Shot shell primer dispenser

A dispenser for primers into a muzzleloading firearm, the dispenser comprising:

• a housing having an axially extending floor, wherein two side walls extend upwardly from the floor, the side walls having portions which extend toward each other, and defining an axially extending channel between the side walls and above the floor, the channel extending between a primer inlet and a primer outlet;
• a clip fastened to the housing, the clip being adjustable between a first position which permits access to the primer inlet for the insertion of primers, and a second position which blocks access to the primer inlet to prevent the escape of primers through the primer inlet;
• and
• a unitary spring fixed to the housing floor having a spacer segment which projects upwardly from the floor and a restraint segment spaced from the spacer segment toward the primer outlet, the restraint segment extending upwardly from the housing floor, and being resilient to urge a primer supported on the restraint segment upwardly against the side wall inwardly extending portions, wherein the spacer segment blocks the advancement of primers onto the restraint segment, to maintain a space between a primer positioned on the restraint segment, and remaining primers retained within the channel, yet wherein the spacer segment is deflectable to permit a primer to be moved toward the primer outlet and onto the restraint segment, and wherein a primer on the restraint segment may be moved toward the primer outlet for dispensing into the firearm.

A dispenser loaded with a plurality of primers for dispensing into a muzzleloading firearm, the loaded dispenser comprising:

• a housing having an axially extending floor, wherein two side walls extend upwardly from the floor, the side walls having portions which extend toward each other, and defining an axially extending channel between the side walls and above the floor, the channel extending between a primer inlet and a primer outlet;
• a unitary spring fixed to the housing floor, having a spacer segment which projects upwardly from the floor and a restraint segment spaced from the spacer segment toward the primer outlet, the restraint segment extending upwardly from the housing floor, and being resilient to urge a primer supported on the restraint segment upwardly against the side wall inwardly extending portions;
• at first primer positioned within the channel between the side walls and between the primer inlet and the spacer segment, the spacer segment blocking the advancement of the first primer onto the restraint segment until a force is applied to the first primer to advance it over the spacer segment, deflecting it;
• and
• a second primer positioned on the restraint segment, the restraint segment resiliently urging the second primer into engagement with portions of the side walls, wherein the second primer is extractable from the channel by being urged toward and through the primer outlet.