Primer Selection

[phattdaddy]

I am gearing up to start loading 38sp & 357 mag.
I've read many forums here...one in particular stated "use SPM primers with
H110 & W296.
Just because I am loading 357mag...Do I need SPM primers?
I've looked thru the reloading manuals and cannot locate any information re: when to use mag primers. I've also searched online for different powders.
Is there a chart/manual out there somewhere?
I know the experienced reloaders which may read this...that this is second nature to them. Just trying to do everythig correct and safe!

Thanks for your feedback.

pd

 

[Schwing]

The casing and bullet you are working up is not the determining factor as to using magnum or standard primers. The powder determines what primer you will use. When you are looking up your load data (If you don't have one or more books, I would get one), the recipe will specify whether to use magnum or standard primers.

That is a big reason I am a fan of alliant powder since none of their powder requires magnum primers.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The casing and bullet you are working up is not the determining factor as to using magnum or standard primers. The powder determines what primer you will use. When you are looking up your load data (If you don't have one or more books, I would get one), the recipe will specify whether to use magnum or standard primers.

That is a big reason I am a fan of alliant powder since none of their powder requires magnum primers.

Correct... You only need a magnum primer when using hard to ignite ball powders like HS-6, HS-7, W296/H110 and the like...

 

[Vol46]

I use regular small pistol primers with H110 for .357 & have not had a problem with FTF.

 

[Riomouse911]

Since even a small change may increase pressures beyond the safe range, I'd suggest that you don't deviate from the recipes you get from a reliable source. If the .357 or .38 recipe you are using calls for magnum primers, use magnum primers. If it calls for standard primers, use standard primers.

Deviation from the recipe is what causes handloaders kabooms!! and "Oh Sh!#s!" on the range.

be safe..

 

[BYJO4]

Loading manuals indicate when a magnum primer is to be used with a given powder. Just follow the load data in any manual.

 

[David E]

I use regular small pistol primers with H110 for .357 & have not had a problem with FTF.

Failure to fire wouldn't be the problem. Consistent ignition is.

It would be interesting to work up two sets of identical loads, one set with standard primers, the other with magnums.

Check and compare on a chronograph and accuracy.

 

[herkyguy]

i'm in the same boat as the OP. i'm new to reloading. funny how everyone will tell you to stick with the book, but then just as quickly you hear someone say they've shot standard primers with no problems. i managed to scrounge for some Win296 which apparently can do some weird stuff at low pressures.

bottom line is i held off from loading up my first .357 rounds until i receive the small pistol magnum primers i ordered. hornady calls for magnum primers and i'm just not comfortable deviating from what is published until i get a bit more experience.

supposedly, and i haven't seen this myself, almost all .357 loads used to be standard primers. some seem to argue that there really is no difference. i don't know enough to say. like i said, i'm sticking with my manual....

 

[Twiki357]

Following the book is always the best idea. But when I started reloading in the early 1960’s, my “Teacher” used small rifle primers in 357 with 2400 or 4227. I still use SRP today and also use Blue Dot and H-110. Never had a misfire. I’ve also used some small pistol primers with all of these powders and, quite frankly, can’t tell the difference.

 

[Vol46]

Failure to fire wouldn't be the problem. Consistent ignition is.

It would be interesting to work up two sets of identical loads, one set with standard primers, the other with magnums.

Check and compare on a chronograph and accuracy.

It is my most accurate .357 load. Actually, my most accurate handgun load. I have never taken the time to run it over my chrono because it shoots so well that I just don't feel the need to mess with it.
158 grain Speer Gold Dot HP, 15.5 gr. H110, Rem 1 1/2, Federal or Remington brass.

 

[gamestalker]

I've always relied on the published data for this. If the data indicates that a particular type primer was used, I use that primer type. Most, if not all the published data I've seen clearly indicates the type of primer that was used.

And yes, H110/296 requires a magnum primer to properly ignite. I've actually tried a standard primer with this powder, it produced some very inconsistent velocities, as well as dirty, sooty cases.

GS

 

[loose noose]

Again I agree with gamestalker, I've reloaded both .44Mag and 357Mag using H110, and WW 296 all ways using the magnum primer for accuracy while shooting Steel Silhouette and also the consistency. While experimenting with standard primers, I noted a lot of unburned powder, and a much dirtier firearm after completing my shooting. Further the velocity was all over the board according to my chronograph.

 

[GLOOB]

Remington specifically warns on the package to not use 1 1/2 primers in 357 magnum and 40SW. Just an FYI. I understand this is for potential primer cup thickness/piercing issues completely unrelated to ignition of specific powders.

 

[Comrade Mike]

I use small pistol primers for just about everything but the special case powders. Never a problem.

 

[32_d3gr33s]

I use small pistol primers for just about everything but the special case powders. Never a problem.

I'm the opposite. I use magnun for everything because that's all I could find when supply was short. I've worked all my loads up with them so I'm comfortable shooting 9mm, .38, and .357 with them. No need to change my loads until I run out of primers, which will be another couple years for me...

 

[ArchAngelCD]

So what some of you are saying is, in a .38 Special using Bullseye powder you use a SPP but when you change the name to .357 Magnum and again you use Bullseye you have to use a Magnum primer? I think not and I don't. Yes it's good to follow the data but you also have to use your head because blindly following load data can also be dangerous. What if there is an error in the book?

That's all I'm going to say in this thread because I know some will not be reasoned with.

 

[dragon813gt]

I love threads like this. Al they do is confuse new reloaders. To determine what primers to use with a particular powder call the powder manufacturer. Hodgdon will tell you to use SPM w/ H110/W296. I don't trust any load data that's posted on the internet. Unless it was someone posting the loads out of a published manual.

H110/W296 is known to have erratic ignition and pressure spikes. I prefer to keep my fingers and eyes and will use the correct primer type.

 

[gamestalker]

All I'm saying is load according to published data. If you can't find good reliable published data, you might not be searching hard enough. I can pick up anyone of my numerous books and locate the type of primer that was used with a given powder. Maybe SPP can be used with powders that are recommended in published data as SPM, that is until some unexplained event happens, 10, 100, or thousands of rounds later. So I feel it's best to guide others in the direction of following published data, rather than simply saying "well it worked for me".

If in doubt, call the powder manufacturer, certainly they'll be able to accurately advise.

GS

 

[Swampman]

USE MAGNUM PRIMERS WITH H110/W296!
That is all...

 

[USSR]

Like a previous poster, I use small rifle primers when using relatively hard to ignite powders. I refuse to use H110/W296 due to it's inflexibility, but instead use powders like HS-6 and IMR4227 which benefit from the slightly hotter spark provided by the SRP's.

Don