jake & 75,
thanks for giving an explanation and finding some related reading material. I just fininshed reading the 10 pages on that thread, interesting. To answer your question, no, I am only using a standard firing pin.
my question to all is this, during my read of the kinetic energy transfer, one individual commented that an increase in mass of the firing pin would be needed if the mass of the hammer is increased. Could this be something to look into? as a former tool/die maker, I know different steels have different weights given same size, could anyone try making a standard firing pin from 'heavier' steel material? (for example tungsten? or carbide? for sake of the arguement).
any thoughts?
k