Flash Hole Size Question

jack robson · June 17, 2007, 11:36 AM

Recently started handloading pistol ammo. When cleaning primer pockets noticed some of flash holes were twice the size of what I consider average. Ammo is once fired Winchester white box 45 acp. Are these safe to reload or should I dispose of them? Large holes measure .131 regular holes measure .077. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Jim Watson · June 17, 2007, 11:52 AM

What you are seeing is first generation Winchester Winclean factory loaded with lead-free primers. The large hole vents the higher pressure flash from the leadless diazol primer mix. Winchester has said they were safe for reloading with standard data. I do not sort them out of my bulk brass for IDPA, although I would if I shot NRA slowfire, just in case.

(You will likely one of these days turn up some .45 ACP brass with small primers and an NT headstamp. That is the current generation of Non Toxic ammunition with lead-free primers. Winchester says not to reload these, but it can be done if you want to go the trouble.)

jack robson · June 17, 2007, 12:05 PM

Thank you very much. You have helped alot. I have done extensive reading and have never run across this explanation. Am actually handloading as we speak very good to hear this because it was about half of my supply of brass.

FM12 · June 17, 2007, 01:45 PM

Welcome to the forum. You'll like it here, and will learn loads!(Pun intended!!)

jack robson · June 19, 2007, 07:57 PM

Thank you for your information and welcome, another question. Is it safe to shoot nylon 66 with ring bulge 6" ahead of the chamber or does it need a new barrel.

June 17, 2007, 11:36 AM	#1
jack robson Member Join Date: June 17, 2007 Posts: 17	Flash Hole Size Question Recently started handloading pistol ammo. When cleaning primer pockets noticed some of flash holes were twice the size of what I consider average. Ammo is once fired Winchester white box 45 acp. Are these safe to reload or should I dispose of them? Large holes measure .131 regular holes measure .077. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

June 17, 2007, 11:52 AM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,543	What you are seeing is first generation Winchester Winclean factory loaded with lead-free primers. The large hole vents the higher pressure flash from the leadless diazol primer mix. Winchester has said they were safe for reloading with standard data. I do not sort them out of my bulk brass for IDPA, although I would if I shot NRA slowfire, just in case. (You will likely one of these days turn up some .45 ACP brass with small primers and an NT headstamp. That is the current generation of Non Toxic ammunition with lead-free primers. Winchester says not to reload these, but it can be done if you want to go the trouble.)

June 17, 2007, 12:05 PM	#3
jack robson Member Join Date: June 17, 2007 Posts: 17	Thank you very much. You have helped alot. I have done extensive reading and have never run across this explanation. Am actually handloading as we speak very good to hear this because it was about half of my supply of brass.

June 17, 2007, 01:45 PM	#4
FM12 Senior Member Join Date: February 5, 2007 Location: Monroeville, Alabama Posts: 1,683	Welcome to the forum. You'll like it here, and will learn loads!(Pun intended!!)

June 19, 2007, 07:57 PM	#5
jack robson Member Join Date: June 17, 2007 Posts: 17	Thank you for your information and welcome, another question. Is it safe to shoot nylon 66 with ring bulge 6" ahead of the chamber or does it need a new barrel.