Non-magnum primers in .357?

[TheotherMikeG]

I'm branching out from loading .45acp to .38 and .357 and am running into a small contradiction. The Lyman manual calls for a magnum primer and Modern Reloading by Lee calls for a small pistol primer. Can I use both?

 

[brasskeeper]

I have always used Standard small pistol primers.

 

[zxcvbob]

Use either magnum pistol primers or small rifle primers with H-110 or W296 powders. Standard primers are usually better with other powders

(Too hot a primer gives you higher pressures without a corresponding increase in velocity. Too weak a primer can cause hangfires or misfires when using hard-to-ignite powders)

 

[Sunray]

Magnum primers are only required for hard to ignite powders and extreme cold weather shooting. They burn a bit hotter for a bit longer than regular primers. The calibre being loaded doesn't matter. You'll likely find you're looking at two different powders. Otherwise, regular small pistol primers will do nicely.

 

[nitesite]

So far I have never used magnum small pistol primers for my .357 Mag loads. Two reasons are behind this decision.

1) I select propellants that are more easily ignited, yet they still give me the velocity I seek plus good accuracy.

2) I do not live in an extremely cold region of the country. Rarely does my ammo get below 30° F and it's usually a lot warmer than that.

Only the propellants mentioned above are said to require the use of magnum primers at all times.

 

[nitesite]

double post

 

[TheotherMikeG]

Thank you all for the replies. I'm going to Simmons for some WSP's tomorrow.

 

[nitesite]

Be sure to look up Ala Dan while you're there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[XD-40 Shooter]

When using 296 or similair powders, use magnum primers! I loaded some rounds with 296 and standard primers, just to see what the difference was. With standard primers, I dropped 100 fps.

My favorite load = 158 grain Remington JSP or Nosler JHP and 16.6 grains of 296, magnum primer = 1300 fps from my 4" Tracker on the chrono. This load is a good thumper.

 

[jhansman]

Like XD-40 said, always use magnum primers with W296. I only use that powder for full house zombie-killer loads, but for everyday plinking Titegroup is a great choice. Doesn't take much, less expensive than others, not 'position sensitive' in the case, and verrrrry accurate. Oh, and you can use a standard primer!

 

[nitesite]

Originally posted by jhansman
for everyday plinking Titegroup is a great choice. Doesn't take much, less expensive than others, not 'position sensitive' in the case, and verrrrry accurate.

Yeppers. A really easy shooting and accurate 900-fps .357 load is 4.5-gr Titegroup with a 158-gr LSWC.

Beautiful little load with low recoil and it still provides enough of a thump to beat any .38 +P 158-gr factory load.

 

[zxcvbob]

I use "Promo" powder for .38 Special, .45 Colt, and 9mm. $75 for 8 pounds, and it works great. I haven't tried it in .357 magnum yet because I'm haven't been loading .357's very long, so the novelty hasn't worn off of the zombie-stompers. But 5.5 to 6 grains of Red Dot or Promo with a 158 grain cast bullet ought to be a good medium-powered load.

Herco is a good powder for full-powered cast bullet loads; especially with heavy bullets.

5.7 grains of Bullseye with 148 grain DEWC's looks intriguing. 1475 fps, and ought to hit like a sledgehammer.

 

[Sgt.Dusk]

I've never used magnum primers even when there was -39C degrees outside.
At least vihtavuori-N320 and N340 burns in cold temperatures and I believe most of the fast burning powders do as well.