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Repriming an original copper 38 rimfire case

Posted: Tue May 04, 2021 2:59 pm
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

Re: Repriming an original copper 38 rimfire case

Posted: Tue May 04, 2021 6:24 pm
by Woody
Interesting experiment.

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

Woody

Re: Repriming an original copper 38 rimfire case

Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 3:53 am
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.

Re: Repriming an original copper 38 rimfire case

Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 4:21 am
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.