Primer holes

[Kevin Stenberg]

I was cleaning some 45acp cases and saw a big difference in the holes from the primer to the powder chamber. Is there much reason to make all the holes uniform? I figure rifle cases are more critical. But I don't know about pistol cases.

 

[Brad]

I think the large flash holes are from brass primed with a different primer. The priming compound needs the larger hole for proper ignition.
I would just use the brass as is because my 45 ACP shooting isn't that critical.

 

[Pistolero]

The non-lead primer stuff has a big primer flash hole, I think because the non-lead primers
are weak. May change pressures somewhat, I think I would at least pull out a batch, load it
and see if the velocities chrono significantly different from normal flash hole cases. More
pressure will give you more velocity.

Bill

 

[fiver]

they still can't get the NT primer stuff to work with a Big primer.
they do have a large flash hole though.

I wouldn't worry too much about flash hole size in a 45 acp, a high energy round? yeah I'd look and separate.
but I have also been known to hold a handgun sideways from time to time too.

 

[Ian]

It does make a little bit of difference when reloading the Federal lead-free cartridge brass with standard primers. I don't load my .45 ACP all that hot so it's not all that important to me. YMMV.

 

[Kevin Stenberg]

Problem solved. Justforgetaboutit