Frankford Arsenal Perfect Seat Hand Primer ... problem with SRP's

[rustyinbend]

I've got a call in to Frankford Arsenal, but figured I'd check here too. I've used the FA tool for priming large rifle primers in multiple calibers for a long time with no issues. I just got all the equipment to start reloading 300 Blackout, so I switched out the plunger and sleeve for the included version (with the spring) that uses small rifle primers. No big deal, should work just fine. I inserted the #4 shell holder that the case is fit to sign into, and filled the holder with primers. Imagine my surprise when nothing I could do would allow a primer to move from the holder to the tool so that the plunger could feed it. I adjusted all the way left, I adjusted all the way right, I adjusted to several places in the middle, but for some reason the plunger blocks entry of the primer into the tool chamber. I know I'm doing this right, because I switch to large primers and it works perfectly. But I retool for small rifle primers and I can't get the damn thing the feed into the tool, because the plunger is in the way. What the heck am I doing wrong?

I feel like it's something stupid that I'm missing, but I sure can't figure it out. Any ideas?

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

Are you sure that you put it back together right? Take it apart and re-assemble. plunger/spring /sleeve.

 

[Evintos]

See if the sleeve hole is cut off center and that everything is aligned properly
.

Small and large pins should be the same length.

In order - sleeve over spring, over pin.

Thumb wheel all the way down and sleeve tab all the way up. Slider on primer tray open.

 

[rustyinbend]

Are you sure that you put it back together right? Take it apart and re-assemble. plunger/spring /sleeve.

Yup ... disassembled and reassembled multiple times. The LRP setup works exactly the same as the SRP setup, just with a different sleeve and plunger (same spring). There's just no way to put it together wrong. Driving me crazy ... it just shouldn't be this hard.

 

[rustyinbend]

See if the sleeve hole is cut off center and that everything is aligned properly
.


Small and large pins should be the same length.

In order - sleeve over spring, over pin.

Thumb wheel all the way down and sleeve tab all the way up. Slider on primer tray open.

All aligned properly just like the photo.
Pins are the same ... using the small one.
Sleeve over spring over pin ... just like the photo.
Thumb wheel tried in all positions, left, right, and center.
Slider on tray is open ... primers flow easily out of the holder, just not when it's inserted.

All good stuff ... all checked multiple times.

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

Need some close up pics. Its a simple device so a problem should be obvious.

 

[Evintos]

All aligned properly just like the photo.
Pins are the same ... using the small one.
Sleeve over spring over pin ... just like the photo.
Thumb wheel tried in all positions, left, right, and center.
Slider on tray is open ... primers flow easily out of the holder, just not when it's inserted.

All good stuff ... all checked multiple times.

Only things that I can think of are the sleeve has too much material (where it interfaces with the shell holder), shell holder too thick or the handle isn't returning to fully open which would cause the pin to protrude too high upwards. If the pin is protruding like this, see if you can pull the handle outwards to "reset it". Next thing to try is a different shell holder like the #19. If the number #19 doesn't cause the pin to protrude, then it's likely the #4 shell holder or the tolerance stack between the shell holder and the sleeve.

 

[rustyinbend]

Need some close up pics. Its a simple device so a problem should be obvious.

Agree ... it's just not that hard. It goes together exactly like the LRP version. The ONLY difference is that the plunger on the SRP setup shows in the port that the holder slides into, blocking the primers from getting into the position to seat above the top of the plunger. No matter what I do with the shell holders or the turret ... the plunger blocks the SRP's from sliding into place.

 

[abn31c]

FWIW, mine came with some sticky lube on the tray slider. Wouldn't feed srp at all. Cleaned up the lube and has been fine.

 

[rustyinbend]

I'm beginning to think this is a shell holder issue. While #4 holds the case well, it exposes the top of the plunger. Other shell holders that don't fit this 300-BLK shell, don't expose the top of the plunger.

 

[rustyinbend]

FWIW, mine came with some sticky lube on the tray slider. Wouldn't feed srp at all. Cleaned up the lube and has been fine.

Not an issue for me ... no lube anywhere that I can see. Tray is totally dry.

 

[Evintos]

For reference and comparison (all of mine are good).

Sleeve 1.563" - 1.5635"
Thinnest shell holder - 0.242"
Thickest shell holder 0.245"
Shell holder average thickness is 0.244"

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

Inspect the top of the sleeve it has a nipple that fits inside the hole of the shell holder. It should be flush with the inside of the shell holder. If it doesnt fit correctly or if the shell holder isnt all the way in it pushes down on the sleeve and reveals the pin. You can use the LRP sleeve and small pin to eliminate that. I would also measure the length of the pin and make sure nothing is in the bottom.

 

[rustyinbend]

For reference and comparison (all of mine are good).

Sleeve 1.563" - 1.5635"
Thinnest shell holder - 0.242"
Thickest shell holder 0.245"
Shell holder average thickness is 0.244"

So you nailed it ... my sleeve is a different size (1.645"), and it's the way the feeder hole lines up with the sleeve ... not the shell holder (wrongly accused). Just got off the phone with Frankford Arsenal and he confirmed that a manufacturing defect on the sleeve is the problem (wasn't surprised by this so methinks it's not uncommon). Confirmed by not being able to feed a primer on "any" shell holder using the SRP setup. I jumped to a "visual" issue where #4 looked different, and never actually tried feeding with non-#4 holders ... my bad.

I've got a new SRP sleeve on the way. Problem solved (hopefully).

I'm glad ... cuz I LOVE this hand primer.

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

Have you tried using the large rifle sleeve With the small rifle pin

 

[rustyinbend]

Have you tried using the large rifle sleeve

Yes ... it works ... see above - this is solved. It's a machine defect in the SRP sleeve. New one on the way,