Shot some of the Winchester factory stuff through my M94 yesterday, and noticed the primers were backing out a wee bit (probably around 1/32 of an inch).

Is this normal, or do I need to further diagnose the rifle? I'm new to big bore lever guns and wasn't sure if this was par for the course, or not. One theory I had was that the action is unlocking slightly upon firing, allowing the primer a little wiggle room to back out.

Thanks,
RSY

I have a 30-30 Marlin 336 that does the same thing. I've been meaning to ask about it. The gun shoots very well, but the primer thing concerns me. I have shot bolt guns for many years, and decided to get a levergun to play with.

This is typically a sign of a LOW-pressure load, especially in straight walled cases. The firing pin hits the primer driving the case forward until it headspaces off the front of the rim. The powder ignites and pressure builds. The sides of case grip the chamber walls. If it's a low pressure load, then the case head does not get pushed back to the bolt face and the primer will back out an amount up to the headspace on the rifle. 1/32 does sound like a lot of headspace, but not uncommon in lever guns.

[ 08-12-2003, 00:33: Message edited by: Lars G ]

Lars:

Thanks for the info. I think you may be on to something. After all, it was factory ammo.

Once my new dies get here, I can roll some of my own and test your theory.

RSY