1895 Nagant revolver and primers

NINEX19

New member
I recently picked up an 1895 Nagant revolver.

I decided to start to reload for it (like I do with every other firearm I have). All is going well up to the point of firing.
I am pretty sure the issue is either a slightly short firing pin or hard primers.

The gun fires fine with PPU cartridges, but will not fire at all with S&B primers and CCI primers I have tried. I will note that the primer strikes appear to be lighter than any other revolver I have. The conclusion I have come to is that if it fires PPU made cartridges, but not my own, it must be the primer. Does anyone know what primers PPU uses?

If you are familiar with this revolver, you know that the hammer has alot of bounce back with striking. After you fire, with your finger still depressing the trigger, you can still move the hammer forward about 1/4" and "re-strike" the primer.

I have done extensive searching and can not find this issue being reported anywhere nor a solution. I am tempted to weld a small tip on the end of the firing pin and file/shape it down to give me another 2mm in length at the tip since replacement parts these days seems to be non-existent.

I am open to any suggestions. I guess I could try "softer" primers like Federal.
 
Sometimes a particular cartridge is more trouble than it's worth to reload. The 7.62 x 38R might be one of 'em.

I would tend to agree with you, but I do enjoy a challenge and working with the unusual. I might just have to let this be a project I never complete or put off for a long time if it is not a simple fix, as time is a very valuable commodity to me right now.
 
I use win sp primers in mine. I have had no troubles with it. But I use 32-20 cases sized in a 30 carbine die. Works well for me. I have never had a problem with mine. I have had it close to 15 years. It has had 32 s&w short and long shot out of it never had a ftf. But it has only ever had a handful of correct ammo shot out of it.
 
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