[Bountyhunter]

Well I took the new BH to the range today and loaded up. When I pulled the trigger there was no bang. There is supposed to be a bang when the trigger is pulled and there are 6 cartridges in the gun right? So I re-cock and pull the trigger again. Nothing. WTF? I then unload and start to fool with it trying to see what the problem is. The firing pin isn't coming out far enough to strike the primer. Ok I just put a new SBH hammer in it and didn't think to check that. I've never had to deal with that before. They've always just gone in and fired fine. I brought it home and filed the top of the hammer down a bit so that the transfer bar will send the pin out far enough to fire. Then I popped 6 primers into 6 cases and fired them blank. The primers backed out and jammed up the gun tighter than a nuns @$$!! I had to pull out the cylinder pin and force the cylinder out to unjam it. This happened 4 times. Yes I know most people would haver stopped after the first 2, but I pride myself on being 1 part foolish and 2 parts reckless. Is it common for the primers to back out and jam things up when they are fired without a bullet in the case? How often does a hammer have to be filed in order for it to work after being installed? :?

 

[louiethelump]

This is known as fitting the hammer. Does not always have to be done, but not unusual. Supposed to check that before you went to the range, loaded 6 rounds and pulled the trigger to be sure you had sufficient firing pin protrusion. No biggie. You fixed it.

As far a primers backing out. Yes, this is normal. This is why the flash holes for blank cartridges are drilled out large. Normally the primer fires and backs out as the powder is igniting. The round fires and the casing backs up in the chamber as the bullet leaves based on equal and opposite reaction law. This pushes the case back over the primer against the recoil shield. This is why you get flattened primers in hot loaded magnum cartridges. The primer backs out based on it's firing against the inside of the primer pocket, and then the pressure of the firing shell expands the primer cup where it is not supported, and the case backs up, flattening the primer.

For empty cases, you drill out the flash hole so the pressure created by the primer passes into the open case and dissipates. This is why you do not use blanc cases for reloads. Flash hole is VERY oversize.

Sounds like gun fixed.

 

[Bountyhunter]

Thanks LTL. I figured I was out of the woods, but one never knows. Especially when the one is me. :?

 

[XLCH]

LTL is right on the mark

 

[Wizard]

Thanks for the explaination, LTL.....this is good stuff to know.....

 

[Bountyhunter]

I was caught off guard because I've never had to fit a hammer. I've replaced many and they've always just worked. I know now to look for it before I ride to the stupid range.

 

[chance]

Very good info guys. Thanks

 

[jimbo1096]

Right on LTL, couldn't have said it better - but I could have a lot worse!

BH -- 4 TIMES! - WOW!

 

[Bountyhunter]

What can I say? I'm not a quitter.

 

[sheepdog]

...snap at the range is fixable...still puckers your obamahole, don't it!!!

 

[Bountyhunter]

Let's just say I wasn't too impressed with myself.

 

[b.roberts]

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

4 times? I am impressed. I experienced the same problem with a wax bullet powered only by a primer. I didn't do it 4 times however.

 

[Bountyhunter]

I figured that eventually I'd figure it out. :lol: