Rifle and pistol primers
- Thread starter ford8nr
- Start date
- Status
WeekendReloader
Member
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.
AR. Hillbilly
Member
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.
Til then I never knew the difference. Using TAC
I started low and worked my way up.
Last edited:
AJC1
Member
MFInc
Member
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2020
- Messages
- 246
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.
Obturation
Member
Don't do what I do. You're responsible for your own choice to use incorrect or unspecified components .
I use srp for pistol cartridges , I've never had anything bad happen. Lately I've been using srpm because my srp supply is gone. It's been fine but I don't reload any cartridges that would ever be chambered for a striker fired firearm, that could make a difference.
I only do it because it simplifies life and I have worked up all the loads. Heck , I was using cci #41 primers for a couple revolvers for a while- that worked fine too.
I use srp for pistol cartridges , I've never had anything bad happen. Lately I've been using srpm because my srp supply is gone. It's been fine but I don't reload any cartridges that would ever be chambered for a striker fired firearm, that could make a difference.
I only do it because it simplifies life and I have worked up all the loads. Heck , I was using cci #41 primers for a couple revolvers for a while- that worked fine too.
MacAR
Member
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
Obturation
Member
I started doing it because I use srm for 454 casull as specified but I ran out of spm for some 357 loads with h110 so I used the #41s I had been using for the 454. No significant difference in velocity or poi . #41 is one of the hardest to light off primers, none of my guns cared. Worked fine
mmb617
Member
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.
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.
fxvr5
Member
- Joined
- May 26, 2017
- Messages
- 3,284
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/
fxvr5
Member
- Joined
- May 26, 2017
- Messages
- 3,284
????
WeekendReloader
Member
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.
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.
Reloadron
Contributing Member
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
JJFitch
Member
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,
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,
- Status
