Primers vary in diameter and burn rate. Pistol primers are a Boxer or Berdan design. The Boxer includes a cup, ignition compound, and an anvil. The Berdan includes a cup and ignition compound. Both usually have a protective lacquer or paper cover on the opening. Primers are struck by the firing pin to detonate the ignition compound that ignites the propellent that discharges the projectile. It is DANGEROUS to mix Primer reloading data for one specific load with another. |