Rifle and pistol primers

Stupid question. Been hand loading for 30yrs and never thought about it. What's the difference between small rifle and small pistol primers ?

 

I believe the metal used in SRP is a little thicker to withstand the higher pressures of rifle loads.

 

This has been discussed a lot recently, with primers so hard to find. SPP and SRP are the same dimensions, from everything I've read. SRP may have a harder cup, which means some striker fired pistols may not hit it hard enough, resulting in inconsistent ignition. On the other hand, SPP might not be the best idea for rifles that may be prone to slam fires, such as the AR-15.

 

I’m new to small rifle primers but when I bought a bunch not long ago the guy recommended 450 over 400’s due to harder cups being used in an AR.
Til then I never knew the difference. Using TAC
I started low and worked my way up.

 

This was on my mind too for using on 40 s+w loads shot out of a glock 23. If they could be used. I have SRP's and SPP, but the SPP are for my 9mm loads only.(rem 1 1/2). following...

 

I've got 2000 SRP only 200 SPP

 

I have federal 205 and Winchester SRP's. Got them to use for 300 blackout loads. But maybe not now. Pewrhaps I can use them on 40 S+W then... or buy a another gun that would use them...

 

Interesting is says interchangeable with MAGNUM pistol primers.

 

I sent Federal a email asking about SRP and SRP's

 

Same here. My 38/357 doesn't seem to mind. I worked up my load, and use 3.5gr of w231 under a 158 lswc. Velocity averages 750 out of my SAA, with either srp or spp. I can't discern any difference, honestly. As long as you keep your loads below max I'd think you'd be fine.

Mac

 

This is all great to hear. I knew THR group would have practical experience.

 

I have a lot more SRP's than SPP's so I wanted to see which of the rifle primers would work in my M&P compact 9mm and Shield 9mm.

I made up some test loads and found that in those guns both Federal small rifle match primers and CCI #400 small rifle primers worked 100% of the time.

However CCI #41 small rifle primers only fired about 50% of the time in either gun, but they do fire 100% in my AR so they will be reserved of that usage.

I think the only way to find out what works in your guns is to test them. If a small rifle primer doesn't work in a pistol round the worse that can happen is that it won't fire. In that case I take the round apart, recycle the bullet and powder, and then reuse the primer in a .223 round.

 

IGNORE Note 1 on that image. CCI 550 and CCI 400 are NOT THE SAME. (This is why forums are not the place to go for factual information.)

See these resources:

https://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6811870#post6811870

See posts number 7 and 14.


And see the updated ar15 post here;

https://www.ar15.com/forums/Armory/...Tech-About-SPM-vs-SR-Primers-Today/42-282516/

 

????

 

Should say SPP and SRP

Good catch

 

This was posted on another thread.


I primed some empty cases with CCI, REM and WIN primers today and tested in 3 guns. All ignited all brands.

 

I use Winchester WSR primers in my Valkyrie gas gun with no problems.

 

My S&W 380 Bodyguard light strikes standard CCI #500 SPP. I use Winchester or Remington SPP to get 100% operation (haven't tested Federal yet). SRP in that is not an option.
Small Rifle Primers need a little harder strike to fire. If you substitute, make up a small quantity of test loads and try them out first. It would stink to find out after making a bunch that your pistol doesn't like them.

 

Good dope there. My experience with CCI is very good. When a question arises just send them an email and within a few days they get back to you. I would imagine other manufacturers are the same. While THR is a good source of information and help sometimes you really want current dope from the guys making a product like primers or powder. CCI calls it Ask the Experts.

Ron

 

Here is a link to a "Primer" on primers! It is lengthy and comprehensive.

https://www.sksboards.com/smf/index...6fb6135clb3k4&topic=56422.msg646510#msg646510

I have tested SPM primers in 9mm with medium burn rate powders. I measured about 25 FPS velocity increase with no changes in POI or over pressure signs. The magnum primers provide a longer brisance or "spark" that facilitates igniting slower powders.

For testing purposes reduce load by .2 or more if using mid burn rate powders!

USPSA Open Class shooters looking for Major Power Factor will regularily use SR primers in some cartridges at maxed out SAAMI pressures to prevent primer blow out!.

I can only recommend using components found in reloading manuals!

Smiles,