Oversize .45 Primers

[Sgt.K]

I recently picked up a handful (dozen or so?) of .45 ACP cases after a match that had what appear to be larger than normal primers. I already use only Large Pistol primers and bypass Small primer, but these look another step larger.

The headstamp only reads "EXTREME".
<CORRECTION: it reads "X-TREME">

Anybody know what I'm dealing with?

Brass.jpg
Small, Large, Extreme?

[gghbi]

I have only seen large and small, waiting to see the pictures.

[Brick]

not for nothing but that is why your calipers have inside and outside measuring capability! 0.210" diameter is typical for large pistol primers, much bigger than that let us know.

[Delkal]

i have not heard of a bigger primer than "large".

But while you are at it look inside the case. I found some 9mm brass that has a "step" in the case to stop bullet setback. I believe they were Extreme also,

With cases like this you have a thicker base with reduced powder capacity. That will give you higher pressure. Now I have to sort all of my 9mm brass. I wouldn't want to put a moderate / hot load into a reduced case.

[Brick]

i have not heard of a bigger primer than "large".

But while you are at it look inside the case. I found some 9mm brass that has a "step" in the case to stop bullet setback. I believe they were Extreme also,

With cases like this you have a thicker base with reduced powder capacity. That will give you higher pressure. Now I have to sort all of my 9mm brass. I wouldn't want to put a moderate / hot load into a reduced case.

I'm familiar with cannelured cases, but that's the first I ever heard of a step! More detail would be appreciated!

[Sgt.K]

not for nothing but that is why your calipers have inside and outside measuring capability! 0.210" diameter is typical for large pistol primers, much bigger than that let us know.

Yah, I gotta find my caliper, that's why I'm asking...

[Noah_Zark]

I recently picked up a handful (dozen or so?) of .45 ACP cases after a match that had what appear to be larger than normal primers. I already use only Large Pistol primers and bypass Small primer, but these look another step larger.

The headstamp only reads "EXTREME".
<CORRECTION: it reads "X-TREME">

Anybody know what I'm dealing with?

Brass.jpg
Small, Large, Extreme?

Small, Large, Large. Optical illusion due to silver vs brass color at right, and all brass at center.

Noah

[gghbi]

Small, Large, Large. Optical illusion due to silver vs brass color at right, and all brass at center.

Noah

I am with Noah, looks like there might be a crimp on the x-treme that emphasizes the illusion.

[Delkal]

I'm familiar with cannelured cases, but that's the first I ever heard of a step! More detail would be appreciated!

If you look in the case you will see the neck thickness is the same as any other cases. But it is only as deep as where the bullet seats. After that there is a step and the brass where the powder goes is much thicker (2-3x thicker). I don't remember the 9mm cases that had it but it may have been xtreme or (something like) Outland, Outdoors?

I was cursing when I saw this. Now everytime I reload a 9 I have to place every case right side up on my bench then use a flashlight to pick the stepped ones out.

I heard this is to avoid bullet setback. It is impossible for the bullet to go any farther into the case with the step. But it is a bomb waiting to happen with a hot load.

You might have problems seating a longer bullet too.

[DucatiRon]

i have not heard of a bigger primer than "large".

But while you are at it look inside the case. I found some 9mm brass that has a "step" in the case to stop bullet setback. I believe they were Extreme also,

With cases like this you have a thicker base with reduced powder capacity. That will give you higher pressure. Now I have to sort all of my 9mm brass. I wouldn't want to put a moderate / hot load into a reduced case.

I have run into that with brass headstamped A-Merc.