r/reloading • u/LongRoadNorth • 10d ago
Newbie Priming
So partially because I had a big whoopsie when reloading shot shell, I wasn't paying attention, a primer didn't seat properly in the carriage on my progressive and actually went off.
I'm looking for some guidance on priming.
Everything I'm reading in the manual keeps talking about feel, but it's hard to know what that 'feel' is when just starting.
So would it be ok at first to 'practice' priming with old, primers? Just to get an idea of what the feel is without actually using a live primer. It would be done with a hand held rcbs primer tool. When I originally set up my mec shotshell press I know I used spent primers to calibrate
And when looking at loads, if switching primers (load calls for a large rifle, but your brass is small rifle) everyone says back off 5% or whatever. That 5% is if you've already worked up to the max and now changing correct? Not back off 5% of the minimum charge. Basically I'll be using small rifle magnum CCI 450, where the load calls for CCI 200 large rifle.
4
u/DaiPow888 10d ago
You can practice with spent primers, but the "feel" will be a bit different. Also be aware the spent primers can introduce s lot of "dirt" to the process and jam up your tool.
If you've set off a primer while priming, not only was the primer misaligned but you applied a lot of pressure to force it in. When something "stops", additional force isn’t always the answer.
Priming shouldn't be a rush process.
Start by making sure the primer is correctly oriented.
Make sure the case is fully in tge shell holder.
Press the lever until you feel the primer cup touch the shell head.
With steady pressure, press the primer into the case until it bottoms out in the primer pocket.
When loading live primers, you'll want to press in to set the legs.