Henry Rifle Forums

So I foolishly primed 100 41 mag cases but have only loaded a little over half of them using Win 296 which calls for a magnum primer. I was less than impressed with these loads so now on the advice of a fellow member I’m going to give 2400 a try. 2400 calls for a standard primer and after doing some light research online that seems to be the popular opinion of the masses. So….

I decapped 20 of the cases so I can give the 2400 a try with standard primers. The picture below shows the primer I pressed out of the case on the left and a new primer on the right. I can see some slight damage to the anvil and I’m wondering if these “used” primers would be safe to use. I never would have thought that I would even consider this until the last few years. Quite frankly it’s not a huge deal to throw out 40 or so primers but hey, why not use them if they would be safe.

So…. Anybody ever done this?

And…Am I nuts to even consider it?

I'd pick a few of the "used" primers and put them into a case .... test fire them .... that should tell you something

I bet they would work 99% fine, tho I have never tried it. For range ammo, no worries. Don’t load any self defense ammo or bear defense/ hunting ammo with them.

I hate decapping live primers, I press them out very veeeeery gently, keep my head well back, and wear ear muffs in addition to eye protection. I never popped one and hope I never do. When I was ten years old my friend found some shotgun primers and I whacked one with a hammer over concrete. I learned my lesson then, and I still have both eyes. And tinnitus.

John Davies
Spokane WA

I've decapped primers before with success but not a lot mind you. Just the occasional one every June during leap years! The shot fine.
Jake

I've removed and reused several primers through the years.
Just be careful and go slow, but like john said as long as it's just range ammo and if one doesn't work as it suppose to, it won't be as big of a deal.

RP

Done it before with no issues and wouldnt hesitate to do it again.

I've removed several primers (slowly) without problems, but never reuse
i don't think there is a problem to reuse them...

Thanks guys, I’ll seat a few in empties and touch them off and then save them for some plinking loads. I am working up a new load with a new powder so I won’t use them for that. Too bad conditions have created this crazy process, two years ago I would have decapped them and given them a toss.

Hatchdog wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 09, 2021 11:12 am

two years ago I would have decapped them and given them a toss.

Used live primers are dangerous, they should get sprayed with oil before tossing, to make them less so. Some ten year old might find them and try to set them off with a hammer.

John Davies
Spokane WA

I'm with Big Al on this. I've decamped and reused primers before and never had a problem. As long as it for range/plinking ammo I wouldn't think twice about it.

Paul

Another "take" on salvaging primers: I have 300 rounds of .44 Mag handloads using Hornady 240 gr XTP bullets. I reloaded these between 2012 and 2014. Since then I have switched to reloading only hard cast lead bullets in .44 Mag. Can I "pull" the Hornady jacketed bullets, toss the powder, add fresh powder, seat and crimp the lead bullets, and head to the range?

Yes but why toss the powder. It should still be fine. I would just put it in a separate container.

Pitchman1968 wrote: ↑

Wed Nov 10, 2021 9:02 am

Another "take" on salvaging primers: I have 300 rounds of .44 Mag handloads using Hornady 240 gr XTP bullets. I reloaded these between 2012 and 2014. Since then I have switched to reloading only hard cast lead bullets in .44 Mag. Can I "pull" the Hornady jacketed bullets, toss the powder, add fresh powder, seat and crimp the lead bullets, and head to the range?

Why not just shoot them as range ammo? I pull bullets every now and then, mainly during load development if I decide the velocity is too high, or if there is a bullet seating issue, like with those pesky troublesome Hornadys, but it will be quite a chore for 300 rounds…

John Davies
Spokane WA

John E Davies wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 09, 2021 12:26 pm

Hatchdog wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 09, 2021 11:12 am

two years ago I would have decapped them and given them a toss.

Used live primers are dangerous, they should get sprayed with oil before tossing, to make them less so. Some ten year old might find them and try to set them off with a hammer.

John Davies
Spokane WA

John,

Stay out of my trash and for crying out loud put that hammer down.

Good advice, if I toss them I put them in a baggie and squirt some oil in. But I’ll most likely just use them with some plinkin’ loads.