Question about Federal Magnum 200 in .38 Spcl

[JimGun]

I was able to get my hands on some Federal Small Magnum Pistol Primers No. 200. In looking at Hodgdon's Load data for .38 Special + P for 158 gr. HDY XTP I found a recipe calling for 4.7 gr. of Universal. If I use the Federal 200s are they too hot for this load? should I cut back on the powder? if so, how much? or does it make any difference. I will be shooting these loads from my Ruger LCR .38.

Thanks for any info.

 

[loadedround]

Jim:
The basic rule in reloading when you change a component is to reduce your your powder at leat 5% and work back up, but in your case I'd drop back to your starting load and work back up watching for the usual signs of pressure. I don't believe you will see any drastic change in your load using magnum primers but why take a chance.

 

[Ed Harris]

Caution about using the Federal 200 in revolvers, this is a heavy-cup primer. Some revolvers with bobbed hammers, lightened actions or after-market spring kits will not set them off. This is the primer used in Federal's .357 Magnum, .30 M1 Carbine and 9mm Luger +P+ LE ammunition.