.500 S&W Magnum Factory Brass Primer Size

[DamMan]

The recent purchase of a .500 S&W revolver is convincing me that I need to start reloading to save money and reduce recoil for practice loads. All the information I have found point out that the .500 magnum started with large pistol primers and have since switched to large rifle primers. The brass I have saved up so far is from factory loaded ammunition. My question is how to determine the primer size for the brass? My Winchester Supreme brass does not have an 'R' on the case head. Does this mean it takes pistol primers or does it mean that factory loaded cartridges do not necessarily have the 'R' to designate Rifle primers?

Thank You,
DamMan

 

[dmftoy1]

I can't speak for the Winchester brass, but all the Hornady and Starline I have now has "R" for the Rifle primers and no mark for the old large Pistol primer brass.

Good Luck! I'd probably send an email to Winchester. I think the came to the table with 500 S&W ammo pretty late and almost everyone had switched to rifle primers. I know all my Corbon is marked "R" also.

Regards,
Dave

 

[jerkface11]

You could always try seating a rifle primer in them. If it won't seat deeply enough then it must have a pistol primer pocket. This way you can find out in a few seconds and at most it'll cost you one primer.

 

[DamMan]

Thank you for the responses. I will try the large rifle primer first and see if it works.

DamMan