How to get rid of 5000 Wolf small rifle primers

[oldandslow]

Greetings all, 2/16/13

As detailed in my other thread, "223 primer blow-by" I had problems with my Wolf small rifle primers. The primers would rupture at both low and high pressures (9mm cases with 4.1 grains of W-231, .223 loads of 20-25 grains of IMR 4064 under a 65 grain Sierra SPBT bullet). The higher the pressure load the more the primer cases ruptured (7% with the 9mm, 10-15% in .223 from 20-24 grains and 66% at 25 grains). The primer failures varied from minor primer blow-by with bolt face erosion (most common) to complete disruption of the primer face with the brass being held on by a small sliver (least common). When inspecting the primers before loading they all look OK on both sides- front and back.

Replacing the primers with Winchester SRP's with the same powder (and charge) and cases (RP) eliminated the primer failures.

Using alternate powders (3031) made no difference in failure rate. Using different cases (LC, FC, PMC) made no difference.

Weapon for .223 was new LMT-CQB carbine. The 9mm pistol was a SW 5904.

So the question- what to do with 5000 defective Wolf Small Rifle primers (lot # 5-09)? I can't in good conscience sell or trade them to anyone and I don't think my dealer will take them back (purchased about a year ago). Any ideas?

best wishes- oldandslow

[907arcticcat]

Personally, I don't subscribe to the soaking method. I'm not aware of any liquid that is 100% reliable in turning a primer inert. I know burning ammunition in a fire sounds crazy, but it is a common practice and safe if down correctly. 5000 primer would have to be done in many batches.

There are some caveats to using this method and some ammunition should not be burned, so please do your own research before taking anything online as gospel.

[GTOne]

What did Wolf say when you reported your findings?

I ask because I remember a similar issue someone else had and Wolf replaced their primers.

[Lost Sheep]

I would DEFINITELY give Wolf a chance to make it right, no matter how long ago the primers were bought.

If you decide to trash them (have you tried using them in handgun rounds?), I would take them to my local military installation or Police Department and see if their EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) people would take them. Does your local trash service have a hazardous waste repository? Or, your local Fire Department.

Good luck.

Lost Sheep

[jackpine]

if some fellow bought them from you knowing the full story it shouldn't be a problem. Sounds like these would be fine in 38 special loads or a low pressure rifle load maybe light 222 loads or lead 223's

[orionengnr]

I would contact Wolf. But first, I would have to take several deep breaths and calm down. And several probably wouldn't be enough.

Some people swear by Wolf primers. My only experience was less than satisfactory (not as bad as yours, I just had a lot of failures to fire from the 1000 LPP).

After my experience, I had decided not to use them "unless nothing else is available". Now I will amend that to "when Hell freezes over".

[lll Otto lll]

Wolf will reimburse you the full amount that you paid for the primers when accompanied with a receipt but it is the customer’s responsibility to get the primers returned to WOLF or returned to place of purchase.

There are some other details as well.....http://www.wolfammo.com/index.php?op...ask=view&id=93

[Elkins45]

Ask the mfg to make good, or use them in low pressure pistol rounds. Have you tried them in light 38 special loads?

[overthere]

Wow, looks like contacting Wolf is the way to go, the web page posted above states they would even reimburse shipping costs.

I have used several hundred of their small rifle magnum primers without issues but I have one box of 1000 Wolf regular small rifle primers that I have not used. I will make sure to look for blowbacks when I start using that box.

[mtrvl]

You people keep asking him if he tried them in pistol rounds. His article states that he used them in .9mm. Duh.

[Brian Pfleuger]

Originally Posted by mtrvl

You people keep asking him if he tried them in pistol rounds. His article states that he used them in .9mm. Duh.

Those people asked him if he tried them in LOW PRESSURE pistol rounds. Both of those people specifically mentioning 38spl, which at it's max pressure runs 17,000psi rather than the 9mm's 35,000psi.

[JimDandy]

With a cylinder gap too....