Help and advice please chaps and chapettes:

I have about 600 wildcat rds of all primer sizes and calibres that don't have primers fitted, I'd like to fit them with primers. I have no loading equipment at all so what would be the cheapest and simplest way of doing this.

I need a way of fitting all primer sizes. (I could inert the primers if it makes it easier)

I hope this post doesn't contravene the no realoding topics if so MOD's please delete.

Do you know anybody that does reload? They should have the correct size priming tools, but you may have to buy them a shell holder for any "odd ball" case head sizes.
If not, might I suggest the LEE hand held priming tool? They sell a kit of IIRC 11 of the most common size shell holders for it.
In the Boxer primed stuff there are only 2 sizes of tool you need to worry about, large and small. Not sure about Berdan primers, if the same tool will work or not.

Are there bullets already seated in the cases? I presume they are from your description.
If so you are going to have a problem because although you can use a hand priming tool you are going to need quite a few different shell holders to match all the different cases. Some shell holders fit more than one calibre, in fact some fit quite a range of cases but Lee (which are the cheapest) do about fifteen shell holders in their range. Also they won't fit the most exotic wildcats with really unusual cases.

The primers are just a push fit but unless you get lucky and have some loose or worn primer pockets you are going to need more than hand pressure. You should only need two sizes of primer, large rifle and small rifle.

In the infamous 'Khyber Pass' video the kids simply did it with a hammer :)

Well thats certainly an idea, you could try a hard rubber mallet. Don't use a hammer or you will mark the base of the cases. Its going to be a slow job though.

First of all, a word from your friendly Admin: As long as you are not recommending using a certain primer for reloading for shooting, it is a Cartridge Improvement, not Reloading information and is OK.

If the cartridges have had their bullets removed, and you are using Inert primers, all you need are a flat surface, a rubber, plastic or rawhide mallet and a appropriate size dowel that will fit inside the case. Lightly start the primer with your fingers then place the cartridge head down on the flat surface and tap the dowel to seat the primer.

Without a case holder, how are you going to prevent the bullet from being set back or the case shoulder altered (if you use that to support the wildcat as you pound on the primer.

Recommend you leave them like they are. Besides you will probably pick primers that are not comtemporary with the wildcat and someday, someone will think they are later made-up replicas instead of vintage, original wildcats (if those terms have any meaning with wildcats).

Cheers,

Lew

Certainly do not use live primers in a cartridge with a bullet but no powder. We are all simply caretakers of the cartridges we have now - they WIL belong to someone else someday. If a cartridge with only a primer and no powder is fired, the result is often a bullet stuck in a bore, which could cause a bad accident if the shooter doesn't recognize the implications of lack of report, and chambers and fires the next one.

Yes, I know it is highly unlikely to ever happen, especially in the case of Wildcats. Let's all remember Murphy's Law, however.

John Moss

You can try a Lee Auto-Prime and a set of shell holders.
http://www.factorysales.com/html/xcart/catalog/primtool.html

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I have done some experiments with penetrating oil. With the high quality of some primers and their sealant against contamination, it is no guarantee of inerting a primer. Also, my caution was about using live primers in cases with bullets in them, but no powder, not in cases that will remain as primed empties.

When I used to make dummies for customers, I popped the anvil out of the primers and did other things to guarantee inert primers. I don't want to go any farther with the explanation, as it will get into areas of "reloading" that I don't believe belong here.

I will stand by my statement that it is not wise to prime a bulleted-case that has no primer with a live primer, giving it the appearance of a loaded round. It is an accident waiting to eventually happen.

John Moss

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Thanks for all the info, I had forgotten about the lee priming tool. I'll see if I can get it and a set of shell holders over here, if not I'll get in touch with Ray.

Thanks.

Kranks are about the best source in the UK.

Your idea of popping out the anvil is a good one. Or loading a spent primer which is cheaper if you don't mind having a dummy with a fired primer. 600 primers is going to cost about £20 so fired primers might be quite sound from a financial point of view.
I have witnessed primer only rounds going off many times on the range, mainly reloading errors, and it is enough to drive the bullet right up into the barrel.