Dumb question

[dmanwarren]

OK guys and gals, I decided to try a hand primer and set a primer upside down due to either missing seeing it or it flipped while in operation. What is a safe way to remove it? Thanks in advance, Dave.

[JEBar]

been there, done that ..... I put it back in the press and very gently pushed it out just like it was a spent primer .... just make sure you are well away and the opening in the bullet seat is open .... if you have concerns, you can always crush the casing and discard it

[BigAl52]

No such thing as a dumb question. But I as well have done that and did exactly the same as JEbar. Never had an issue with removing one its happened to me more that once. Al

[dmanwarren]

Thanks guys, I got it out. I put a five gallon bucket over the head of the press so there was a barrier between it and my hand on the lever. The hand primer is sure a lot faster than my single stage Herters press primer but you sure have to watch close in case any flip over. Glad it didn't go off, the wife was already in bed and she might have been grabbing for a weapon if a bang went off in the house. Dave

[CT_Shooter]

Thanks for the update, Dave. I've had to remove an inverted primer, too. I think everyone who reloads has had to do it at least once. It was a little scary, but ultimately not a problem. I put a heavy towel over the de-capping die and held my breath as I gently pushed it out. Then, I breathed again.

For the three + years I've been reloading, I have always used a Lee hand primer. It came with the kit I bought and I'm very comfortable using it. I can tell when the primer is properly set by the feel of the lever. I also use a Lee single stage press and enjoy the simplicity of reloading with it. I don't think I'll ever change my process, largely because I only reload .38/.357s and I've grown ever more at ease working with my equipment.

[Sir Henry]

I've had a primer go off while loading and it was not a fun experience. Glad you removed it safely.

[clovishound]

I've pressed out lots of live primers. Never had an issue. Usually it's when one of those pesky .357 cases gets mixed in with the .38 special cases, and I don't catch it until I try expanding the case mouth. Since I use SPs in .38 and magnum SPs in .357, that little guy's gotta come out of there.

[Owly]

I've had to remove a couple live primers for various reasons. I've also heard of primers going off while trying to do this and damaging ceilings, presses, dies, and ones hearing. Whenever I need to remove a live primer, I fill the cartridge case with a little penatrating oil and let it soak into the primer for a few hours. This makes the primer inert so it can be removed safely and discarded. Then simply clean the case with a degreaser and its ready to be reprimed.

[JEBar]

50 or so years ago I decided to get into reloading and bought a Lee Loader .... this video shows how to use one ==> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeEl9wZyabc .... yep, you insert a new primer by hammering a rod to push the casing down over the primer .... yep, in spite of being as careful as you can be, every once-in-a-while one will go off .... the first time is pretty startling .... at no point did the primer explosion blow the rod out of the casing, nor did it cause any problems .... well, none other than testing ones nerves and making one's heart race

[PT7]

I'm not a reloader, so I can't relate to the "first-time experience" you've described.
However, I recall those moments in one of my hardest and most-disliked high school classes --- soph year chemistry.
I think I understand your comments now. And maybe it's a good thing that I don't reload........

50 or so years ago I decided to get into reloading and bought a Lee Loader .... this video shows how to use one ==> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeEl9wZyabc .... yep, you insert a new primer by hammering a rod to push the casing down over the primer .... yep, in spite of being as careful as you can be, every once-in-a-while one will go off .... the first time is pretty startling .... at no point did the prime explosion blow the rod out of the casing, nor did it cause any problems .... well, none other than testing ones nerves and making one's heart race