of us who have reloaded for any length of time have had little “faux-pas” with various procedures. In a case like yours, I wouldn’t worry about the primer and load ‘em up and use them for foulers. I’ve re-used primers before and not seen any difference on the targets. Although, as one member previously posted, I probably wouldn’t use them in a match environment just for confidence and piece of mind.

 

[alinwa]

I think most of us who have reloaded for any length of time have had little “faux-pas” with various procedures. ........

Not me

 

[riflewoman]

Not me

A likely story!

 

[Mikemci]

I agree with using them for foulers.
Otherwise, you will always have doubts about your test.

 

[Webster]

So...I just did something without thinking it through properly. I had resized some brass with a neck bushing and primed the cases. I wanted to compare the same powder load but with a 1 thou smaller bushing. I did not take note of the decapping pin in the Redding neck sizing die. I do not use this for decapping and it was set 'short' but it still contacted the primers. Luckily I was doing things very slowly. It did not pop the primers all the way out but did partially unseat them - I'd say about 50%. I have managed to reseat them but now I'm wondering whether to use them or fire them (unloaded round) and start again.

Your choice. Just 6 cases, no powder, no bullet just pop them off. 3.5 cents a primer.

 

[SGK]

Yeah you guys got to me and I swapped them out. I was thinking I would have to fire them (just the primers) but gained confidence I could simply gently unseat them completely.

 

[divingin]

You quite probably deformed the anvil portion of the primers.

Dunno. The loose anvils I've been left with after decapping are pretty dang hard. It takes a lot of effort to change anything about them. The decapping pin makes contact with the hollow in the inverted cone shape, which, I'd guess, would make deforming the anvil near-impossible.

I would be surprised if you wouldn't experience erratic ignition, if some fired at all.

I've re-used primers that have been removed with a decapping rod several times (don't ask why - suffice to say I've had my share of "whoops" processes); I don't think I've ever had a problem with them igniting.