M1 Carbine primers?

[gatorwade]

Just starting learning to load for this caliber. My first batch using CCI 41 seemed to work OK.. All but 2 out of 100 went bang and hit the paper. The 2 that didn't fire had good pin strikes,but maybe weren't quite seated home. Didn't try to refire them. But the Lyman manual lists Remington 6 1/2. And Hodgdon says CCI 400. I am using H110 powder, 14.0 grains and max loaded length of 1.680". trim-to length of 1.286". So what is the preferred primer, and what are no-no's.

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[browningautorifle]

I use CCI 400s for my small rifle primers, 5.56 and .30 Carbine...

[Bruce_in_Oz]

If it is a genuine WW2 vintage carbine, the hammer spring may also be a little "tired", especially if it had been stored "cocked" for an extended period.

If it works with "factory" ammo, then it is back to fooling around with primers, and, possibly, trim length..

Mr. Hornady's loading manual lists 1.290" as the overall length for the case.

SAAMI spec is 1.290" -0.010". If your carbine works with "factory" fodder, measure a factory-loaded case BEFORE firing.

Also, check striker protrusion AND headspace. If your carbine is a "commercial rebuild" and has a MAX chamber and a bolt with its face at the "deep" end of the range, you may have a problem. A bit of "authentic, original" grease inside the bolt won't help either.

A lot of little variables can quickly stack up the wrong way.

[USGI]

I use the #41 primers just because the Speer manuals have always said to use them (or magnum) primers with H-110. They are a little harder and I feel safer using them. Others use the std. primers with no problems. I have heard that CCI has had some quality problems with their primers in recent years. - Bob

[TDH]

I use CCI almost exclusively and very seldom have a misfire with them. I won't say it won't happen as they are made by man and we are failble. be sure to always check your trim length as that will most probably be your biggest problem with misfeeds and misfires.

[M94/14]

I use Winchester SR primers for the .30 carbine. Never a problem with the fit, or firing.

[gatorwade]

I shot a few more of my first reloads with CCI 41's. Had one more FTF, with a good looking firing pin strike. I rechambered it and fired again and it went bang. Maybe the stiff 41's didn't get seated enough, and the first pin strike drove it in a bit more. All my primers were seated below flush, but how much is hard to measure. Anyway I switched to CCI 400's and haven't had any problems with those. But I am still on the steep side of the learning curve for this caliber, and will be back with more newbee questions. Still have about 500 cases to load, so eventually I'll find just exactly what the Underwood likes best.

[browningautorifle]

If your primers aren't at the bottom you give them room to move. The anvil can set forward and it will fail to fire. Like you found.