During shooting, a spark is needed for setting off everything in a firearm. Without that tiny ignition, the weapon is just a toy. Due to the threats to the Second Amendment, the supply of primers and .22 LR ammunition was paused because the government might ban them. Since primers are critical, everyone stocked up beyond the normal capacity.
The modern primers that we use nowadays are the end product of around 800+ years of continuous development. Initially, glowing matchsticks were used through percussion caps, and flintlock, however, everything was replaced by primers. The primer’s goal was to ignite the power charge, but now the requirements from it have increased. From small to large rifle primers, everything about primers is shared here. Also, we have shared the place to get large rifle primers for sale, read!
What is a primer?
Primer is a chemical compound or a device that helps in the combustion and pushes the items out of the weapon barrel. In old black powder guns like muzzleloaders, primer was the main propellant that was dropped using an external flash pan where it was ignited using a match or flintlock. The external powder works as a bridge to spark the main item present inside the barrel through the small opening present at the end. However, these kinds of weapons cannot fire under rainy or humid conditions because the gunpowder doesn’t ignite.
History of primers
Casimir Lefaucheux, a French gunsmith developed the first pinfire primer in 1828 using fulminate of mercury (Hg(CNO)2) as a priming compound. The fulminate of mercury is a volatile substance that is extremely sensitive to heat, friction, vibration or shock – resulting in immediate combustion that can ignite propellants. However, fulminate of mercury is an excellent compound but leaves a corrosive residue causing rusting if the weapon is not cleaned thoroughly. The biggest issue with mercuric primers is that they decompose resulting in misfires and hangfires in weapons when stored for longer durations.
Cartridges used in pinfire arms had a tiny firing pin originating from the base. When the hammer hits the pin, it runs into the priming agent causing an explosion and gases enter into a black powder charge. However, pinfire primers cannot be used for longer durations because they are fragile and explore immediately when falling from the gun.
In 1860, a U.S. military officer and engineer named Hiram Berdan developed a primer within a cup and inserted it in the rear cartridge. Later in March 1866, Hiram patented the design with the name Berdan primer to keep it safe. Berdan used a soft copper cup with a priming agent pressing it into the space made in the rear cartridge. Two tiny holes were drilled in the cup called an anvil. When the firing pin struck with the primer cup, friction occurred between them causing the explosion and heat went through the tiny holes igniting the charge.
Types of primer and their sizes
Primers are available in different types and sizes, also, it is impossible to know the type of primer by looking at a firearm. Mainly there are four types of primer based on size, broken down as follows:
- Small Rifle Primers – It is about 0.175 inches in diameter and .120 inches tall.
- Small Pistol Primers – It is about the same size as small rifle primers but specially made for handguns.
- Large Rifle Primers – It is about .128 inches in height and .212 inches in width.
- Large Pistol Primers – It is about .120 inches tall and .212 inches wide.
- Large Magnum Rifle Primers – It is about .121 inches tall and .211 inches wide.
The width of the large rifle primers is the same as large pistol primers however there is a slight difference in other dimensions. It is obvious that you cannot distinguish which primer is best for your weapon. Large rifles do not always use large rifle primers thus choosing the right primer can be a hassle. Furthermore, the same rule applies when it comes to handguns. Avoiding mistakes when choosing the weapon primer is important since the wrong choice can lead to improper loading and inaccurate shooting.
In The Nutshell
Primer is an important element responsible for the firing action in a weapon, without it, an arm cannot fire the projectile. The whole development process of this tiny element took almost 800 years but the wait was worth it. Moreover, the role of the primer is to transfer the spark inside the gun and help the projectile leave the arm at a very high velocity resulting in a shot. It is available in different sizes from small pistol primers to large rifle magnum primers but ensure that you are choosing the right one for yourself. Large magnum rifle primers are not suitable for rifles thus you should thorough understanding of your weapon.
If you are searching for large rifle primers for sale, visit Ammo Metro. It offers high-quality small pistol primers, large magnum rifle primers, and large rifle magnum primers at the lowest possible price with the best customer service. Don’t forget to check out our other products if you want any kind of ammunition accessories!