[Mr. Tettnanger]

I dug out some of my reloading equipment to load up some 44 mag bullets. I came across 50 cases that I cleaned and primed but never loaded.


I don't know what primers that I use. My concern is that I put may
Gum primers to load up some stout hunting loads over some H110. But, at the time I primed these, I did get some regular semi wad cutters to plink with.

Is it safe, or ok to load these primed cases with the semi wad cutters and use some of my other "lower strength" powders?

[Lost Sheep]

I dug out some of my reloading equipment to load up some 44 mag bullets. I came across 50 cases that I cleaned and primed but never loaded.


I don't know what primers that I use. My concern is that I put may
Gum primers to load up some stout hunting loads over some H110. But, at the time I primed these, I did get some regular semi wad cutters to plink with.

Is it safe, or ok to load these primed cases with the semi wad cutters and use some of my other "lower strength" powders?
Which powder?

Because magnum primers give a larger, longer or hotter flame, some powders may show a greater pressure jump from the primer switch than other powders.

As with all component changes, start low and work up.

Lost Sheep

[Mr. Tettnanger]

I am not sure yet which one I will go with, but I have recipes for using Unique, Red Dot , and Bullseye.

[chhodge69]

I can tell you from experience that Unique does perform differently with magnum primers. I haven't played with those other powders.

[Lost Sheep]

I can tell you from experience that Unique does perform differently with magnum primers. I haven't played with those other powders.
I use Unique a lot (but not with magnum primers). Could you share with us how the performance differs, please?

Always wanting to learn, especially if I don't have to pay for the components.;)

Thanks

Lost Sheep

[Eb1]

I don't think you'd be pushing the rules by loading 8-9 grains of Unique with a 240 grain bullet using mag primers.

[Otto]

I don't know what primers that I use.

It's not advisable to use components that you can't identify.
And you shouldn't substitute components for those listed in your reloading manual.

[jwrowland77]

And you shouldn't substitute components for those listed in your reloading manual.

If you think about it, we all substitute components that aren't stated in the manuals "recipe". Like we use Win cases instead of Remington cases...or CCI primers and they used Federal primers. That's why we start low and work up.

I'm with you though, don't use them if you can't absolutely identify them. Not safe.

[buck460XVR]

Many load manuals use magnum primers with all the powders they list for loading magnum handgun loads, even if they are not required. As long as you aren't using a max load and are not using 2400, I would not hesitate for a moment to use them. They aren't Winchester Large Pistol primers by any chance, are they?

[chhodge69]

I use Unique a lot (but not with magnum primers). Could you share with us how the performance differs, please?

I don't have specific load data with me at work but I was loading 357 magnum with Unique to a middle-of-the-road charge and standard primers. After substituting magnum primers and changing nothing else this same medium powder load exhibited pressure signs.

So now whenever I see this question pop up the standard answer is "work up a new load with the new components"

In your case I wouldn't take any risks trying to use $3 worth of unknown primers.

[Lost Sheep]

Thanks, chhodge69. That's what I kind of figured from just theoretical speculation.

Big, fast flame, fast powder ignites all at once, flame front very fast. Quicker pressure rise than with a smaller flame. Pressure spike. Probably not a lot more velocity to justify the pressure, either, I'll bet.

Lost Sheep

[ljnowell]

The concept of a magnum primer causing "flash over" and igniting all the powder at once, or multiple flame fronts is bunk. It will make a difference, but if you work the load back up, no big deal.

[joshf128]

I agree with chhodge. Not worth it the risk for the cost of the primers. Either fire off just the primers (no bullet or powder) through your revolver or VERY GENTLY deprime them on your press. That's my 2 cents.

[Grumulkin]

I've used both large pistol, large pistol magnum and large rifle magnum primers in 44 Mags. The large rifle magnum primers required about a 1.5 grain powder reduction with, if I remember correctly, H110/Win. 296.

As long as you're not already pushing a maximum load, it won't matter if they're magnum primers.

[mdemetz]

This guy (http://stevespages.com/page8c.htm) uses Magnum primers in all his 357/44 loads. Make shure you read his warning page first.

[mdemetz]

This guy (http://stevespages.com/page8c.htm) uses Magnum primers in all of his 357/44 pistol loads. Make sure you read his warning first.

[jjjitters]

Use a lower charge and it will be good. I've used many mag primers instead of the standard, by working up. So far none of the loads have even noticed the change and I and up back to my normal charge. I did not do this with H110 or 296. Load a few up low and check, then up & recheck. ect.

[MachIVshooter]

I use magnum primers whenever it's a heavier charge of slower powder, or for short barreled applications. H-110, Blue Dot, AA#7 & #9, IMR-800x, etc, get magnums. I also use them with W231 in .32 H&R to push the envelope in my 3" SP-101.