2400 and magnum primers

[Buck13]

Unless I need to make some ammo for immediate use, I typically sort, size and flare all my brass (which is not all that much), then prime it, then charge and seat bullets, each step on a separate day as time allows. When I got some new 2400 recently, I had only empty brass with Federal small pistol magnum primers in it. I know 2400 is said not to *need* magnum primers, but the Lyman manual data I was using is developed with CCI550 magnum primers, so I went ahead with loading a couple dozen rounds at 14.0 grains (max given is 14.9, so I'd call that an "upper middle class" load.)

Yesterday I was browsing around and found a couple of old comment threads with people saying explicitly DON'T use mag. primers with 2400, but I don't remember that any specific reasons were given. (I was on my iPod, and can't find them again now.) What would be the problem with this?

 

[7mmb]

From what I understand 2400 is more consistent and stable with standard primers. Speer's/Alliant's current data with 2400 was developed with standard primers and magnum primers could push them over the top. Years ago I used 2400 with CCI550s without issue. Of course, the data published at that time called for them. If the data you are using was developed with those primers you should be just fine, but you will likely get better loads with CCI500s.

 

[Steve C]

Use the start load and work up when using magnum primers with 2400. I've seen cratered and pierced primers at 14.0grs of 2400 behind a 158gr JHP when using mag primers. Dropped load back to 13.5 grs (start load) to eliminate the problem.

 

[Buck13]

Forgot to say: that's with a 158 gr plated SWC

 

[cfullgraf]

When I got some new 2400 recently, I had only empty brass with Federal small pistol magnum primers in it. ?

This is one reason why I do not prime cases until I am ready to load them. I might change my plans or need a different primer.

That said, and as already said, magnum primers will work with 2400, just work up the load and your end product will probably be less than than published maximum of your data.

 

[oldpapps]

Different bullet altogether but...

I did a series of experiments attempting to reduce the ash of 2400 powder. The bullets were 240 LSWC in a .44 Mag.

One of the attempts was switching from standard CCI LP primers to Mag CCI LP primers.

Things that I determined included; Ash is ash and doesn't go away (or harm anything). Mag strength (CCI) primers gave me from 2 to 29 FPS greater velocities with all else being the same (average of 24 samples of each - 3 separate charges). Extreme spread between switching primers was inconclusive. Unless I was pushing the envelope, switching between the two primer strengths would make little difference. I can't say that when loading with 296/H110.
Note: I don't shoot when it is extremely hot or cold, results could very well change with the temperature. Hot to me gets real hot on my black asphalt drive with the sun pounding down.

As this is only a comparison of powder and primers in a different chambering, any conclusion you may make is up to you.

 

[buck460XVR]

"Handloader" magazine had an article about the use of magnum primers for 2400 producing pressure spikes and wide SDs. I used magnum primers in my .460 S&W once and had pressure issues with reduced recoil loads that I did not have when using standard primers. I've also seen where folks claim Alliant advises against the use of magnum primers with 2400, but have not seen it myself.

 

[blue32]

About 2 years ago I worked up a load in 357 with jacketed 125gr. bullets and 2400 in a SW686. I went through about 3,000 rounds before I settled on a load. I started the load around 14.3 gr. of 2400 over a CCI550 and went up to 15.8gr. The primers started to flatten around 15.6 gr. I then upped the load to 15.8 gr. under a CCI550. I never had sticky extraction or split cases. Not wanting to push the envelope, I switched to CCI500 primers and the flattening abated somewhat.

The only time I experienced sticky extraction in 357 was when I worked up a hunting load using Lil Gun at 14.7gr. under a 180gr. LWFNGC with a CCI550. The cases came out all sooty and sticky. I have since settled on 14.4 gr. of Lil Gun with that particular load.

 

[joneb]

The only magnum primer I have had good results with behind 2400 in 357 mag is the Federal 200. I mostly use WSP or CCI 500, with the Federal 200 my charge of 2400 is about 2-3% less than the standard primer load.

 

[rehorne]

Never had a problem with 2400 and std and/or mag small pistol primers. I load towards the upper end with a 158 SWCHP in 357 mag. Have loaded many thousands of rounds so far.

 

[Don McDowell]

magnum primers do work with 2400, but they are not needed.
Go ahead with your loads, if magnum primers are all you have.

 

[frankmako]

i load 44 mag with 2400 and h110. i use mag primers. no problems.

 

[moxie]

It's not a problem.

For several eons we used 2400 with mag primers. The bullets shot straight and hard. No one was hurt. Relax.

 

[reddrumtoo]

Many years ago I was working up a load w/125 jacketed bullets , 2400 powder , & standard primers . I was loading the same six cases , stepping out the back door , shooting a group & then loading the same cases w/ a little heavier load & repeat. At one point I had a failure to fire , cocked it & started to fire the next round , just before the trigger got enough pressure to fire , it dawned on me that I should check it out. I opened the cylinder [ python] & the primer had fired driving the bullet a little ways into the barrel . From the forcing cone up to the base of the bullet was packed tightly w/ 2400 powder [ unburned ] . I normally did a lot of rapid double action shooting w / this gun . I imediately changed over to magnum primers [ which were called for w/ 2400 at that time ] w/ that load & never had a repeat of that scary incident . By the way back then [ the 60's ] I shot .357 ,.44 mag , & 45 acp without ear protection , probabably why I didn't hear the primer pop , & hear almost as well as a fence post today.

 

[Swampman]

My understanding is that while a hotter primer will increase velocity, it increases peak pressure at an even greater rate. Using a hotter than required primer is also said to reduce accuracy, at least in high power rifle loads.
As long as the powder charge is dropped enough to ensure safety; I don't think it'll be a problem, although it's probably not optimal.