Magnum primers ?

[test drive]

I have been reloading .38 with universal powder and cci 500 primers with good results.
Now I would like to load some .357 with same powder with 125grn bullets.
Can I use same primer or do I need to get magnum primers. I have a lot of the cci primers so I’d like to use them.

 

[243winxb]

From CCI - CCI 500 "For most handgun cartridges requiring a small pistol primer." https://www.cci-ammunition.com/products/primers/primer_chart.htm

 

[Kp321]

Universal is not hard to ignite, go with the standard primers. No need for magnum until you go to heavy loads of 296, 2400, Blue Dot, or similar slow burners.

 

[Walkalong]

Yep, no need for magnum primers. The powder used determines if you need mag primers, not the caliber per say.

 

[Charlie98]

The powder used determines if you need mag primers, not the caliber per se.

This. I really wish they would have called 'magnum primers' something else... it would eliminate a lot of confusion.

 

[mdi]

Only confusion is for new/newer reloaders that don't know better. Magnum primers do have their place and can be used with fast powders too, many experimented and found some loads produced better accuracy/consistency...

But Universal does not "need" magnum primers...

 

[alfsauve]

Magnum SPP have two properties of interest to those loading on the higher end of the pressure scale. One is they burn/ignite hotter. Some powders, e.g. 296, H110, etc. need, nay, even require this. The other property is a tougher cup. Needed to prevent the cup from flowing back in to the firing pin hole at the extreme high end of the pressure spectrum.

As others have said, mid-range powders typically neither require these for ignition nor do they create pressures high enough to be of concern.

 

[Charlie98]

Only confusion is for new/newer reloaders that don't know better. Magnum primers do have their place and can be used with fast powders too, many experimented and found some loads produced better accuracy/consistency...

But Universal does not "need" magnum primers...

Oh, I got it... but I can't count how many posts I've read over the years of people using magnum primers in Magnum cartridges just because they thought they were supposed to because of the name. I shoot a BUNCH of .41 Magnum... but I'll bet I've used less than a tray or two of magnum primers in the last 2000 rounds, those for H110 specifically.

 

[gojones]

Universal is not hard to ignite, go with the standard primers. No need for magnum until you go to heavy loads of 296, 2400, Blue Dot, or similar slow burners.

I believe Alliant doesn't recommend them for 2400 either.

 

[Toprudder]

I believe Alliant doesn't recommend them for 2400 either.

Exactly. I've read that you will reach max pressure quicker, at a lower velocity, when using magnum primers with 2400.

The hottest load that I have for my 357 magnum rifle uses 300-MP, and Alliant shows a regular small pistol primer in their load data.

 

[.308 Norma]

This. I really wish they would have called 'magnum primers' something else... it would eliminate a lot of confusion.

Well yeah, but where's the fun in that? If the word "magnum" wasn't around, we wouldn't have as much to talk about here on THR.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Yep, no need for magnum primers. The powder used determines if you need mag primers, not the caliber per say.

I agree, it's the powder that dictates using a magnum primer or not.

 

[alfsauve]

This. I really wish they would have called 'magnum primers' something else... it would eliminate a lot of confusion.

How about +P primers?

 

[243winxb]

Primer test , pressure readings, with Alliant 2400 and 6 different primers in 357 Magnum. http://castboolits.gunloads.com/sho...00-in-the-357-Magnum-with-6-different-primers

I use mag primers in 357 and 38 spec. . Powders used, Bullseye, Unique, 2400, 296, H110, HS6.

 

[Charlie98]

How about +P primers?

Well... that would be closer to the concept than 'magnum.'