44 mag. When to use magnum primers?

[pcwirepro]

So I bought myself a 44 mag for fathers day and want to make some rounds to get aquainted with the peice. Most load data I have found (using Unique) don't call for mag primers. I only load for smaller calibers, none of whice are magnums so I haven't been exposed to the hotter primers before. Do different powders require magnum primers? Does anyone use magnum primers when a standard primer is called for or visa-versa?

Also, if anyone would care to share a starting load for me, I'm all ears. I have 215 gr SWC BB, both types of primers and LOTS of unique.

Thanks all.

 

[Walkalong]

No need for Mag primers with Unique. Big doses of H-110/W-296 need Mag primers. AA #9 can usually get by without hem. I use WLP primers with it and N-110 with good success.

 

[Walkalong]

Oh yea, a Magnus 215 Gr BBSWC was my favorite .44 Spl bullet for a long time. It still ranks at the top.

 

[pcwirepro]

Thanks Walkalong.
It just ocurred to me that I don't have a shell plate for 44 mag. Back to the store I go.

Magnus 215 Gr BBSWC was my favorite .44 Spl bullet

Are large numbers of 44 special loads ok in a 44 mag?

 

[NCsmitty]

As you noted, Unique does not require a magnum primer because of the type of powder(flake).
The slower ball powders like H110/win296 benefit from a magnum primer and a good crimp, and work well with jacketed bullets in near maximum loads. Start loads for H110/Win296 should not be reduced more than 3% as per Hodgdon warning at their site.

I suggest a start load of 9.5gr of Unique with the 215gr SWC BB and a standard primer. It should run around 1050fps out of a medium length barreled pistol. The Alliant site lists 11gr of Unique as a maximum load with a 225gr cast bullet.



NCsmitty

 

[ranger335v]

"The slower ball powders like H110/win296 benefit from a magnum primer and a good crimp, and work well with jacketed bullets in near maximum loads. Start loads for H110/Win296 should not be reduced more than 3% as per Hodgdon warning at their site."

Smitty gives you all you need to know about mag primers/powders in handguns.