magnum primers for non-magnum loads

[nooooobie]

I can't find large rifle primers right now. I am using H380 powder, 168gr. berger bullets. I can get magnum primers, but don't want to destroy my Rem 70 or my happy visage. If I go with a minimum charge of powder, am I going to blow myself up using magnum primers?

 

[jwrowland77]

Just start low and work up and you'll be good.

I'm going to be using a LRP magnum in my .308, mainly because I shoot a lot
of 7mm RM and don't want two different types of LRP in my stash. I'll be starting low and working up.

 

[jwrowland77]

In addition, only difference between LRP and LRPM is the magnum primer burns hotter, longer.

Start low and work up. Easy peasy.

 

[merrill]

Ive been using LRM primers in my .270 Winchester and no problems, but I use pretty hot loads. 130 gr. bullet over 60 gr. Supreme 780.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

, am I going to blow myself up using magnum primers?

A magnum primer will burn slightly longer and slightly hotter than a standard primer. They will not create a nuclear explosion!

Don't feel bad, the marketing weenies have made people believe magnums are super hot and anything +P will blow up anything but the strongest guns. Neither are true, load up those magnum primers and go shooting. Like when you change any other component, drop back some and work back up. I'm guessing you will fine with a magnum primer you will probably use a few grains less powder to achieve the same velocities as when you use a standard primer.

 

[Grumulkin]

I have frequently, in the quest to find a better load, tried magnum primers in various rifle loads. In cartridges the size of a 308 Winchester and larger, I've never found the need to change the powder charge at all when using magnum primers.

Once I even tried large rifle magnum primers in 44 Magnum cartridges to light H110. In that instance I had to reduce the powder charge by 1.5 grains.

 

[jmr40]

It is commonly done and many report better accuracy with magnum primers. I actually started with magnum primers and switched to WLR primers with the same loads. Velocity dropped by less than 25 fps with my 308 and 30-06 loads and I noted no difference in accuracy. I did not change my loads at all when changing to standard primers. It might be a good idea to reduce your loads a little if you are right at a max load now.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I can get magnum primers, but don't want to destroy my Rem 70 or my happy visage. If I go with a minimum charge of powder, am I going to blow myself up using magnum primers?

No worries friend. It's already been said, but the key is to not start high. They give you minimum and maximum for a reason. Start at the minimum and work your way up, looking for pressure signs along the way. Find the most accurate load for your rifle that's within the alloted limits and have fun.

This is the way you should do it whether you're shooting standard or magnum primers.