OK to use small rifle magnum primers for .223?

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Lucky Strike

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I've been building up my component "stockpile" by buying one thing each week (either a case of primers or a LB of powder). I know it's probably not the cheapest way to buy (as opposed to a bulk purchase online) but the $20-30 per week doesn't bother my wife so this method works for me.

I've got 3 stores i go to on various days (the days they get shipments) on my way home from work. Small rifle primers are usually on the top of the list for must buy if i find them in stock but like you all know they seem to be the hardest to find. Yesterday i found a case of CCI small rifle magnum primers and bought them not knowing if it'll work for me.

I'll be using H335 and .55gr FMJ bullets.....are the magnum primers safe if i use a light load? Will they shorten case life?
 
Check your loading manual and it will probably call for them.

Magnum primers are called for with any spherical or ball type powder, of which H-335 is one.

rc
 
i see it done allot, and have done it myself once in a while, more so w/ large primers.
 
Basically any starting load is ok with magnum primers, the key is to work up the load from the suggested starting loads listed in the manuals or online and develop them from there.

As rcmodel mentioned, magnum primers are most used with ball powders as they are a little harder to reliably ignite, but are safe to use with any powder under proper conditions.

NCsmitty
 
Mag Primers are a little harder and do burn hotter... They are also used alot where temperatures will be in the sub zero range. As always when you change any component back down 10% and work your way back up in .5 grain increments and you will be fine with them.
 
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