Abstract: A primer is provided for use in detonating an explosive charge. The primer includes a rigid explosive-filled container which is fitted with an elongated neck. A bore in the neck extends into the explosive of the primer and provides accommodation for a firing device such as a detonator or fusecord. The primer is attached to a shock tube/wiring of a detonator or a fusecord with a fastener which is located at the end of the neck remote from the container and which is capable of supporting the entire weight of the primer. The container is preferably spherical and the neck is preferably formed from a plastics material which is molded with protrusions around which the fusecord/shock tube/wiring can be looped and with a griping device to hold them in place. The primers of the invention are particularly safe and efficacious in use.