Firing pin protrusion on P-17 Enfield

[Bubba in Redcliff]

I have a fellows P-17 (BSA factory sporterized) that is piercing primers (ammo is Hornady Superperformance 165 GMX) Anyone know the correct maximum firing pin protrusion for the P-17?
Fired brass looks good, extraction was without problem. No damage/wear or cracks evident on bolt. Everything looks good other than the pierced/cratered primers.

Bubba

Information

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[mike1967]

I would also be checking the profile of the tip, it should be round like the tip of your middle finger. provided you have a normal middle finger

[jamie5070]

Is it possible that it has a p-14 firing pin? I read somewhere that they are slightly smaller in diameter at the tip which may allow it to extend further out.

[Cosine26]

I am surprised that some of the more knowledgeable experts have not responded to your query. I shall give it a go. The following information applies only to the M1917. I have no information on the P1914.
The early gauge called for a maximum of 0.068" and a minimum of 0.058 "
This was later changed to maximum of 0.075" and a minimum of 0.050"
To measure this correctly( and I quote from the M1917 FM):
1. Assemble the sleeve, spring, cocking piece and striker. The spring is necessary as it takes up all backlash and gives the exact condition of use so the fitting operation will be accurate.
2. Screw the sleeve home in the bolt and drop the cocking piece lug into the deep notch at the rear of the bolt. This will cause the striker point to protrude from the face of the bolt. Measure the protrusion.
If your striker has been replaced by one of the early "button-end" strikers, The fitting may be incorrect in that the end has been filed to too sharp of a point. While examining the striker point, ensure that the striker point fills the bolt hole and is straight, not cone shaped. A loose fit of the striker point may be caused by a too large bolt face hole or a too small striker point.
If your striker point is too long, file perpendicular to the striker to reduce the length. When the striker point is at the proper length, gently round the edges without forming a point. If it is too short, you need a replacement striker. If the firing pin is correct but the fit of the striker point is too loose, , you may need a new bolt.
Hope this helps.

[Bubba in Redcliff]

Thanks for all the replies. The firing pin is not a P-14 pin. Protrusion measures .081 and that is the problem I believe. The tip of the pin is rounded as it should be, but it has a small groove in the end of the tip, that I can only feel by use of a dental pick.
No idea what caused the groove, but it shouldn't be there.
I think that filing the tip back and reshaping it correctly will solve this problem.
Thanks again to all.
Bubba

[Cosine26]

I believe that what you are feeling is the line where the "button-end" was filed down but the striker was not shortened to the proper dimension. I say this for the protrusion that you measured is quite long. Just follow the directions that I posted previously and I think that you will probably be OK. Check and see how well the striker point fits into the bolt hole. An enlarged bolt hole or a small striker point will allow the primer to flow back and result in a blown primer.
Here is a copy of the page from the FM
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...psf4cjnlnv.jpg

[Cosine26]

I no longer have a M1917 rifle but I do have a spare Winchester bolt and the dimensions are:
FP protrusion 0.062"
FP Point diameter thru bolt face 0.077"
FWIW