In the first case (sideways) there is a high probability the pellet was crushed or cracked in the process which makes it useless (even if the cup weren't so mangled it can't be seated normally) and once that happens the primer will no longer detonate even when hit properly in a firearm.Oddbod wrote:I'm pretty sure anyone who has loaded a large amount of ammunition will have had a primer seat sideways at some point & the more "adventurous" will have decapped a live case for one reason or another.
I've done both more than once over the years & never (yet...) had a primer detonate when doing so.
I think this demonstrates how intrinsically safe they are & they will very rarely detonate except in the approved manner & place.
Though I wouldn't want to set fire to a box of them...
In the second (decap live examples) you'll have done it VERY slowly and gently I'm sure. As I said in a previous post the pellet must be crushed rapidly between indented cup and anvil to ignite. A slow squeeze usually just breaks the pellet and ruins it. Also, despite the decap pin bearing on the concave side of the anvil, it doesn't appear to put excessive pressure onto the cup. (If so, it woukld damage it with the previously outlined results.) That is with ammunition where the primer isn't crimped into the pocket or isn't a really tight fit anyway - I would never attempt the first and would be unhappy about trying with the second.
Over the years, I have decapped literally hundreds of live primers. The LR types have all been recycled and give completely normal results in terms of reliability, MV and ES. SR primers though are usually ruined doing this - the anvil falls out of the cup having been damaged by the pressure.
Although some primers become unusable in these scenarios, they are still hazardous should they have heat applied so should be deactivated if possible before disposal.
