45 acp brass: small or large primers?

Within my measuring equipment, I can't determine a significant difference between WLP or WSP in a 45 ACP case.

Rock Island Arsenal GI M1911 RIA 5" barrel

230 FMJ 7.8 grs AA#5 Lot DM WLP OAL 1.265" taper crimp 0.469"
13-Sep-18 T = 82 °F

Ave Vel = 815.4 fps
Std Dev = 18.02
ES = 68.22
High = = 847.6
Low = 779.4
Number rounds= 28


230 RMR FMJ 7.8 grs AA#5 Lot DM small primer brass WSP OAL 1.265"
taper crimp 0.469"
10-Jun-20 T = 91 °F

Ave Vel = 805.6 fps
Std Dev = 12.56
ES = 39.38
High = = 822.4
Low = 783
N = 16




Powder charge differences create more velocity variances than does the primer.

 

These days I load the large pistol primer type. I have a good sized box of small primer brass saved for the day I might run out of large primers. I reload the aluminum casings for one more use where I will loose it.

 

When brass was left on the ground years ago where I shoot I would collect both. I have a bag full of SPP 45 Auto brass I don't use. I have used it for trade brass for guys who load on a Dillon progressive press. They like the SPP brass because they don't have to change primers over after loading 9mm ammo. (I'm told it's a real pain to switch)

 

My limited testing shows to be very little if any difference between the two. I can't shoot the difference. I prefer large primers because I'm old school and don't like changes! The main disadvantage as I see it is when loading and priming on a progressive press it will bring things to a stop if you get either one mixed in accidentally. Load and shoot either one with confidence!

 

As someone who never bought a piece of common caliber pistol brass get both if you’re picking it up off the ground.
I haven’t seen an outdoor range where you couldn’t pick up at least a handful of 9mm and 45ACP brass every single time.
Sometimes you find .40 S&W and 10mm also.
You can also pick up .223, 308 and even 6.5 Creedmoor most times.

Pistol brass doesn’t need to be separated by headstamp unless you’re very picky.
Over time you will accumulate more than you need.

 

I’ll point out that Fiocchi does also sell 45ACP ammo w/small primer pockets (G.F.L. headstamp) as does Olympic (NPA headstamp) from Greece or possibly the latter is South African. Now I’m not saying they aren’t “made domestically” but is there a Fiocchi or Olympic plant in the USA? I really don’t know.

 

Whatever the press is set up for. In .45, it will not matter.

Yes it has.
The question really is, when will it happen again?

 

There’s probably another thread running simultaneously!

 

I used to shoot small interchangeably with large and only separated to make priming manageable but now I’m saving my small primers for 9mm.

But the 45s are sorted by headstamp & standing by ready to go.

 

Thank you for the offer! Let me know the cost. If my 72 y/o hands start to cry I'll let you know.

 

Slamfire...Thanks for posting those AA#5 chrono results! I've got plenty of AA#5.

 

Wish I had eyes of a eagle, I even let them through sorting by hand in the past. Why I built devices that would sort them for me.

I did my tests years ago with my gun game load (small sample size), the larger flash holes lowered SD’s, not enough to make a difference at the ranges/targets I shoot but the difference was measurable.

 

WLP for me. https://www.starlinebrass.com/articles/small-pistol-primers-vs-large-pistol-primers/

 

243winxb....Thanks for sharing the Starline article. Good stuff! Before the maiden voyage with my Starfire I'll stop by Cabela's and pick up 50 rounds of whatever brand. Probably Herters since it is the cheapest. On range day I'll examine the spent brass for firing pin hit. If that's loosey-goosey (off center) that'll steer me towards LPP. But I do have more SPP on hand than LPP.

 

Cost is put them to good use.

I have to wonder how many people have converted 100% to SPP .45ACP and no longer even collect LPP?

 

1. Nice pricing.
2. Sounds like a poll!

 

Back in ‘96/‘97 J&G Sales had the Star PD’s for $59.99 in “Good” condition. For $10 more you could get “hand-picked” which supposedly was better grade. I bought ten, shot than all, swapped parts around to make five that were darn near perfect, took the other five back to the FFL I bought them through and he bought them from me for shelf-stock at a $10 each discount - figuring I had hand-picked the cream and he was buying the sour milk. He sold them within a week and to the best of my knowledge no one complained. I outfitted each one with Pachmyers. I sold them off over the years and the last one the guy wanted the plastic panels, not the Pach’s. So, I got a set of Pach’s free to a good home. Firearms speculation is a risky business requiring foresight and patience.

 

Pachmyer is/was? an interesting company. Made many different things. I have some grips too. But for years I wanted one of their pistol range cases I saw the wealthy guys carrying around. They were cool. By the time I could afford one, I didn’t want one moreover they no longer made them

 

Bummer! I hate it when a good plan falls apart.
I have a cardboard box of about a thousand (give or take a few) SPP .45ACP set aside for the day I can’t get LPP. I still have a dozen chamberings that require LPP and I’d rather not have to give up on .44-40, .44Spl or .45Colt revolves just because I like shooting my autos. Having the ability to shoot either/or is like taking out ammo insurance.

 

I used to be a real Pachmyer fan. I still have the forearm/grip for my Super 14 Contender barrels. It’s one of the pre-rail and pre-bipod models. I didn’t like it when they only shipped the forearms with bipod holes pre-drilled. It was never where I needed it and interfered with my grip when there wasn’t a bipod attached. TThe Gripper pistol grip for the Contender is just about perfect for my hand. Too bad they got bought out and Lyman cheapened the product.

 

Here's the store pic. Should be here tomorrow:

https://www.collectorsfirearms.com/products/173327-star-pd-45-acp-pr61235.html

 

I've tested SPP aganst LPP with same load, over a chrono with no noticeable difference