Primer for Accurate Arms #9

[andrechuk]

I'm just getting into reloading for my GP100 .357 revolver. I picked up some Accurate Arms #5 and #9 powder, Winchester small pistol primers, and Winchester 158 gr JHPs. (and a Lee Classic Turret Kit, etc, etc.).

It's clear from the reloading data I've looked from AA that I can use either magnum or non-magnum small pistol primers for #5. But what is not clear to me is if I can use my non-mag primers for #9, or should I stick with the magnum primers when working up loads using the #9 powder.

Any clarification would be appreciated (I emailed AA but haven't heard back from them).

Thanks.

EDIT: Just checked my email, and what do you know? Got a reply from AA...using the non-magnum primers would be "fine".

 

[Walkalong]

I use Winchester WLP primers with both AA #5 & AA #9. Winchester claims they are good for standard or magnum loads. They work fine.

Welcome to THR.

 

[andrechuk]

Thanks for the info and the welcome.

My primary concern in using the small pistol primer with the slower burning #9, in magnum loads, is getting a squib, barrel obstruction, and wrecking my revolver (and myself!).

I ordered several thousand small pistol primers, and will be loading .38 special loads in .357 brass to start with. For magnum loads, I'll just have do the safe thing and order the large or the magnum primers. I'd probably wind up poking a go/no-go stick down the end of the barrel after every shot, otherwise!

 

[chunk]

you don't need magnum primers with AA#9

 

[DWARREN123]

I reload 357 mag and have seen no problems using small pistol primers for all loads and no real improvement using mag primers.

 

[Linear Thinker]

I use #9 in 357 and 44Mag, with regular primers. You don't need magnum primers with #9 - it's easy to ignite. Some powders where you do need them for maximum consistency with heavy loads: 2400, H110, W296.
LT

 

[joneb]

I use Mostly use WSP and CCI 500 with AA#9 for .357 mag. I have not tried mag. primers yet but it is on the to do list, I will reduce my current loads by 10% and work from that, I've been wondering if I can find a more accurate load with the mag. primers ?

 

[Lennyjoe]

I'm using WLP with my AA#9 .44 mag loads. Also used them with 200gr 10MM loads.

Used to pay $16.50 per 1,000 primers at the local gun show last year. This year they're up to $22 per 1,000.

 

[Steve C]

AA#9 will work fine with either magnum or standard primers. Winchester small pistols primers are a bit warmer than most and their WSPM magnum primers are probably the hottest you can buy in small pistol.

Winchester WLP (large pistol primers) are labeled for "for use with standard or magnum loads" and IMO are essentially a magnum primer.

Regardless of what primer you use its still necessary to work your loads up. In my experience pressure signs will often appear at lower charge weights indicating higher pressures with magnum primers than with standard.

 

[joneb]

I am thinking of trying small rifle primers with AA#9 for .357 mag, any advise will be appreciated. thanks jj

 

[Steve C]

I am thinking of trying small rifle primers with AA#9 for .357 mag, any advise will be appreciated. thanks jj

Reduce 20% to start rather than 10 as rifle primers are a lot hotter than pistol. You may get miss fires in handguns as rifle primers have a thicker cup for the higher rifle pressures and require a harder hit to set them off. Don't count on seeing pressure signs in the primer for the same reason.

 

[joneb]

Thanks Steve,
My Colt Trooper punches primers pretty hard. I'm guessin small rifle primers are somewhere between small pistol and small pistol magnum in power

 

[Steve C]

Small rifle primers are as hot or hotter than magnum pistol primers. I have a box of Federal primers that are marked as magnum pistol or small rifle. They also make a small rifle specific primer so I'd guess they're likely hotter.