Primer question??

[Parman]

I'm in the process of reloading my first batch of 38 and 357 Mag Rounds. I plan to load 12 of each round to test at the range prior to reloading more.

I'm planning on using Hornady XTP 158 gr bullets with IMR 800X powder and CCI 500 primers for both rounds.

My question is will I be ok using the CCI 500 sm pistol primers for the 357 rounds or doI need to buy magnum primers?

Thanks,
Don

 

[Warp]

What primer does the load data you are referencing indicate? And what is the source of that data?

Edit: The Hornady 9th edition doesn't list 800x with 158gr XTP (FP or HP) in .357 mag

 

[GunDog44]

Parman,

Typically the reloading manual will dictate which primer to use, however the Hornady 9th edition makes no mention of using magnum primers.

I do not load for the 357 so I will defer to someone who does,

Regards

 

[Parman]

Warp,

I'm using Modern reloading by Richard Lee and I'm also looking at IMR Load data. The problem is there is not much reference primer use.

 

[savanahsdad]

I load lots of 357mag , I don't use that powder though , most of my loads use a standard primer , I only use mag primers for hard to light stuff like W296/H-110 , I think H-6 is another one that needs a mag primer , but I can't remember using that in a 357mag , for 2400, bulleyes , universal, Autocomp, and Unique I use standard primers , as other have said check your data

 

[savanahsdad]

Warp,

I'm using Modern reloading by Richard Lee and I'm also looking at IMR Load data. The problem is there is not much reference primer use.

it will be at the front of the chapter for 357mag and 38spl ,

note: if it is good for the 38's then it will work for the 357mag

Speer says CCI 500 with that powder and Nosler says CCI 550 , so you could go either way



.

 

[Parman]

Savanahsdad,

Thanks for the information. Everything I could find said Sm Pistol primers unless specified otherwise.

I just loaded 12 of the 357 Mag with 8 gr IMR 800X, 158 Gr Hornady XTP, and CCI 500 primers.

I also used the same for 38 Special with 5.2 gr of IMR 800X.

I'll see how they work when I go to the range tomorrow.
I'm going to have to invest in a couple of other manuals to cross reference.

 

[gamestalker]

All the data I see indicates magnum primers were used, Hornady, Nosler, and Sierra. Speer data designates whether a magnum or standard primer is used with specific powders / loads. However, Speer doesn't have anything with 800X.

Nosler has 800X data with a 158 gr. jacketed, they're loads are all running Win. SPM. I didn't see any other .357 mag. 800X loads, might not be an optimal powder for a jacketed load?

GS

 

[redneck2]

My belief is that you generally need magnum primers for slower burning powders, which tend to be harder to light. 800x would most likely fall into that category. I suspect powders in the burn range of Unique and faster can get by with regular primers

I get Winchester which works for both regular and magnum loads

 

[Walkalong]

You should be fine with the standard primers. Not many pistol powders require mag primers. 800X is a medium speed pistol powder.

 

[redneck2]

I just looked at a burn rate chart. 800x is somewhat faster than AA5, which would use regular primers, so I'd think they would be OK

 

[epoletna]

Suggestion: Load 50 of each, not 12. You'll barely close the car door at the range before it's time to go home if you only have 24 loaded rounds. And now that you're getting into this reloading stuff you'll figure out out that one of the reasons you're doing so is so you can shoot a LOT more.

 

[savanahsdad]

All the data I see indicates magnum primers were used, Hornady, Nosler, and Sierra. Speer data designates whether a magnum or standard primer is used with specific powders / loads. However, Speer doesn't have anything with 800X.

Nosler has 800X data with a 158 gr. jacketed, they're loads are all running Win. SPM. I didn't see any other .357 mag. 800X loads, might not be an optimal powder for a jacketed load?

GS

Speer #11 Rifle data shows 800-X with 158 cast SWC with CCI 500
and from 110gr to 140gr jacketed HP and SP all call for CCI 500

Lee list CCI 500 with 800-x pushing a 148 Wad Cutter

all the 38spl loads I can find using 800-X are using WSP (standard Primers)

 

[gamestalker]

Ain't nothing gonna blow up if you use either one, so just load em up and see how they do with both, just don't try to put 2 in the same primer pocket, they won't fit. But seriously, you might find that one produces a more consistent burn or ignition, accuracy, or velocity than the other.

Then the other option is to just use the Win. SPP for both standard and magnum loads. I've used them a few times for both standard and magnum loads, they're good.

Savanahsdad, not that I'm doubting your reference to Speer #11 data, but I looked through my "2000" year "One Book, One Caliber" for .357 mag., which is supposed to be copied from the Speer #11, but I still don't see any 800 X data? My guess, is the "One Book, One Caliber" doesn't always have the most current data. This isn't the first time I've encountered conflicting data in these $8 reprints though. Anyway, I'm getting off topic here, so load em, and enjoy, you'll be fine.

GS

 

[murf]

the speer number 11 manual shows a non-magnum primer for all 800-x loads, rifle or pistol (regardless of bullet weight or construction) for the 357 magnum.

murf

 

[Reloadron]

My question is will I be ok using the CCI 500 sm pistol primers for the 357 rounds or doI need to buy magnum primers?

My answer is yes, CCI 500 primers will be fine as 800X is not a hard to ignite powder and does not require a Magnum type primer.

On a side note I also did look at the 38 Spl and 357 Magnum loadings in an older Speer #11 Manual. Alas, on pages 399 & 400 for 38 Special loadings 700X does indeed show up and it does not require a magnum primer unlike powders like 2400, 296 and H110 to name a few which do require the use of a magnum type primer. It's all about the powder as the word magnum in describing a cartridge means nothing as to the type primer used.

Just My Take
Ron

 

[savanahsdad]

Gamestalker: I got that data from loaddata.com (I'm a member) I put in 357 mag and 800-X and hit search, it gave me all the 800-X loads and nothing else , I did not find the OP's load , it seem the 800-X is used in lighter bullets and cast more often , there was a lot of data from Handloader and Rifle Magazine too , going back to issue 106, but I only listed Speer and the Lee stuff , I too have many of those 1 cal books great to have but I'm on the road right now ,