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GENERAL => Ammunition, questions, and handloading techniques => Topic started by: Dan_69GTX on February 20, 2023, 10:54:12 AM

Title: 30 carbine primer requirement.
Post by: Dan_69GTX on February 20, 2023, 10:54:12 AM
Looked at my reloading manuals and all they say are small rifle primer. However it says that for 223/5.56 too - but I won't use anything but the mil spec primers (CCI41 or Fed AR)

So, I'm guessing it would be best to use the mil spec primers for this too.  Any reason to not do that?

The ammo would be used in an 1943 M1 carbine and in a new reproduction carbine.
Title: Re: 30 carbine primer requirement.
Post by: George16 on February 20, 2023, 02:47:46 PM
I have used regular rifle primers on all my .223/5.56 loads without my problems at all. I don’t see any problems with using regular primers on 30 carbine.

I have used both on my .223 and didn’t see any significant difference between them except for the cup hardness. I say this after experiencing light strikes with the milspec rifle primers when I experimented with both primers on my shadow 2 loads (11.5# main spring and extended firing pin).
Title: Re: 30 carbine primer requirement.
Post by: Dan_69GTX on February 26, 2023, 03:48:46 PM
Just realized I forgot to respond … sorry about that.
Thanks for the info!!
Title: Re: 30 carbine primer requirement.
Post by: M1A4ME on February 26, 2023, 08:40:07 PM
The military semi autos (M1, M14/M1A, AR15, etc) don't have a firing pin return spring in the bolt to help keep the firing pin from hitting the primer when the bolt chambers the round.  People are always asking about the little dent in the primer when a round is chambered and then ejected without being fired.

The military primers are supposed to be a little bit thicker/tougher and less likely to go off when that firing pin hits the primer.

I've never reloaded .30 carbine but I've loaded a truck load of .308, .30-06 and .223 for the above rifles using standard primers.  Zero issues with any of them going bang when the rounds are chambered. 

I have used the "military primers" twice (5,000 large and 5,000 small) years ago.

Oh, many people also recommend using the magnum primers if you can't find the military primers.  They are also supposed to be thicker/harder cup material than standard primers.  Just what I've read, can't say it's true.

Just looked at the Ram Shot and Hodgden powder reloading data.  Both used small rifle primers for their load development. For what that's worth.
Title: Re: 30 carbine primer requirement.
Post by: Joe A. on February 26, 2023, 09:01:03 PM
I have reloaded for both AR15 and M14. I’ve always used mil/spec primers due to no firing pin return spring. That’s because of what I’ve read. I have also seen dented primers on unchambered rounds.

Only experience I’ve had with the 30 Carbine back in the early 1970s. May I say it was extremely loud?
Title: Re: 30 carbine primer requirement.
Post by: newageroman on February 27, 2023, 10:18:10 AM
I have loaded about 2k or 30 carb on Dillon 650 setup.
I just use regular small primer no biggie.
If you get bored, check this link where we ran a 2 gun match in dega with the old guns...
https://vintagemultigun.com/videos-and-pictures/

Based on the rules, the 30 carb had the distinct advantage. I even went to the point of buying and testing some 15 rn mags only to be told I had to download to be fair.
Looking back the door kicks were kinda cheesy but it was fun. This was right after the 1st round of CMP 1911's were released (which I got mine 2nd round).

looking forward to your results!
Title: Re: 30 carbine primer requirement.
Post by: Dan_69GTX on March 29, 2023, 12:20:10 PM
Thanks to all who answered.  I've put reloading the 30 cal on the back burner due to the stupid gun.

I have an Auto Ordinance M1.  The gun was built with the receiver twisted and warped a bit.  So it is very unreliable for feeding.  It is over a year old, so no warranty...grrr.  I compared it to a 1943 version and yup - it is warped/twisted.


Title: Re: 30 carbine primer requirement.
Post by: Duke Nukem on March 30, 2023, 09:49:20 AM
If it was me, I'd contact the company anyway and see if they would make good.  They may not do anything for you, but if you're nice about it and if they're in a good mood, you might have success.