The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - How to get rid of 5000 Wolf small rifle primers

oldandslow · February 15, 2013, 09:02 PM

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

February 15, 2013, 09:02 PM	#1
oldandslow Senior Member Join Date: October 2, 2007 Posts: 641	How to get rid of 5000 Wolf small rifle primers 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