Way High Primer

[dleong]

Last Thursday, I was at the DCGC range rummaging through the "Dud Cartridges" tin, and came across this little gem:







Evidently, not all handloaders are in the habit of QCing their cartridges; more disturbingly, the deformation in the primer shows that the handloader/shooter had actually tried to forcibly close the cylinder with this cartridge loaded.

The mystery to me is how this particular cartridge actually made it all the way through the handloading process, as the high primer would prevent it from sliding on or off the shellholder.

[crbutler]

From the picture, it could well be factory ammo. I don't see die marks on the case.

I have seen factory ammo with upside down and very high primers, rarely, but have seen it.

[grimbeaver]

It's Sellier & Bellot. Guessing it came from the factory that way.

[dleong]

Most definitely a handload. The inside of the case is dirty and the primer pocket shows scorch marks from a previous firing:



Also, S&B do not offer 38 Special ammo with RN plated projectiles.

[mmcnx2]

Could have been remanufactured crap from one of the garage shops pushing ammo these days.

[dleong]

Could have been remanufactured crap from one of the garage shops pushing ammo these days.

Good point!

Still, I'm wondering how that round made it through the reloading process. The high primer was preventing it from sliding into the shellholder of my Lee press.

[Rodentman]

I question the choice of bullet as well. I thought all .357 bullets would be camel lured. I'm always lured to them.

[noylj]

Some shell holders have a groove so high primers can be removed.
Also, looks like there is still some case mouth flare.

[noylj]

Almost certainly a plated bullet with no cannelure.

[Rodentman]

Almost certainly a plated bullet with no cannelure.

I agree, but I would not use what is probably a bullet for 9mm in a 38sp. Seems like a poor choice to me.

[dleong]

Almost certainly a plated bullet with no cannelure.

I agree, but I would not use what is probably a bullet for 9mm in a 38sp. Seems like a poor choice to me.

The projectile pulled from the cartridge above weighs in at just around 158 gr., so I don't think it was intended for use in a 9mm round.

BTW, not all .357/.38 projectiles are camel-lured. Plated projectiles from Berry's and Rainier in that caliber don't have them, and they shoot just fine in their intended applications. provided care is taken during the crimping phase to not tear through the plating.

[Rodentman]

OK good point. I don't use plated bullets, either MO lead or Hornady. Lots of people use plated with good results.

[crbutler]

Looking at the pulled pic, looks like crimped primer pocket without crimping removed...ala military brass.