Repriming an original copper 38 rimfire case

Talk with other Shiloh Sharps shooters.

Moderators: Kirk, Lucinda

Post Reply
ndnchf
Posts: 258
Joined: Mon Aug 11, 2003 4:03 pm
Location: Virginia

Repriming an original copper 38 rimfire case

Post by ndnchf »

I just conducted an experiment to see if it was possible to successfully reprime an original copper 38 rimfire cartridge case using the Prime-All kit available online. This is something that is not realistic to do for regular shooting. It was just to see if it was possible. I do not advocate shooting 100+ year old copper cartridges. This was a once fired, or attempted to fire empty case I had. Take a look and give me your thoughts - thanks.

https://youtu.be/lfL_5qMey2o
Never trust a man who wears both suspenders AND a belt.
Woody
Posts: 6060
Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 9:02 am
Location: Freetown, Indiana

Re: Repriming an original copper 38 rimfire case

Post by Woody »

Interesting experiment.

Like you, I'm not too sure I want to fire a re-primed case in a rifle though.

Woody
Richard A. Wood
If you are surrounded. You are in a target rich environment.
ndnchf
Posts: 258
Joined: Mon Aug 11, 2003 4:03 pm
Location: Virginia

Re: Repriming an original copper 38 rimfire case

Post by ndnchf »

Another thing I learned doing this was how soft the copper case was. I didnt hit the punch that hard, but it really squished the rim. More than I expected. It shows why these soft copper cases were not suitable for large, higher power cartridges. The development of brass cases with semi-solid and solid heads was a great leap forward in development.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Never trust a man who wears both suspenders AND a belt.
77 sharps
Posts: 330
Joined: Thu Nov 11, 2010 9:45 pm
Location: N. CA

Re: Repriming an original copper 38 rimfire case

Post by 77 sharps »

Most likely fulminate of mercury was used to prime it originally. The mercury will attack the copper making it prone to splitting.
Post Reply