I reload, on a small scale, .380 acp, 9mm luger, .38 Spec and .45 acp.
What is the difference between Large and Small Pistol Primers and Magnum Large and Small Pistol Primers as far as loads, performance, etc. is concerned. What, if anything do I do differently with my Green Dot and 700-X powder? How about the brass, does it stay the same. IOW, what is the pupose of the Magnum pistol primes?
Thanks
Last edited by Oldgringo on Mon Jan 19, 2009 6:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
My understanding is that magnum pistol primers are supposed to burn a little hotter / longer, for use with slow, relatively hard to ignite ball powders often used for full-power .357 and .44 magnum loads. This understanding could be flawed, but it is what I read in the Speer book more years ago than I wish to remember.
The book called for standard primers with VV N110, so that's what I use - very satisfactory. I think it calls for magnum primers for 296 and H110.
You are not a dolt. I've been equivocating about whether or not to use CCI 450 small rifle magnum primers in .223 for my AR, since Powder Valley is out of CCI BR4 benchrest primers and almost all other brands of small rifle primers (except Wolf, and recent digging on the Web reveals positive comments on those).
Further reading on the Web reveals that BR4 primers use the same pellet as CCI 450 small rifle magnum primers, with a different anvil.
So - here I'm worrying about using 450s instead of BR4s, and there are no 400s or WSRs available, and it turns out the pellet in the 450 is the same as in the BR4.
Long ago, a friend said (about me), "People with nothing to worry about, will worry about nothing".
Actually, I know where there are some CCI Magnum Pistol primers at a decent price as a store is going out of business. The best I can tell there is no appreciable benefit to using the Magnum primers. I was wondering if there were any drawbacks to using the magnums - if they're cheap.
I am on the first few steps of my journey into reloading but I just read an article which claimed that using magnum primers should be used with caution especially if you are close to the maximum load as they can cause a small increase in pressure.
Magnum and non magnum primers - - - there's little difference. Magnum primers may or may not have a "hotter" primer mix they usually have a slightly thicker cup and or different anvil. Buy the primers if they are a really good deal and work your loads up again, just like you did the first time. I have used magnum and non magnum primers almost interchaingably but, I don't load to maximum pressures.
Regarding Wolf primers they are excellent! I use them in large pistol, and small rifle I'm still working on the last of 5K Remington 1 1/2s. I'll order Wolf small pistol next time I order primers.
"To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Texas and Louisiana CHL Instructor, NRA Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Personal Protection and Refuse To Be A Victim Instructor
Thank you for the tip on Wolf primers! I've read good things about them, never used them yet, but Powder Valley has them in stock and are out of stock on BR4s, so I will order some Wolf small rifle primers.
BobCat wrote:Thank you for the tip on Wolf primers! I've read good things about them, never used them yet, but Powder Valley has them in stock and are out of stock on BR4s, so I will order some Wolf small rifle primers.
If you are going to use them in an AR get the Small Rifle Magnum they are a bit tougher to prevent slam fires. It's what Wolf recommends for .223 in an AR.
"To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Texas and Louisiana CHL Instructor, NRA Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Personal Protection and Refuse To Be A Victim Instructor
Mag primers are hotter and do raise pressure. They weren't always around, look at the old articles (say pre-1970 or there abouts) and you will find VERY hot loads, all made w/ standard primers.
I started using them to get a little better ignition for 357 Mag loads with Hercules 2400 powder; not too popular today, once it was the king of the hill for 357/41/44 Mag rounds. Skeeter used 2400 for essentially +P loads in 38 Spl. It works great put leaves a pound of unburned junk behind w/ every round - I've gotten them on the cyl crane hinge and couldn't close the cyl. Still it shoots very accurately. In my 357, a full charge would fill almost all the way to the base of the bullet and belches fire like a dragon.
I don't know if the mag primers helped, but they made me feel better.
NRA Life Member
"The beauty of the second amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to take it." -- Thomas Jefferson
i will use magnum primers if at is all i have available. i do back off 'bout half a grain of powder, especially if the powder charge is approaching maximum. i have heard that if using the very fast powders like 231, you should avoid small to very small charges with magnum powders. the charge may detonate instead of just burn, which will cause a huge spike in pressures.
