Loading magnum cartridges for Cowboy action

[Robereno]

I’d like to come up with a cowboy action load that will cover all my bases when shooting my Blackhawk 357 and marlin 1894 357.

I’ve decided to try magnum shells with 3.80 grains of Unique and 158 grain lead round nose bullets. (as per the Alliant website). These should work in the Blackhawk and hopefully cycle well in the Marlin which occasionally has trouble with the shorter 38 special cartridge.

I’m new to reloading and wondered if I should use small pistol magnum primers or just the primers I use for regular 38 special? Any suggestions?

Thanks
Rob

 

[Steve C]

Standard primers will work just fine. With the exception of a few ball powders like H110 or W296 there is no need to use magnum primers even in magnum loads as the standard primers will light off most powders just fine.

 

[griz]

Just like Steve said. Unique doesn't need or want mag primers, even in mag cases.

 

[Robereno]

Perfect. One less new component to buy.

Thanks!

Rob