Pierced primers

[OrangePwrx9]

I have a nearly new (bought it new a while back, shot very little) 357/9mm Convertible Blackhawk that regularly pierces 9mm primers with target loads. Recently been using the Argentine SPP, but happens with CCI primers too. Occasionally it will pierce a 38 Spcl primer. Haven't fired it with 357 magnums yet.

I see it as a dark/sooty crater where the firing pin struck the primer. When cleaned up, there's a pinhole in the center of the primer. I assume this is not normal, but question whether it hurts anything.

The questions are:
1) will this damage the gun over the long run?
2) is there anything I can do to correct this? Been thinking of polishing the tip of the firing pin with #0000 steel wool.
3) should it go back to the factory?
4) should it be fired with 357 magnums as is?

BTW, this gun has fired only handloads at this point.

Thanks for the help.
Bob

 

[Tall]

You ought to be asking Ruger not an internet forum.

 

[Riomouse911]

It can lead to issues if enough high pressure gasses etch the recoil shield, firing pin or firing pin hole through the hole in the primer.

In my case, my Single Six .32 H&R will pierce Federal primers. So I now load my .32 H&R loads with other brands or small rifle primers and the primer issues stopped.

But, as @Tall posted, I would give Ruger a call to see what they say to start.

Good luck solving the issues.

Stay safe.,

 

[Rule3]

Good grief, stop shooting it, No there should not be pierced primers.No do not try 357 mag

Does it do this with factory ammo?? If so, call Ruger send it back.

 

[Soonerpesek]

BTW, this gun has fired only handloads at this point.

Not telling you what to do by any means.....
But I would try factory ammo first, to see if the primers still are getting pierced, before you contact Ruger......as @Rule3 has asked
Making the statement to Ruger that only handloads have been fired in it will probably raise red flags with them, as I'm sure they also have the blanket "only factory ammunition is to be fired in our guns" warranty statement...
JMO.............

 

[243winxb]

regularly pierces 9mm primers

Has 9mm brass been trimmed to the proper length. Head space is on the case mouth.

Try magnum primers of a different brand.

As said, test with factory ammo.

Pin nose will get damaged with pierced primers.

 

[drband]

“Pin nose will get damaged with pierced primers.”

That’s what I’d worry about.

 

[Otto]

Read page 17.
https://ruger-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/_manuals/blackhawk.pdf

 

[OrangePwrx9]

Not telling you what to do by any means.....
But I would try factory ammo first, to see if the primers still are getting pierced, before you contact Ruger......as @Rule3 has asked
Making the statement to Ruger that only handloads have been fired in it will probably raise red flags with them, as I'm sure they also have the blanket "only factory ammunition is to be fired in our guns" warranty statement...
JMO.............

Agree. Factory 9 mm ammo is now on my shopping list.

 

[Curious2]

Had the pierced primer issue with my SP101 .357. It's probably an issue with the firing pin. Look at the pin very carefully and you will probably see a little chip out of it on the tip where it contacts the primer. Puts a tiny hole in the primer and primer dent is black. Send it to Ruger for a new pin. My gun is at Ruger as I write this. Also been using Argentine primers. Two bricks no problem. This last brick is having a 10% ftf rate. Looks like a lite strike. Primers seated all the way in and below flush. Same issue with my GP100s. All have factory springs. No more of the Argentine primers for me. Lot# 20908 C.
De-primed 350 cases and maybe? Argentine primers have something to do with the firing pin issue? Not going to take that chance.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

The questions are:
1) will this damage the gun over the long run?
2) is there anything I can do to correct this? Been thinking of polishing the tip of the firing pin with #0000 steel wool.
3) should it go back to the factory?
4) should it be fired with 357 magnums as is?

It looks like all the questions are answered and you are looking for factory ammo to try. Don’t be surprised if the factory ammo comes up the same. They don’t do anything magical at the factory with primers. But, at least you can report to Ruger that you are having this problem with shelf stock ammunition. Up to you but me personally, I wouldn’t mention reloading at all.

 

[dredd]

I agree with GeoDude. Don't mention Reloads.

 

[Curious2]

Had the pierced primer issue with my SP101 .357. It's probably an issue with the firing pin. Look at the pin very carefully and you will probably see a little chip out of it on the tip where it contacts the primer. Puts a tiny hole in the primer and primer dent is black. Send it to Ruger for a new pin. My gun is at Ruger as I write this. Also been using Argentine primers. Two bricks no problem. This last brick is having a 10% ftf rate. Looks like a lite strike. Primers seated all the way in and below flush. Same issue with my GP100s. All have factory springs. No more of the Argentine primers for me. Lot# 20908 C.
De-primed 350 cases and maybe? Argentine primers have something to do with the firing pin issue? Not going to take that chance.

Edit
Just got my SP101 back from Ruger today with a new firing pin. Total time was 21 days, great service! Lookin' forward to hitting the range!
NO Argentine primers...

 

[Walkalong]

Primers need to be seated to the bottom of the primer pocket, not just below flush. Since it was multiple guns, that’s what I would check.