Star Reloaders Discussion Forums > Loading Data & Reloading Procedures

Primer seating problerm

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NYKenn:
Put the 9mm head back on the Star. Adjusted the seating die. Noticed that the primers were not seating flush with the case and were a few thousands recessed. Loaded 50 as they were and found they worked in a Springfield 1911, but not all worked in a Kahr carry gun. Not even an indication of a light hit on the primer from those that did not work.

Head is mounted correctly, shell plate is installed correctly, as well as primer seat. Machine is over 50 years old, and I have never experienced this problem before in any of the four calibers I reload. Cannot fathom that adjustment of the seating die would be contributing to this problem. What say members?

Plan to dis-assemble and re-assemble the press and head to see if I can determine what the problem might be.
 
Thought perhaps a slight difference in primer seat height ?  I Intend to measure with another before I would consider shortening, but have generally found minimal if any variance in Star parts. Is possible the primer seat could be an aftermarket that came with the 9mm toolhead and be too long? I do not recall this issue the last time I reloaded 9mm (2018 )Maybe will have to get another from RBWillNJ just in case.

Will not have time to do anything before Saturday, so thought I might get some feedback and suggestions.

NYKenn:

--- Quote from: NYKenn on June 04, 2020, 07:55:33 am ---Put the 9mm head back on the Star. Adjusted the seating die. Noticed that the primers were not seating flush with the case and were a few thousands recessed. Loaded 50 as they were and found they worked in a Springfield 1911, but not all worked in a Kahr carry gun. Not even an indication of a light hit on the primer from those that did not work.

Head is mounted correctly, shell plate is installed correctly, as well as primer seat. Machine is over 50 years old, and I have never experienced this problem before in any of the four calibers I reload. Cannot fathom that adjustment of the seating die would be contributing to this problem. What say members?

Plan to dis-assemble and re-assemble the press and head to see if I can determine what the problem might be.
 
Thought perhaps a slight difference in primer seat height ?  I Intend to measure with another before I would consider shortening, but have generally found minimal if any variance in Star parts. Is possible the primer seat could be an aftermarket that came with the 9mm toolhead and be too long? I do not recall this issue the last time I reloaded 9mm (2018 )Maybe will have to get another from RBWillNJ just in case.

Will not have time to do anything before Saturday, so thought I might get some feedback and suggestions.

--- End quote ---

Could it be the difference of flat versus oval primer punch?

rbwillnj:
When you changed your tool head, I assume you also changed your shell plate.  It could be that you didn't bring down the shell plate thrust nut as far as it was with the previous setup.   If there is more slack in the shell plate the primer seating depth won't be the same.

Primer depth is controlled by three factors.   Adjustment of the primer punch push rod, slack in the shell plate, and the added force of the expander pushing down on the case mouth.   When I set up a machine, I start by adjusting the shell plate thrust nut so there is just a slight rock in the shell plate, but it turns freely.  Then I back off the expander so it's not part of the equation.   Then I adjust the primer punch push rod to get the proper primer seating depth, then I adjust the expander to get the desired amount of case mount flair.  I you follow this procedure you should be able to change calibers without having to re-adjust the primer seating depth.

Bruce Williams

NYKenn:
Thanks Bruce

I can rule out the expander, as I tried it without any cases in any stations except for priming.
Nothing changed or is altered that I can see in the primer punch rod, so perhaps it is the shell plate.
As I am going to dis-assemble and re-assemble, I will be attentive to the shell plate when I retighten.

Hope it is something as simple as that!

Regards
Kenn

NYKenn:
Took the machine apart. Nothing found damaged, bent, impacted, etc. Cleaned it all up, and reassembled.
Also measured the primer punch and it is the same length (.94) as another small punch as well as a large punch.
Re-installed the .9mm head. Primer is till not seating as flush as factory ammo.

Used Winchester SPP primers. Have some Federal and CCI, so will try another brand, but would not expect there to be a height variance of that significance.

Maybe next option is to install the .39spl head and see if that presents the same issue.

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