What are the softer primers..?

codefour · January 13, 2014, 01:24 AM

I know CCI's are considered the hardest primers. I have a SRH in 454 Casull. It won't ignite CCI SR Magnum primers regularly and I'm getting light primer strikes.

What brand primer has a softer cup.? I always use CCI. So I'm gonna try a new primer.

This has been a problem for a while now. I was going to file the hammer. I have not fired the revolver for a while. I'd like to take it pig hunting soon.

chris in va · January 13, 2014, 01:33 AM

Federal is quite soft if you are having ignition problems.

2ndtimer · January 13, 2014, 01:41 AM

I too, have heard that Federal has the softest primer cups. Recall years ago reading that some slicked up PPC revolvers were only reliable using the Federal standard primers. I would also consider trying Remington primers since it would seem that the unplated primers might be softer than the nickel plated primers of other manufacturers.

codefour · January 13, 2014, 02:49 AM

Thank you for the replies.. I am going to try and hunt those down to use. Hopefully they will cure my ignition problems..

Any other suggestions would be helpful.

Sevens · January 13, 2014, 02:58 AM

If your hunting or shooting with this Redhawk is typically in a single action fashion, I would simply buy the heaviest hammer spring that Wolff stocks for a Redhawk.

Switching primers to something with a softer cup certainly may work for you, but the .454 Casull just isn't an "average" handgun round.

The benefit to a harder cup primer is that it does a fine job in containing the pressure of a high horsepower load. .454 Casull is the textbook definition of "high horsepower load."

So if it was me, I'd be trying to hit a hard cup primer, well, harder rather than trying to find a softer-cup primer in .454 Casull.

serf 'rett · January 13, 2014, 10:30 AM

Federal has a reputation for being softer; however, Sevens has a good recommendation.

mikld · January 13, 2014, 01:06 PM

A stock Ruger should fire any type of primer. If the gun is not modified, and primers are seated correctly, there should be no problems. If your primers are seated all the way to the bottom of the pocket and you get "light primer strikes", have your gun checked...

Have you tried the offending rounds a second time? That would indicate "high" primers.

WESHOOT2 · January 13, 2014, 01:10 PM

I note Bowen offers an extended firing pin for Redhawks.......

Slamfire · January 13, 2014, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Have you tried the offending rounds a second time? That would indicate "high" primers.

Good point. In the Shooting Times article: Mysteries And Misconceptions Of The All-Important Primer http://www.shootingtimes.com/2011/01...motaip_200909/ CCI states the most common reason for misfires is high primers. The anvil has to be firmly seated and the primer cake pushed onto the anvil. If the anvil is dangling in the air the primer will misfire.

Do you seat your primers by hand?

I owned a Redhawk and with factory springs I had reliable ignition, but when I changed the springs out to get a lighter trigger pull, I got lots of misfires double action. While the Redhawk is a clever design it is very sensitive to mainspring strength.

BuckRub · January 13, 2014, 05:21 PM

Think the same as Mikld in post # 7

WESHOOT2 · January 13, 2014, 05:26 PM

Redhawks have a known issue with firing pin striking.
Hence the Bowen pin.....

codefour · January 13, 2014, 08:34 PM

I seated the primers all the way. I do not believe I had amy high primers. I load all of my 454 and 460 Mag loads on a single stage for a reason.

I had this problem with the stock hammer springs which are 14 lb springs. I ordered a Wolff 12 lb (most powerful Wolff makes) and still have the problem.

I also like to use CCI primers in the large, high pressure magnum revolvers. I found some Federal primers in the cabinet I bought years ago. I will give them a whirl and look for pressure signs.

Thank you all for the replies. This forum is awesome!

January 13, 2014, 01:24 AM	#1
codefour Senior Member Join Date: April 2, 2012 Posts: 114	What are the softer primers..? I know CCI's are considered the hardest primers. I have a SRH in 454 Casull. It won't ignite CCI SR Magnum primers regularly and I'm getting light primer strikes. What brand primer has a softer cup.? I always use CCI. So I'm gonna try a new primer. This has been a problem for a while now. I was going to file the hammer. I have not fired the revolver for a while. I'd like to take it pig hunting soon.

January 13, 2014, 01:41 AM	#3
2ndtimer Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2004 Location: Kennewick, WA Posts: 293	I too, have heard that Federal has the softest primer cups. Recall years ago reading that some slicked up PPC revolvers were only reliable using the Federal standard primers. I would also consider trying Remington primers since it would seem that the unplated primers might be softer than the nickel plated primers of other manufacturers. __________________ NRA Endowment Member

January 13, 2014, 02:58 AM	#5
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	If your hunting or shooting with this Redhawk is typically in a single action fashion, I would simply buy the heaviest hammer spring that Wolff stocks for a Redhawk. Switching primers to something with a softer cup certainly may work for you, but the .454 Casull just isn't an "average" handgun round. The benefit to a harder cup primer is that it does a fine job in containing the pressure of a high horsepower load. .454 Casull is the textbook definition of "high horsepower load." So if it was me, I'd be trying to hit a hard cup primer, well, harder rather than trying to find a softer-cup primer in .454 Casull. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

January 13, 2014, 10:30 AM	#6
serf 'rett Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2009 Location: Stuttgart, AR Posts: 1,569	Federal has a reputation for being softer; however, Sevens has a good recommendation. __________________ A lack of planning on your part does not necessarily constitute an emergency on my part.

January 13, 2014, 01:06 PM	#7
mikld Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2009 Location: Southern Oregon! Posts: 2,891	A stock Ruger should fire any type of primer. If the gun is not modified, and primers are seated correctly, there should be no problems. If your primers are seated all the way to the bottom of the pocket and you get "light primer strikes", have your gun checked... Have you tried the offending rounds a second time? That would indicate "high" primers. __________________ My Anchor is holding fast! I've learned how to stand on my own two knees...

January 13, 2014, 01:33 AM	#2
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	Federal is quite soft if you are having ignition problems.

January 13, 2014, 02:49 AM	#4
codefour Senior Member Join Date: April 2, 2012 Posts: 114	Thank you for the replies.. I am going to try and hunt those down to use. Hopefully they will cure my ignition problems.. Any other suggestions would be helpful.

January 13, 2014, 01:10 PM	#8
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	if the Federals don't solve things I note Bowen offers an extended firing pin for Redhawks....... __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

January 13, 2014, 05:21 PM	#10
BuckRub Junior member Join Date: October 3, 2012 Location: Central Texas Posts: 1,046	Think the same as Mikld in post # 7

January 13, 2014, 05:26 PM	#11
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	define "long enough" Redhawks have a known issue with firing pin striking. Hence the Bowen pin..... __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

January 13, 2014, 08:34 PM	#12
codefour Senior Member Join Date: April 2, 2012 Posts: 114	I seated the primers all the way. I do not believe I had amy high primers. I load all of my 454 and 460 Mag loads on a single stage for a reason. I had this problem with the stock hammer springs which are 14 lb springs. I ordered a Wolff 12 lb (most powerful Wolff makes) and still have the problem. I also like to use CCI primers in the large, high pressure magnum revolvers. I found some Federal primers in the cabinet I bought years ago. I will give them a whirl and look for pressure signs. Thank you all for the replies. This forum is awesome!