Light primer strikes (357 Sig)

R

rifleman0311

New member
Hello all,

Shot a magazine of my reloads today, had 4 light primer strikes

Glock 23 (KKM 357 Sig barrel)
Berrys thick plated hollow base 125 gr
8.5 gr 800x
oal 1.135
CCI small pistol primer
once fired speer brass
used Lee dies and factory crimp
first time using the primer on the press (lee classic 4 hole) as I usually use the Lee hand primer (never had issues)
used as little flare as possible when expanding.

The rounds that fired seemed accurate, and normal. Light primer strikes were center and appeared to be seated correctly by eye. I checked each round with the barrel prior to firing and they fit as normal; had zero issues feeding and ejecting when firing. I confirmed OAL of rounds when I got home. Could this be a headspace issue? Or maybe not pressing down hard enough on the press when seating? I did not attempt to fire the rounds so I could take them home and diagnose. maybe a crimp issue? any thoughts are appreciated
 
Primers not seated deep enough.

Primers not seated deep enough is almost always the cause. Since you changed priming method, looks like case closed. The strike is actually full strength. But with primers not seated firmly the strike energy is used pushing the primer forward a small amount. This uses enough energy to prevent reliable firing.
 
I always prime on the press (progressive) but still occasionally get the setting off when switching calibers. I imagine the potential for spectacular failure, but have so far, not had a problem seating them properly after the fact on my turret press. Hopefully Darwin won't catch me slipping! :D

But aside from improper seating, I have had serious problems with my batch of small pistol Wolf primers FTF. I have decided I will not use my batch in pistol at all, and rue the volume of .40 I loaded with them. As far as I know, I have zero failures with CCI that were not related to my own error. ;)
 
Did you try to fire the rounds a second time? If they then fired, that would further confirm the seating depth issue as pointed out.
 
I use a hand primer

I use a hand primer. I like the control, feel, and visual inspection. I use it firmly enough to leave marks on the primers.

I have used the Lyman Turret press priming arm successfully but now use only the RCBS hand primer (old style, and also bought the universal).

I do not use a progressive or indexing press.
 
In more than 30 years of reloading I never had one misfire with any Federal Primers. If the problem persist and you do not want to change the firing pin spring, consider changing to Federal.
 
Since this is happening in a Glock it has to be a primer seating issue unlike my pistol in which it's a spring, firing pin, issue.
 
Bottle necked case...maybe you're setting the case shoulder back a bit...short case, long chamber...a headspace problem...try backing off on your sizing die 1/16th of a turn. Rod
 
prmers not ignighting

I had an issue in the same manner. Same gun. Glock 23. my resolution was to remove firing pin, clean the channel firing pin and spring rides in. removed all sticky lube and build-up of debris at end of pin travel. did not use any more lube at reassembly. Problem solved for me
 
I use a hand primer

Have you tried priming from the press? Is this a common issue?
Click to expand...

Other than maybe my first couple weeks loading ammo back in '84, I have used a Lee Auto-Prime - in its various incarnations over the decades.

I like to be able to feel the primer seat; followed by the subsequent slight "mash down" I mentioned in my previous post. "Feel" being the operative word.

It can be a common issue if the case isn't properly primed. But it's a rare issue if the case IS properly primed.
 
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