Firing Pin Kinetic Energy

[bigmyk2k]

I would imagine that this is the place for this question, but if I am wrong, feel free to move it.

I was wondering if anyone knows a resource that talks about the amount of kinetic energy required to activate the various types of primers.
Of course, this isn't a completely accurate questions, as this depends on the contact surface area of the firing pin, but I would be curious about this.

[BPTactical]

No real clear cut answer on this one. Primer compounds vary as do the cup material/hardness.
Spring weights, hammer velocity, firing pin weights all would have an effect.
Too many variables for one easy answer.
Manufacturers test primer lots by dropping a steel ball on them, 4 oz IIRC. There is a defined criteria for what height results in 0 primers igniting all the way up to 100% ignition.
I do not know off the top of my head what the height criteria is.

[paddywagon]

I agree with BP. I had also seen an article a while back on military primers and combloc primers which kind of rewrites the book on primer hardness. My attitude toward primers is use what works. Of course other factors to it as well is the difference between hammer vs. striker fired, open bolt- closed bolt etc etc!