safe disposal

RevNate · August 12, 2002, 02:24 PM

I just had to disasseble a small lot of handloads due to a case deformity problem. I saved the bullets, and burned the powder, but now I have several primed, unusable cases. None of my loading manuals seem to address the safe disposal of primed cases. I am pretty sure that punching the primers is not a good idea- and even if it is, I'm not going to. Is there a safe way to deavtivate the primers while still in the cases??

Nate

**Mal H** · August 12, 2002, 02:31 PM

If the cases will fit in your revolver/pistol, it is perfectly safe to fire them (outside of course). Be sure to clean your barrel afterwards. If the shells won't fit because they are too deformed, it's ok to just toss them in the trash. They may or not pop off at the land fill. If they do, it's still no problem, the workers are well aware that things can explode (aerosol cans, small propane bottles, etc.) and take the proper precautions.

larryw · August 12, 2002, 02:56 PM

I squirt a small amount of WD-40 into the case and let it soak overnight before I dump them (I don't want to be the cause of a garbage truck fire). I've heard varying reports to the effectiveness of this so I tried to fire off some the first time I did it: none ignited.

**Mal H** · August 12, 2002, 03:01 PM

Good idea - wish I'd said that.

Nanaimo Barr · August 12, 2002, 05:12 PM

I keep a small mayo jar with a tight lid 1/4 full of WD40 on a shelf, thats where I dump iffy primers and fowled up cases with primers. I dump it once a year on the Halloween bonfire with the dead/questionable powder I save up over the year. (ok, this year I should have enough dumped powder to do a Yosimity Sam and lay a powder trail to the bonfire..)

SC_shooter · August 12, 2002, 05:34 PM

I use a big hammer.

HankB · August 13, 2002, 02:17 PM

Quote:

If the cases will fit in your revolver/pistol, it is perfectly safe to fire them. . .

Depending on how tightly your pistol or revolver is fitted, the primer may back out of the pocket a bit, as the case will be driven forward and the primer will be driven backward by the primer explosion. Sometimes this will tie things up.

**Mal H** · August 13, 2002, 04:11 PM

True, but it's still an option. But, I think larryw's suggestion is the better option.

I've shot many primer powered rubber bullets and haven't had it tie up a revolver or pistol to the point where it is even mildly difficult to open the action. But, you are absolutely correct that it could easily happen in a tighter gun. A wooden dowel lightly hammered down the barrel should fix it. Again, not the best way to go.

RevNate · August 13, 2002, 06:27 PM

Thanks for all the info. The cases in question are .30-06 and will not chamber in any of my rifles. So, I'm going to go the WD-40 route. It sounds like the safest and simplest method. Again, thanks to all.

Nate

HankB · August 14, 2002, 07:41 AM

Quote:

I've shot many primer powered rubber bullets and haven't had it tie up a revolver or pistol to the point where it is even mildly difficult to open the action.

Mal, So have I. I really like the "X-Ring" rubber bullets for timing my draw. BUT . . . the instructions for these call for drilling out the primer flash hole with, IIRC, a 7/64" drill bit. This is done to prevent primer setback as well as increase the impulse to the projectile.

The instructions warn against using these modified cases to load "real" ammo.

Paul Fitz Jones · August 29, 2002, 01:38 PM

The Ideas on the primers are good.
On damaged mouths casings I make them into another shorter caliber below the damage. Also if you canpop the primers the heads can be used for jewelry or with a very small bolt through the primer pocket can decorate leather gun or waist belts.
on old powder I spread it very lightly on my lawn as a good fertilizer.

August 12, 2002, 02:24 PM	#1
RevNate Senior Member Join Date: November 1, 2001 Location: Arkansas Posts: 129	safe disposal I just had to disasseble a small lot of handloads due to a case deformity problem. I saved the bullets, and burned the powder, but now I have several primed, unusable cases. None of my loading manuals seem to address the safe disposal of primed cases. I am pretty sure that punching the primers is not a good idea- and even if it is, I'm not going to. Is there a safe way to deavtivate the primers while still in the cases?? Nate

August 12, 2002, 02:56 PM	#3
larryw Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2002 Posts: 336	I squirt a small amount of WD-40 into the case and let it soak overnight before I dump them (I don't want to be the cause of a garbage truck fire). I've heard varying reports to the effectiveness of this so I tried to fire off some the first time I did it: none ignited. __________________ Learn about TR-069 remote management.

August 12, 2002, 05:12 PM	#5
Nanaimo Barr Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Location: North Idaho Posts: 1,024	I keep a small mayo jar with a tight lid 1/4 full of WD40 on a shelf, thats where I dump iffy primers and fowled up cases with primers. I dump it once a year on the Halloween bonfire with the dead/questionable powder I save up over the year. (ok, this year I should have enough dumped powder to do a Yosimity Sam and lay a powder trail to the bonfire..) __________________ "Question that Regulation, you might be suprised to find out it's Illegal"

August 13, 2002, 06:27 PM	#9
RevNate Senior Member Join Date: November 1, 2001 Location: Arkansas Posts: 129	Thanks Thanks for all the info. The cases in question are .30-06 and will not chamber in any of my rifles. So, I'm going to go the WD-40 route. It sounds like the safest and simplest method. Again, thanks to all. Nate

August 29, 2002, 01:38 PM	#11
Paul Fitz Jones Senior Member Join Date: June 12, 2002 Location: Sacramento California Posts: 266	Old Powder, damaged brass The Ideas on the primers are good. On damaged mouths casings I make them into another shorter caliber below the damage. Also if you canpop the primers the heads can be used for jewelry or with a very small bolt through the primer pocket can decorate leather gun or waist belts. on old powder I spread it very lightly on my lawn as a good fertilizer. __________________ Paul Fitz Jones Retired and Loving It Industry Manufacturer Competitor Police Firearms Instructor

August 12, 2002, 02:31 PM	#2
Mal H Staff Join Date: March 20, 1999 Location: Somewhere in the woods of Northern Virginia Posts: 16,955	If the cases will fit in your revolver/pistol, it is perfectly safe to fire them (outside of course). Be sure to clean your barrel afterwards. If the shells won't fit because they are too deformed, it's ok to just toss them in the trash. They may or not pop off at the land fill. If they do, it's still no problem, the workers are well aware that things can explode (aerosol cans, small propane bottles, etc.) and take the proper precautions.

August 12, 2002, 03:01 PM	#4
Mal H Staff Join Date: March 20, 1999 Location: Somewhere in the woods of Northern Virginia Posts: 16,955	Good idea - wish I'd said that.

August 12, 2002, 05:34 PM	#6
SC_shooter Member Join Date: November 25, 2001 Location: Fort Mill, SC Posts: 23	I use a big hammer.

August 13, 2002, 04:11 PM	#8
Mal H Staff Join Date: March 20, 1999 Location: Somewhere in the woods of Northern Virginia Posts: 16,955	True, but it's still an option. But, I think larryw's suggestion is the better option. I've shot many primer powered rubber bullets and haven't had it tie up a revolver or pistol to the point where it is even mildly difficult to open the action. But, you are absolutely correct that it could easily happen in a tighter gun. A wooden dowel lightly hammered down the barrel should fix it. Again, not the best way to go.