Small pistol vs small pistol magnum primers

[Grayling813]

I was given a medicine bottle that has a mixture of CCI small pistol and small pistol magnum primers in it. Is there any way to tell the difference?

If not, would the safe approach to using them be to load a few grains less powder?

If I'm loading .38 Special to shoot in a .357 Magnum revolver and a .357 lever action rifle does it matter since the weapons should be able to handle the slight additional pressure of a magnum primer?

[AF-Odin]

If loading .38 cases to fire in a .357 I would not see an issue. I have loaded quite a few .38s with magnum primers and really did not notice any difference. YMMV.

[Tex1961]

Here’s a good discussion about this.
https://www.defensivecarry.com/threads/ ... nce.77799/

[Grayling813]

Thank you. Good information.

[Tex1961]

Thank you. Good information.

Welcome. Just getting into reloading myself and I’ve had the same question. I am inclined to be in agreement with you as far as just load a few grain shy and you’ll most likely be OK.