[bwhc]

I am restoring a 1st Generation Colt SAA, 1875 patent, SN 107XXX. I attempted to "function testfire" using new brass primed with Rem LP primers only; no bullet or powder. On firing, the primers back out of the primer pocket, impinge against the face of the frame and thereby prevent the cylinder from freely indexing to the next position. Can anyone provide guidance on what is causing this problem?
Thanks, BWHC/Gary

 

[andy]

That is actually normal. Primers are pretty powerful! When you fire a loaded round, the pressure on the case from the powder burning/pushing bullet out of the cylinder push the cartridge case back onto the primer. On a rimless cartridge, firing a primer only load will shorten the case slightly.
When people used to use wax bullets for practice, they drilled the flash hole larger to prevent the same problem you are having. If you drill the flash holes, never use the case for live rounds.

Andy

 

[Farrier Matt]

+1. I was playing with some wax bullets in a 32 HR this week and had to do the same thing. Standard primer, melt enough wax to fill the case. I was suprised by how hard the wax shot. Made for some fun on a snowy day.

 

[Marshal Kane]

We have gone over this one several times in the past. When an empty primed case is fired, the gas generated pushes the spent primer out of the primer pocket back towards the firing pin.

Had this been a loaded cartridge the same thing happens, however, when the powder charge ignites it pushes the bullet forward while at the same time pushing the cartridge case backwards. When the cartridge case gets pushed backwards the spent primer is reseated flush with the base of the cartridge.