Rifle Data lists standard primer, pistol data list mag

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MartinBrody

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I have noticed while looking over some data for 357 Magnum that the rifle data calls for a standard primer, while the pistol data calls for a magnum primer.

Any thoughts on why this is?

I would assume I can use the standard primer when loading for a pistol.
 
I don't reload .357, but I'd say a little slower ignition in a rifle vs a pistol would be a good thing. Others can answer this better than I can based on experience, I'm sure.
 
Page 262 of my Lyman 48th edition shows CCI 550 Small Pistol, Magnum primers and page 336 also calls for CCI 550 Small Pistol, Magnums as well for handguns.

What manual are you using?
 
I am using one of those Loadbooks manuals. It is a compilation of load data from powder & bullet companies.

The data I was referring to comes from the Hornady section.
 
Take a look at the powders listed. The ones for rifle may be a slower burning powder than the pistol loads.
 
Alliant claims there powders don't need a mag prime to light off the .357 mag.Been meaning to check this out in sub zero weather across a chrono but we haven't had any for a while.
I use both sp & spm in handgun loads (except with h110, spm only here) and can't tell the diff.
 
Alliant claims there powders don't need a mag prime to light off the .357 mag
Click to expand...

I loaded some 357 Mag as follows, 158 SWC (lead), 6 grains Unique, WSP. They were uber accurate from my 6 inch S&W 586 and soft shooting. Anyone else using standard primers with unique in 357 mag?
 
There's a lot more barrel length for the powder to burn completely in a rifle vs. a revolver. Then consider that a revolver also has a flash gap that a rifle does not have. Typically, the data I use for .357 Magnum, a Magnum SP primer is called for with ball propellants that are a bit harder to ignite. Accurate recommends a CCI-500 standard Small Pistol primer with all of their powders in .357 loads. I mention that because I haven't found many powders better when building loads slightly slower than the fastest loads, i.e. AA#7 and for full velocity potential AA#9 is hard to beat in .357 and the .41 Magnum. H-110 and W-296 and such, usually prefer the larger case capacity of the .44 Magnum. Generally, you'll find Magnum Primers recommended for .44 Magnum loads, even though with some powders, they're not required. I'm not saying that you may not have a great .357 Magnum load using H-110, Li'L Gun or W-296, but I might ask if you've ever tried AA#9!;)
 
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