Magnum Pistol Primers in 38 Special

[WildeKurt]

I just realized I have quite a few small pistol magnum primers (Winchester). I'm wondering if I could use these with 38 special loads (Bullseye). I'd be firing all these from a 357 magnum. Can I adjust the powder amount?

If not, anyone want to trade?

 

[Steve Koski]

Sure, just work up your load again with the different primers. You may end up with less powder.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Why not save them for your .357 Magnum loads?

If you don't want to save them for whatever reason you have, yes, you can use them in a .38 Special case but it will raise the pressure somewhat. Since you are firing them in a Magnum revolver that shouldn't be too much of a problem as long as you don't exceed the pressure limits of the Brass. If you have some .38 Special +P Brass around it might be a good idea to use that Brass. I wouldn't use the ammo for anything important since you don't know how accurate it will be.

Let us know how it works out.

 

[WildeKurt]

Actually I usually use small pistol primers for the magnum loads anyway. Tried the magnum primers and noticed little difference.

I thought the 38 special and +P brass was the same except for the head stamp.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I read in Reloader Magazine that .38 Special +P Brass isn't exactly the same as non +P Brass. It's slightly heavier according to them.

I was only mentioning the +P Brass to be overly careful because in reality I don't think you get much of a pressure increase but there is some. I doubt you would be able to feel the difference because it's a pressure spike, not a bigger "kick." The reason for a Magnum primer is to reliable ignite slower pistol powders, some of which are harder to ignite than faster powders like W231.

 

[Clark]

270 Remington brass is SAAMI registered at an average peak of 65,000 psi, but it can't do it with manufacturing variations in ammo and variations in guns. The primers will fall out.

38 Special brass is SAAMI registered at 17,000 psi peak average and 18,500 psi peak average pressure for +P.

But any 38 special brass I have seen is much stronger than any .270 Win brass. I have never seen any antique balloon brass for 38's but it might be out there.

I have taken handloads to the limit to see what happens in:
.223, .243,25acp, .243Win, 257 Roberts AI, , 270, 32acp, 32sw, 32S&WLong, 32-20, 30 Mauser, 7.62x25mm, .308, 30-06, 7.62x39mm,
7.62x54R, 8x57mm, .380, 9x19mm, 9x23mm, 357 Sig, 38special, 357 mag, 38sw, 40sw, 10mm, 10.4mm, 45acp, 45Colt, .410, and 45/70.

Generally, a small pistol magnum primer replacing a small pistol primer adds the equivalent of 1.1 gr of pistol powder in peak pressure.

It does not add the equivalent of 1.1 gr of pistol powder in velocity. It adds much less than that. So I do not switch out to magnum small pistol primers unless I need them for their added thickness.

I have blown (3) 38 specials into pieces and really damaged another (2).
The term "work up" does not mean as much in 38 special. One can still split the cylinder and break the top strap in a "Work up" before the brass gets too sticky to pull out with some revolvers and some loads.

This means that if the gun is not stronger than the brass, you have to stick with published loads.


What does it all mean?
If you want to load small magnum primers in a 38 special, any 38 special brass is good enough. Use 1.1 gr less powder than your standard load.
If you are using a 357 magnum, then look for the sticky brass that does not want to come out as the real limit. The max pressure for 357 mag was reduced when thinner wall revolvers came out that stretched out the brass into stickiness too easily. The 357 mag brass has a thicker case head for less volume but longer length that crimps into the canalure for very slightly more powder volume than the 38 special brass.

 

[ReloaderFred]

Just as a note, I have several balloon head .38 cases on my bench. I've also got several of the old .38's that took the large pistol primer. They're still out there.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[WildeKurt]

Clark,

Thanks for the info. I think I'll give it a try with one of my already light 38 special loads I worked up for my wife and see how accurate they are.

 

[The Bushmaster]

There isn't any difference in +P and standard brass except the head stamp...Break out your caliper and do the math...

 

[kansas45]

I have a question..............what the heck difference is there between a regular primer & a magnum primer anyway?

 

[ReloaderFred]

The magnum primer burns a little hotter and for an instant longer. They are intended for large amounts of hard to ignite slow powders. They also help to ignite powders in very cold temperatures.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[ArchAngelCD]

As a note to what ReloaderFred just said, powders like H110 and W296 REQUIRE a Magnum primer according to the manufacturer. Those 2 powders and a few others are notorious for needing a hotter primer to ignite reliable.