How Does A Primer Work?

Wolf Small Pistol Primer

This is a picture of a Wolf Small Pistol Primer used for reloading small pistol caliber ammunitions. Tweezers are used to handle the primers. You are not suppose to touch them with your fingers or hands  as contamination with body oils may degrade the primers and cause a malfunction.

Wolf Primer Detail

A small pistol primer is made up of 3 major components, the anvil, the case and the impact sensitive explosive.

The anvil is the brass colored triangular insert. The pink color is the explosive, and the case is the silver colored outer shell. 

Primer Anvil

The  small pistol primer anvil (inverted view) holds the shock sensitive explosive against the bottom of the primer and also provide a "flash hole" for the flame to ignite the gun powder.

Primer Case

This picture shows a used empty primer case (cup). Note the indentation in the bottom caused by the striking of a firing pin.

Shock Sensitive Explosive

No picture available. Lead Styphnate is commonly used in primers. It is classified as an extremely sensitive initiating explosive.

Primer Impact Point

Bottom view of a small pistol primer. This is where the firing pin of the gun hits the primer. 

Factory Installed (Blazer Brass) Small Pistol Primer

This picture shows unfired primers installed in Blazer Brass factory 9mm Luger ammunition.

Small Pistol Primers Used in 9mm Luger Ammo

This picture shows a variety of used primers in 9mm Luger cases. Note the different shapes and indents caused by the firing pins.

Fired Primers 

This picture shows an assortment of used small pistol primers (face down) after they have been  removed from 9mm Luger cases.

Spent Primers  

This picture shows an assortment of used small pistol primers (face up) after they have been  removed from 9mm Luger cases.