71
16.4
Primer Basics and Safety
•
DANGER! Primers contain a small amount of a shock-sensitive chemical that explodes when struck by a firing pin
or hammer which then sets off the powder/propellant and provides an initial pressure to assist the propellant to
reach a self-sustaining burn. It is also part of the propellant gas sealing system. Primer elements are shown below.
Primers must be installed/seated to a recommended .002” to .006” (.008” Max.) below flush so that the Anvil
contacts the bottom of the primer pocket to provide reliable ignition.
•
DANGER! Primers can also detonate if accidentally crushed. Never force primers or subject them to excessive
heat. If primers become stuck in the operation of the reloader, carefully disassemble the reloader and gently
remove the obstruction. Never attempt to clear primers that are stuck in either the primer pickup tube or the
primer magazine tube. Never, under any circumstance, insert any type of Rod into these tubes to push out stuck
primers—PRIMERS CAN “CHAIN DETONATE.” If a primer(s) is stuck in the magazine or pickup tubes flood the
tube with penetrating oil/WD40, throw it away and call Dillon for a free replacement. Never attempt to deprime a
cartridge case with a live primer. Depriming a live primer is dangerous and can cause serious injury or death.
•
CAUTION—Primers can leave a residue of primer “dust” behind especially if using a vibratory auto primer loader.
An accumulation of dust is a fire and an explosion hazard. Keep the loading area and equipment free of any
accumulated primer “dust.” Use alcohol and paper towels to remove this residue.
•
WARNING! —Using the right primer is a very important issue in the reloading process. Use the primer
recommended in your reloading manual for that specific load.
•
There are two basic types of cartridge cases and associated primers--Boxer and Berdan. The Boxer brass cartridge
case and Boxer primers are what are reloadable and discussed here. WARNING! --Do not use Berdan cases.
Berdan cases will destroy the depriming pin. Boxer primers will not seat properly in a Berdan primer pocket.
•
There are four sizes of primers for Boxer Centerfire Cartridges:
•
Small Pistol
•
Large Pistol
•
Small Rifle
•
Large Rifle
•
There are also magnum, bench rest and military primers with the same dimensions.
•
WARNING! Reloading manuals specifically define the primer used for the cartridge and the bullet
being reloaded! Primers can dramatically affect the pressure, velocity and accuracy of the reloaded
cartridge.
•
SAAMI Standard Dimensions for Primers:
Boxer Case-
1 Flash hole
Berdan Case-
2 Flash Holes
Courtesy of
Western Powders
Summary of Contents for RL550C
Page 44: ...44 9 4 Powder Measure Conversion refer to the Exploded View below ...
Page 60: ...60 15 RL550C EXPLODED VIEWS AND PARTS IDENTIFIER 15 1 Complete Assembly Exploded View 1 ...
Page 61: ...61 15 2 Frame and Lower Assembly Exploded View 2 ...
Page 62: ...62 15 3 Toolhead Assembly Exploded View 3 ...
Page 63: ...63 15 4 Platform and Components Exploded View 4 ...
Page 64: ...64 15 5 Primer Feed Assembly PN 20263 no Operating Rod Exploded View 5 ...
Page 65: ...65 15 6 Powder Measure Assembly ...
Page 66: ...66 15 7 Primer Early Warning System PN20302 Rod and PEWS Kit PN14497 PEWS Alone ...
Page 75: ...75 18 RL550C TEMPLATE FOR DRILLING MOUNTING HOLES IN BENCH ...