I have a question about cartridge adapter...you know, an adapter to fit a smaller cartridge of the same caliber into a firearm. My question is does prolong use of one eventually damage your firing pin? Does the firing pin damage the part of the adapter it strikes against?

It would help to know a little about the gun and caliber. What are they?

Are you referring to a rimfire adapter for a centerfire chamber, as in a .22LR in a .223?

George

quote:

Originally posted by starmetal:
I have a question about cartridge adapter...you know, an adapter to fit a smaller cartridge of the same caliber into a firearm. My question is does prolong use of one eventually damage your firing pin? Does the firing pin damage the part of the adapter it strikes against?

Star

Most adaptors use a hardened steel plug to transmit the firing pin blow to the primer of the smaller cartridge. So, over time there will probably be some indentation of the plug and some flattening of the firing pin tip. But I would think that you'd have to do a LOT of shooting before that would happen. Most of the adapters were made to be used occasionally and not full time.

Ray

quote:

Originally posted by Cheechako:

quote:

Originally posted by starmetal:
I have a question about cartridge adapter...you know, an adapter to fit a smaller cartridge of the same caliber into a firearm. My question is does prolong use of one eventually damage your firing pin? Does the firing pin damage the part of the adapter it strikes against?

Star

Most adaptors use a hardened steel plug to transmit the firing pin blow to the primer of the smaller cartridge. So, over time there will probably be some indentation of the plug and some flattening of the firing pin tip. But I would think that you'd have to do a LOT of shooting before that would happen. Most of the adapters were made to be used occasionally and not full time.

Ray

That's answers....thanks Ray

MCA is still around.

Alex adapters are no longer available.
The old guy in MT with two lathes has disappeared from the internet.

I think the MCA is a direct firing pin and a non rifled adapter body. This makes too much velocity before the bullet reaches the lands.

The old Alex was an adapter with an Aluminum firing pin tranfer pin, and slots with a slitting saw made in the adapter body. The Bullet is close to the lands.

I have also made my own from rifled barrel material with direct firing pin to primer contact. A hot 38 sp load in a 45/70 adapter itself can expand. A 45/70 sizer die cannot restore an expanded 45/70 adapter.