How to Make a Boxer Primer
Boxer primers are the most commonly used ignition source for civilian ammunition today. Gun enthusiasts who reload their own ammunition buy primers pre-manufactured, but if you are placed in a situation where you need to make your own boxer primers, it can be done. You will need to obtain or manufacture some of the components on your own, which can be difficult, but not impossible.
Things You'll Need
- Safety glasses or face shield
- Mask
- Thick gloves and clothing
- Anvils
- Brass cups (casing)
- Molds (optional)
- Lead styphnate
- 2 tweezers
- Small scoop
- Metal rod
- Lead oxide (optional)
- Methanol (optional)
- Styphnic acid (optional)
- 250 milliliter glass beaker (optional)
- Digital laboratory stove (optional)
Instructions
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Get your brass components ready. Obtain brass cups and anvils for the ammunition size you want. Try to order them bulk from an ammunition manufacturer. If you are not able to get them manufactured, you will need to create cast molds and make them yourself. The anvils will be tripod shaped with a slightly larger diameter than the cup so as to fit tightly inside.
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Obtain explosive. Lead styphnate is the most common primer explosive. If you cannot obtain lead styphnate, put on thick gloves and safety glasses and synthesize it in a 250 milliliter beaker by adding solid lead oxide to a solution of methanol and styphnic acid. The acid and lead should be added in 1:1 stoichiometric ratio with excess methanol. Heat the mixture over a digital laboratory stove at 65 degrees Celsius -- the boiling point of methanol -- until the methanol has evaporated and only a solid mass of lead styphnate remains. Use caution because lead styphnate is extremely volatile and will combust under heat, pressure or friction.
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Add explosive. Put on protective gear, including thick gloves and clothing and safety glasses. Do not use your hands because oils from your hand can deactivate the primer. Use tweezers to hold the cup and use a scoop to place a small amount of lead styphnate inside. It is usually sufficient to use just enough explosive to cover the bottom, but you will probably need to experiment to find what amount works best for your ammunition.
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Insert the anvil. Use tweezers to place the anvil in the cup. Be sure to place it right side up such that the top, pointed end is touching the explosive. Use a thin metal rod to slowly push the anvil into place; use caution because the explosive will ignite under pressure or friction.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not use volatile chemicals unless you have had training in handling them in a laboratory setting. Use caution when using explosive material. Wear protective clothing and eyewear. Only handle small amounts at a time.
All chemicals used in this project are toxic; do not expose to bare skin, inhale or ingest.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
