firing pin not hitting center of primer

[WIDan]

This might be a D-bag question, and I have tried to find out using the search function, but its been messing with my head and I need to know. I've seen references like "firing pin hitting dead center of primer consitantly" and if firing pin is not hitting center it might affect how the round shoots. I just recieved a new custom bolt gun, and when I looked at the fired cases the firing pin is hitting off center so much so that my 10 year old son looked at one and said "it didn't hit in the center". Is this a big deal. Like I said, its messing with my head that something is out of wack with my new gun. Thanks guys for sharing your knowlege.
Dan.

 

[Mike]

Re: firing pin not hitting center of primer

No

 

[WIDan]

Re: firing pin not hitting center of primer

Thanks Mike. I was hoping that was the answer I would get.

 

[Topstrap]

Re: firing pin not hitting center of primer

Perfectly center hits look pretty but pretty don't make it shoot any better.

But I suppose to the nth degree there might be something to having it perfectly centered but once it sets off the primer charge it shouldn't matter where it hits it as long as it's a good solid hit and it goes off....... but..... I'm sure no expert so only basing this on my limited knowledge and opinion.

Topstrap

 

[Cegorach]

Re: firing pin not hitting center of primer

As long as it is hitting consistently in the same spot off center I would not worry as you are still maintaining the consistency of that variable.

 

[Hateca]

Re: firing pin not hitting center of primer

Was this with factory ammo or full length resized brass? If so now take the once fired brass and neck size it and try it again and see where the primmer gets hit. Chances are it will hit closer to center. And be advised primer pockets aren't perfect either.

But no in a field or tactical type rifle it won't make one bit of a difference.

 

[sblanch]

Re: firing pin not hitting center of primer

The answers to this question suprised me because so much focus in a precison rifle is put on all things being square and true, not to mention the pursuit of perfectly concentric ammo. Could anyone elaborate on why this is unimportant and maybe the reason why primer strikes are often not center of the primer?

Also why would fire formed brass be less likely to be off?

 

[Hateca]

Re: firing pin not hitting center of primer

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 5x5GUY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Also why would fire formed brass be less likely to be off?
</div></div>

Yes (read above post) and brass is never perfect either.