44 special with magnum primers

[Hockey7711]

I have some old magnum primers...I'd like to use them up when making up some 44 sp loads.
My powders are: Accurate #2, Clays, Universal and titegroup.
Should I just back off the powder load when using the magnum primers?
Maybe just load the minimum?

 

[eb in oregon]

You should have no problem loading to the minimum with any appropriate powder or even up to the middle of the tables. When switching primers the manuals usually suggest backing off 10% so if in the middle you should be well within that suggestion.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I have some old magnum primers...I'd like to use them up when making up some 44 sp loads.
My powders are: Accurate #2, Clays, Universal and titegroup.
Should I just back off the powder load when using the magnum primers?
Maybe just load the minimum?

Default is to back off to the bullet or powder-maker's starting load when changing any major component. Primer type is a major component, IMO. Some people who compete consider primer brand and powder lot major component changes and start from scratch building fresh ladders (test loads) - I don't go quite that far but I'm not a competitive shooter, either. Some "real" competitors go as far as to consider case head-stamp a major change. I guess in the end two things really matter for your question: How close to top-end loads for your gun are you now with standard primers; and, how bad is it going to mess you up supply-wise to run a set of test loads?

 

[Hockey7711]

I normally use low to mid range comfortable loads. So I'll just keep it on the low end.

 

[edwardware]

Magnum (vs non-magnum) primer will increase pressure a bit, moreso with a slower powder, so back off. Probably don't need to back off to Start, but it won't hurt a bit.

 

[Hockey7711]

OK sounds good

 

[memtb]

I have a different view on your question. Are you using them just because they are old, or do you no longer have a firearm requiring a magnum primer? As a footnote, I am extremely frugal (cheap) and try to conserve resources in this time of shortages. It’s possible these shortages may continue!

If it’s just because they are old.....primers have a very long shelf life! If stored properly......they should outlive the majority of us on this forum! memtb

 

[Hockey7711]

These are more than 40 years old.
I used to load 44 magnum with them.
I have a new batch of lp non magnum primers, but figured I'd use these first.
I shoot a lot more 44sp than 44mag.

 

[mdi]

Any time there is a change in components, do another load work up. Pick your powder (I'd choose Universal), find a starting load in your manual and load some up. If you feel the need, got higher. K.I.S.S....

 

[n2omike]

If you are at max, back off a tad. If you are not at max, I would not worry about it.

 

[Hockey7711]

OK

 

[Crunchy Frog]

I’m a cowboy action shooter; I mostly load .38 Special. My loads are not “powder puff” but they are what I would call standard velocity. No where near the top of the scale and I shoot them out of .357 Magnum firearms.

In the last ammunition and component drought my favorite primers (Federal standard small pistol) became very scarce but we could find Federal magnum small pistol primers.

I’ve read a few reports of testing velocities between standard and magnum pistol primers. It was less than I expected.

 

[memtb]

Just a guess here! I suspect that a magnum primer has less effect on the burn of a faster powder, than would a standard primer on a slower (magnum) handgun powder! The fast powder, likely burns pretty darn fast....no matter the ignition source! memtb

So, as crunchy frog kinda touched on.....probably not much difference in pressures! memtb

 

[Rule3]

The "correct" answer by the book or the "best practice" answer would be to reduce loads to the starting amount.

That said in a case like the 44 special using a magnum primer is not gonna make a hill of beans difference. Amazing that Winchester can make a primer that is good for mag and non mag loads?? Magnum primers are more related to what powder you are using.

I myself would not over think it. Much like people who substitute SR for SP primers,