Recycle your ammunition to minimize wastage in your shooting range. Large rifle primers allow you to ignite the gunpowder that is contained in the base of your bullet. Here are a few of the steps to safely reuse your ammunition:
Check the Brass Casings
Inspect if the brass casings you are reusing contain defects. Look for signs of corrosion, cracks, or deformities on the casings to enable you to identify if they are reusable. Reusing damaged cases may lead to issues during firing due to the internal pressure that builds up. Measure the brass to confirm if it falls within the acceptable specifications for the caliber to support the bullet. Use calipers, a reloading die, or a case gauge to measure your brass.
You reload your ammunition with large rifle primers by setting the brass on the press and priming them. You may lubricate the lower part of your case with a thin layer of graphite to enable easy resizing. It allows you to size the full length of the brass, supporting correct bullet ignition.
Collect Your Spent Primers
When you have fired your ammunition, collect your primers immediately after the shooting session. Your spent primers undergo a chemical reaction that makes them more sensitive to firing. The smaller gun parts can cause the primers to break even with minor mechanical pressure, leading to a misfire.
Collect all your used primers and dispose of them safely in a designated area or container. Avoid mixing live and spent primers, as it can cause accidents or damage to your reloading equipment. You use a primer catch tray or attach a primer catcher to your reloading press for easier collection.
Examine the Primer Pocket
Your primer pocket is the area in your brass that holds the primer. After firing, inspect it for debris, residue, or stretching. Using a primer pocket cleaning tool, remove any foreign particles and verify the area is clean and free of obstructions. Residue can affect how your new primers fit into the pocket and may cause problems with ignition.
Check for any signs of stretching or bulging in the primer pocket, as this can also affect the proper seating of the new primer. If you notice any issues with the primer pocket, you may need to replace the brass. You reduce jams during shooting when you have a sturdy and consistent primer pocket for the ammunition.
Reload in a Safe Environment
How you handle your primers during reloading makes a difference regarding your gun’s safety and proper functioning. Reload the ammunition in a designated safe environment with adequate lighting and ventilation. Load your ammunition in an environment free from flammable materials to protect you and your equipment from accidents.
Safe environments may include the gun range or a reloading bench in your workshop. Safety precautions involve wearing safety goggles and gloves during reloading. Due to primers’ sensitive nature, avoid extreme temperature or high humidity changes in the areas where you store them.
Buy Large Rifle Primers
When using large rifle primers, your primer selection depends on the firearm. Large rifle primers have thicker, stronger cups made from a more rigid material. Contact your gun dealer today and ask about the primer types they use for specific purposes.
