Excessive chamber pressures could lead to protruding primers.

Excessive chamber pressures could lead to protruding primers.

• A. FALSE
• B. TRUE
• C. It depends on the cartridge
• D. Only with large primers

Answer: (B)

Excessive chamber pressures push more force into the case than the design can safely handle. The primer sits in a relatively small pocket at the base of the cartridge, and when pressure inside the case becomes too high, the case walls and the primer area can swell and the primer cup can be forced up and outward. That outward movement makes the primer appear to protrude beyond the edge of the cartridge. Protruding primers are a warning sign of overpressure and can be hazardous, so if you ever see one, stop shooting and inspect the load and firearm data for safety.

Excessive chamber pressures push more force into the case than the design can safely handle. The primer sits in a relatively small pocket at the base of the cartridge, and when pressure inside the case becomes too high, the case walls and the primer area can swell and the primer cup can be forced up and outward. That outward movement makes the primer appear to protrude beyond the edge of the cartridge. Protruding primers are a warning sign of overpressure and can be hazardous, so if you ever see one, stop shooting and inspect the load and firearm data for safety.