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Should I not use Winchester primers in an Ak47?
ryanek9freak
Member Posts: 41 ✭✭
I'm asking, because I was warned against using Wichester primers in a semi auto rifle with a free floating firing pin, as I risk a slam fire if the firing pin contacts the primer before the bolt closes fully. Apparrently, WInchester primers are softer that CCI's, and although are of excellent quality, they should only be used in bolt action rifles? Do any of you concur, or was my friend full if it?
I've been using Winchester primers for literally 10's of thousands of rounds in my M1 Garand and M1 Carbine, with no disastorous results (yet). I really don't want to have to buy CCI's, as I have about 20 boxes of Winchesters in large rifle. Not to mention that I can't find any in stock anywhere either.
I've been using Winchester primers for literally 10's of thousands of rounds in my M1 Garand and M1 Carbine, with no disastorous results (yet). I really don't want to have to buy CCI's, as I have about 20 boxes of Winchesters in large rifle. Not to mention that I can't find any in stock anywhere either.
Comments
CCIr No. 34 and No. 41 MILITARY RIFLE PRIMERS
Military-style semi-auto rifles seldom have firing pin retraction springs. If care is not used in assembling ammunition, a "slam-fire" can occur before the bolt locks. The military arsenals accomplish this using different techniques and components-including different primer sensitivity specifications-from their commercial counterparts. CCI makes rifle primers for commercial sale that matches military sensitivity specs that reduce the chance of a slam-fire when other factors go out of control*. If you're reloading for a military semi-auto, look to CCI Military primers.
*Effective slam-fire prevention requires more than special primers. Headspace, chamber condition, firing pin shape and protrusion, bolt velocity, cartridge case condition, and other factors can affect slam-fire potential.
Hmm, the winchester brass I have takes Winchester larger rifle primers, maybe it's just that brand, have not been able to verify that that though. Anyway, I've heard that you can add a firing pin retention spring to the AK to keep the pin from free floating under inertia pressure. Anyway, CCI makes primers specifically designed for semi auto military rifles. Apparently, the primers aren't as sensitive as the standard ones. Here's a quote straight from teh website:
CCIr No. 34 and No. 41 MILITARY RIFLE PRIMERS
Military-style semi-auto rifles seldom have firing pin retraction springs. If care is not used in assembling ammunition, a "slam-fire" can occur before the bolt locks. The military arsenals accomplish this using different techniques and components-including different primer sensitivity specifications-from their commercial counterparts. CCI makes rifle primers for commercial sale that matches military sensitivity specs that reduce the chance of a slam-fire when other factors go out of control*. If you're reloading for a military semi-auto, look to CCI Military primers.
*Effective slam-fire prevention requires more than special primers. Headspace, chamber condition, firing pin shape and protrusion, bolt velocity, cartridge case condition, and other factors can affect slam-fire potential.
I should note though, that I have been using Winchesters for years in my M1 Carbine, and have never had one single slam fire.
Whether you get them or not in your AK, you'll just have to see. It won't hurt it to have a slam fire, just make sure you keep things pointed down range. If you do, then move up to the CCI milspec primer.