Deactivate primer compound?

[Jim Walsh]

It had to happen sooner or later. While seating a primer it got cocked in the case in such a manner that I cannot remove it from the shell holder. Is it possible to soak the shell holder and the case to effectively deactivate the primer compound so I can safely remove the case from the shell holder with no chance of detonation?

 

[GasGuzzler]

Dunk it in oil overnight.

 

[TheTexasRAT]

Is it possible to soak the shell holder and the case to effectively deactivate the primer compound so I can safely remove the case from the shell holder with no chance of detonation?

The following quote is from one who works at Dillon, so I would think that they are giving good sound advise on this:

"BTW, oil and solvent will not "kill" a primer. The best we found was WD40 would, after about 48 hours, desensitize a primer so it wouldn't ignite under impact. But after a month or so, the WD40 would evaporate enough and the primers would be "alive" again."

Dillonfriend​

D

Post in thread 'Ever Set-off Primers on the Loading Bench?'

Oct 31, 2025

Based on customers experiences, most primer ignitions occured while attempting to seat a primer in a case with a crimped primer pocket. In all instances the handle was forced forward with significantly greater force than it usually required to seat a primer. But people get impatient.
BTW, oil and solvent will not "kill" a primer. The best we found was WD40 would, after about 48 hours, desensitize a primer so it would ignite under impact. But after a month or so, the WD40 would evaporate enough and the primers would be "alive" again.
BTW #2, the 650 priming system was changed on the 750...

• Dillonfriend

• 

 

[Chief 101]

I had that happen the other day so I punched it out with a sizing die(not stuck in the shelllholder)...it's happened to me a few times over the years...now if you are in a primer tool where that is not possible, (mine is a bench mounted tool) I would drill it out from the top...go slow...maybe a hand drill...

 

[s4s4u]

A hammer and a large pliers....

 

[Cholo]

Gently poke it out with a decapper pin mounted on a die. Keep all other primers away from it, and wear your safety glasses!

 

[Mobuck]

In the process of salvaging thousands of rounds of 'tear down' ammo, I've never popped a primer. Even those upside down or sidewise. Just pushing on a live primer with the decapping pin won't set it off.

 

[GasGuzzler]

I have removed dozens of live primers and even reinstalled them in other cases without issue.

And most loading manuals say to soak them in oil to kill them. I didn't make that up. Hornady's opinion isn't any better than the other manufacturers in my opinion.

 

[TheTexasRAT]

... most loading manuals say to soak them in oil to kill them. I didn't make that up. Hornady's opinion isn't any better than the other manufacturers in my opinion.

Did you mean Dillon's opinion? Or what does Hornady say?

 

[Jim Walsh]

Update: Tomorrow will be 48 hours since I’ve had it immersed in WD40 and I will drive it out with a decapping die. I’m in no hurry, just trying to do it as safely as possible .
I appreciate everyone’s input.

 

[GasGuzzler]

I misquoted Hornady instead of Dillon. Same principle.

 

[Johnnu2]

Update: Tomorrow will be 48 hours since I’ve had it immersed in WD40 and I will drive it out with a decapping die. I’m in no hurry, just trying to do it as safely as possible .
I appreciate everyone’s input.

SO....? How'd you do ?
p.s. I've done several albeit not stuck in the shell holder... safety glasses (y)(y)
J.

 

[Dan in MI]

IMO - Don’t “drive” it out. Gentle even pressure.

I have removed dozens of live primers with a regular decapping die by using slow, even, pressure. Of course gloves, eyes, and ears are a good precaution.

 

[Keith E.]

You can ignite a live, Berdan-style primer with slow, constant pressure using a bench mounted decapper die. Very loud & unsettling when you're not expecting it.

Keith

 

[Bad Barlow]

Gently poke it out with a decapper pin mounted on a die. Keep all other primers away from it, and wear your safety glasses!

Wear muffs,too !

 

[TheTexasRAT]

Update: Tomorrow will be 48 hours since I’ve had it immersed in WD40 and I will drive it out with a decapping die. I’m in no hurry, just trying to do it as safely as possible .
I appreciate everyone’s input.

Well, don't leave us hanging.
How'd it go?

 

[Jim Walsh]

Well, don't leave us hanging.
How'd it go?

Let it soak in WD40 for 48 hours and drove out the primer with a decapping die. No issues whatsoever…just the way I like it.

 

[shorthair]

It had to happen sooner or later. While seating a primer it got cocked in the case in such a manner that I cannot remove it from the shell holder. Is it possible to soak the shell holder and the case to effectively deactivate the primer compound so I can safely remove the case from the shell holder with no chance of detonation?

WD 40 does a pretty quick job of killing primer compound.