Dented primer?

[northernlights]

I have one round I've racked into my AK on a few occasions, and there is a slight dent in the primer. Kinda scary. I'm wondering if this is a normal thing for a round to get after it's been racked in several times, or should I get rid of it?

[Deleted]

The primer dent is normal with AR's. I would not re-use it after it's dented however.

[knight0334]

Floating firing pin.

Thus is why they use harder primers in milsurp ammo.

[ar15jules]

Not to mention the possibility of bullet set back. I know the chances are greater in a pistol, but I imaging the possibility exists in rifle rounds as well. I never chamber the same round first more than once.
Jules

[cephas]

The primer dent is normal with AR's. I would not re-use it after it's dented however.

I am curious why would you not use such a round?

For OP: "It is normal for a light firing pin indent to appear on the primer of cartridges which have been fed into the chamber but not fired." From the Colt AR manual.

However a good reminder for us all to be aware of where the barrel is pointing when chambering any round.

[tabasco_joe]

I am curious why would you not use such a round?

For OP: "It is normal for a light firing pin indent to appear on the primer of cartridges which have been fed into the chamber but not fired." From the Colt AR manual.

However a good reminder for us all to be aware of where the barrel is pointing when chambering any round.

I wouldn't have a problem firing it on a range. I wouldn't keep it in a duty gun or for hunting.

[Deleted]

I am curious why would you not use such a round?

For OP: "It is normal for a light firing pin indent to appear on the primer of cartridges which have been fed into the chamber but not fired." From the Colt AR manual.

However a good reminder for us all to be aware of where the barrel is pointing when chambering any round.

I don't have anything to back it up but in my eyes, the integrity of the primer is compromised. I don't want to risk the pin hitting it again and possibly having a ND. Again... I have noting to say it's even possible that it could happen... I just don't want to be "that guy"

[Kramer]

Floating firing pin.

Thus is why they use harder primers in milsurp ammo.

Yes sir, you are correct!

[cephas]

I don't have anything to back it up but in my eyes, the integrity of the primer is compromised. I don't want to risk the pin hitting it again and possibly having a ND. Again... I have noting to say it's even possible that it could happen... I just don't want to be "that guy"

Understood. Severely mangled primers would be a given. However the possibility of light primer dents exists with every round chambered. Over the years I haven't given it much thought. Next time I have the AR out for a session I'll have to play around a bit and see how they look.

[wheeling365]

I have one round I've racked into my AK on a few occasions, and there is a slight dent in the primer. Kinda scary. I'm wondering if this is a normal thing for a round to get after it's been racked in several times, or should I get rid of it?

A slight dent is common as the others have stated. The problem is that the dent closes the distance from the "cup" portion of the primer to the "anvil" portion. If it were to close it enough from repeated chamberings of the same round there is a good chance that when you actually need it to work the primer may not ignite.

http://www.nij.gov/training/firearms...m05_t11_01.htm