Primer Failure
- Thread starter BigGame
- Start date
BigGame
Silver $$ Contributor
The load was about 41gr of H4350 in a 6 Creedmoor - not low density or compressed. I primed and loaded the round about 24 hours before shooting. I clean my primer pockets so wouldn’t think a flash hole blockage would be the case, but I can’t be sure. There was no pressure created - nothing coming out the back and the bullet seated with .001 interference didn’t budge.
6.5 forever
Silver $$ Contributor
My thinking also
64Rambler
Gold $$ Contributor
I've seen this behavior once after trying to rush the process and didn't give the cases enough time to fully dry after wet tumbling. I had two that had a 2-3 second delay from pulling trigger to the round firing, and a couple that didn't fire at all, even after a 2nd strike (waiting 30-40 seconds before lifting the bolt handle!). I took those rounds apart and the rest that I didn't fire and in the [trigger pulled, but no bang] rounds, there were powder kernels that were discolored, like the OP pic. On the not fired, I found clumps of wet powder at the primer hole. Lesson learned.
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I had a whole thread about this exact issue. Noticed u were using Peterson brass. Same here. From new, there is a contaminate inside new brass. U need to wet tumble/ wash the brass to remove it.
My rounds had the same clumped powder, primers fired, and numerous hang fires as well as failure to fire. Once the brass is fired, no issues.
My rounds had the same clumped powder, primers fired, and numerous hang fires as well as failure to fire. Once the brass is fired, no issues.
In all the years I have reloaded I have only ever had one primer failure and that was a primer without priming compound so in my experience, they are extremely reliable. However, with today's world, anything is possible.
Checking flash holes for obstructions should be a standard part of your reloading process. In addition, visual checking of seating depth to assure proper seating should also be part of your standard reloading process.
I never experienced "contamination" in virgin cases but then again, I never used Peterson brass either. With things constantly changing, I wouldn't rule this out either.
I never wet tumbled and as I a few years ago, I stopped all tumbling. But most media leaves a residue on the outside and inside of the case. While I never had a primer failure attributed to media residue inside the case, it did have an adverse effect on the interior of my dies and shell holders.
Moisture inside the case could cause a primer failure I imagine but, in my experience, primers are very robust therefore it would take quite a lot to render them inactive.
Checking flash holes for obstructions should be a standard part of your reloading process. In addition, visual checking of seating depth to assure proper seating should also be part of your standard reloading process.
I never experienced "contamination" in virgin cases but then again, I never used Peterson brass either. With things constantly changing, I wouldn't rule this out either.
I never wet tumbled and as I a few years ago, I stopped all tumbling. But most media leaves a residue on the outside and inside of the case. While I never had a primer failure attributed to media residue inside the case, it did have an adverse effect on the interior of my dies and shell holders.
Moisture inside the case could cause a primer failure I imagine but, in my experience, primers are very robust therefore it would take quite a lot to render them inactive.
Spray case lube used to size brass?
Inside of case neck lubing method? Excess lube.
Small primer brass can be a problem?
Coyotefurharvester
Silver $$ Contributor
Signs of contamination in smokeless powder
Reddish tinge/rust like color
Foul odor
Clumping
Loss of smell
Changing from gray to brown or white.
Contaminates: Nitric gas, copper, nitrite, residue of incomplete burn,acetic acid, alpha-naphthol, nitrates.
Reddish tinge/rust like color
Foul odor
Clumping
Loss of smell
Changing from gray to brown or white.
Contaminates: Nitric gas, copper, nitrite, residue of incomplete burn,acetic acid, alpha-naphthol, nitrates.
Have only had it happen in new Peterson brass. Any loaded right from the box, had FF or hang fires. The FF were disassembled and clumped powder was evidenced. Removing the primers showed they had fired and powder failed to ignite.
Brass was 6 mm Creedmore, 223, and 6mm BR.
Brass was 6 mm Creedmore, 223, and 6mm BR.
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jds holler
Gold $$ Contributor
For everyone who wet-tumbles, I've got just one thing to say --
200 degree oven. jd
200 degree oven. jd
I have Peterson brass in 6XC, .260 Rem, .280 AI and 6.5 PRC. I never had a problem with new brass (over 1,500 cases) after running them through a FL sizing die, loading and shooting. What sort of contaminant did you find? To repeat, I've never experienced a FTF with new Peterson brass.
BigGame
Silver $$ Contributor
Catching up on some of your questions:
I don’t wet tumble. Nor do I dry tumble.
I don’t use spray case lube. I size with Imperial wax applied with my fingers.
Primer was CCI BR-2 LR Match, about midway through a case of 1000.
The brass was on its sixth firing, well past new.
The powder was from a recently opened 8-pounder. I’m about 60 loads into it with no other problems. The clumping was this load only. Several others loaded at the same time and unfired remained loose (I shook them to confirm).
I don’t wet tumble. Nor do I dry tumble.
I don’t use spray case lube. I size with Imperial wax applied with my fingers.
Primer was CCI BR-2 LR Match, about midway through a case of 1000.
The brass was on its sixth firing, well past new.
The powder was from a recently opened 8-pounder. I’m about 60 loads into it with no other problems. The clumping was this load only. Several others loaded at the same time and unfired remained loose (I shook them to confirm).
This is where I would start. Something contaminated that powder or the powder is starting to degrade. Clumping and sticking together are indications of some kind of possibly serious problem . Maybe excess lube inside the case neck? Put on your investigation gear and go to it. Good luck and keep us posted.
Paul
Many years ago......
Had H450 (discontinued) in a 22-250 , using CCI mag primers.
Click no bang. Bullets did not move.
Pulled bullets, had gold clumps of powder stuck together.
I blamed it on the powder.
Ball powder or starting load may do better with a magnum primer.
www.shootingtimes.com
Weak firing pin spring? Needs to be around 25 pounds. If a new gun, not a common problem.
Clean firing pin channel? Just guessing.
Had H450 (discontinued) in a 22-250 , using CCI mag primers.
Click no bang. Bullets did not move.
Pulled bullets, had gold clumps of powder stuck together.
I blamed it on the powder.
Ball powder or starting load may do better with a magnum primer.
Mysteries And Misconceptions Of The All-Important Primer - Shooting Times
By Allan Jones Most component primers have a little disk of paper between the
www.shootingtimes.com
Weak firing pin spring? Needs to be around 25 pounds. If a new gun, not a common problem.
Clean firing pin channel? Just guessing.
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