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Should I not use Winchester primers in an Ak47?

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5 comments

  • 5mmgunguy
    I am using Winchester primers but my 7.62x39 cases use small rifle primers not large. I have had no problems. Should I be worried too?
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  • ryanek9freak
    Hmm, the winchester brass I have takes Winchester larger rifle primers, maybe it's just that brand, have not been able to verify that that though. Anyway, I've heard that you can add a firing pin retention spring to the AK to keep the pin from free floating under inertia pressure. Anyway, CCI makes primers specifically designed for semi auto military rifles. Apparently, the primers aren't as sensitive as the standard ones. Here's a quote straight from teh website:

    CCIr No. 34 and No. 41 MILITARY RIFLE PRIMERS


    Military-style semi-auto rifles seldom have firing pin retraction springs. If care is not used in assembling ammunition, a "slam-fire" can occur before the bolt locks. The military arsenals accomplish this using different techniques and components-including different primer sensitivity specifications-from their commercial counterparts. CCI makes rifle primers for commercial sale that matches military sensitivity specs that reduce the chance of a slam-fire when other factors go out of control*. If you're reloading for a military semi-auto, look to CCI Military primers.
    *Effective slam-fire prevention requires more than special primers. Headspace, chamber condition, firing pin shape and protrusion, bolt velocity, cartridge case condition, and other factors can affect slam-fire potential.
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  • ryanek9freak
    quote:Originally posted by ryanek9freak
    Hmm, the winchester brass I have takes Winchester larger rifle primers, maybe it's just that brand, have not been able to verify that that though. Anyway, I've heard that you can add a firing pin retention spring to the AK to keep the pin from free floating under inertia pressure. Anyway, CCI makes primers specifically designed for semi auto military rifles. Apparently, the primers aren't as sensitive as the standard ones. Here's a quote straight from teh website:

    CCIr No. 34 and No. 41 MILITARY RIFLE PRIMERS


    Military-style semi-auto rifles seldom have firing pin retraction springs. If care is not used in assembling ammunition, a "slam-fire" can occur before the bolt locks. The military arsenals accomplish this using different techniques and components-including different primer sensitivity specifications-from their commercial counterparts. CCI makes rifle primers for commercial sale that matches military sensitivity specs that reduce the chance of a slam-fire when other factors go out of control*. If you're reloading for a military semi-auto, look to CCI Military primers.
    *Effective slam-fire prevention requires more than special primers. Headspace, chamber condition, firing pin shape and protrusion, bolt velocity, cartridge case condition, and other factors can affect slam-fire potential.





    I should note though, that I have been using Winchesters for years in my M1 Carbine, and have never had one single slam fire.
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  • jonk
    I've had a slam fire in my MAS 49/56. I fixed the problem, now no slam fires.

    Whether you get them or not in your AK, you'll just have to see. It won't hurt it to have a slam fire, just make sure you keep things pointed down range. If you do, then move up to the CCI milspec primer.
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  • 1911 Gunslinger
    Slam-firing can occur with ANY primer even the thicker milspec ones. Commercial primers are just more susceptible to it. Unburnt powder residue building up in the firing pin channel and extra power recoil springs are the 2 biggest causes of slam-fires that I have seen.
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