Rifle primers in handguns??

[Encoreman]

Hi, I'm having difficulty finding Federal small pistol primers, can I use small rifle primers instead? If I do, does anybody know if the pressure or velocity will increase? Should I reduce my current load and try some. Any info is appreciated. Thanks Mac

 

[Walkalong]

can I use small rifle primers instead?

Yes, if you must. They will up pressure and velocity a tad. You must work your load back up. Also, the cups are a bit tougher and could lead to misfires in some guns. They are routinely used in some high pressure, off the loading charts, loads in competition.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Maybe a better idea is to get some Winchester, Remington or CCI primers instead of taking the chance of the unknown. I know they are out there as I just got my shipment of Winchester SP primers the other day...Who knows...You might like them even better, if you can tell the difference.

 

[ReloaderFred]

I use small rifle primers in hot .38 Super, 9x23 Winchester and .400 Cor-Bon loads (in cases with small primer pockets). I worked up the loads with the small rifle primers, just like working up any other load.

Small pistol and small rifle primers are the same size, dimensionally, but differ in cup thickness and the amount of priming compound. Large pistol and large rifle primers are different sizes. The diameter is the same, but the length is different, with the large rifle primer pockets being deeper.

In your case, I would take The Bushmaster's advice and just try another brand of primer. As Walkalong noted, you'll also probably have light hammer strikes with small rifle primers, along with the need to work up your loads from the beginning.

If you use Federal primers because of reliable ignition, then my second choice would be Remington, then Winchester, and lastly, CCI, since sensitivity falls in that order.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Encoreman]

Thanks to all! Fred that was my next question, I thought that was the order, but was unsure. My 610 S&W wheelgun likes the Federals, you can unscrew the strain screw to get a lighter trigger, but it will only light about 50-60% of winchesters. I appreciate the knowledge and helpfullness in this sight. Mac

 

[sansone]

the primer cup is thicker on a rifle primer. sometimes a pistol won't strike the primer hard enough.

 

[ReloaderFred]

Encoreman,

I also have a S&W 610. If you just have the action smoothed up, you won't have to let off on the strain screw, which isn't a really good idea anyway. When the screw is backed off, and isn't set tight against the grip frame, it will continue to loosen. This isn't as important in a fun gun as it is in a duty gun. There are other tricks to a better trigger pull, but better left to a gunsmith to perform.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Sunray]

"...unscrew the strain screw to get a lighter trigger..." Yes, but having a proper trigger job done is better. Just changing the springs will help, but it's better to do a trigger job. All new firearms need one due to frivolous law suits.
"...My 610 S&W wheelgun likes the Federals..." Your load likes the Federals. The revolver likes the loads. However, if you change any one component, you'll have to work up the load again. And it's NOT a good idea to use small rifle primers in a handgun. The compound isn't the same.

 

[jmorris]

I use small rifle primers in my 9mm major loads never had a problem. Revolvers do like the softer federal primers. Instead of backing out the strain screw, order another from Brownells and shorten it the required amount (you might order two).

 

[BillMcCall]

Wrong Primers In A Handgun

You can use a stick of dynamite if you want to. Why don't you go get what's supposed to go there and stop looking for a shortcut. If you can't find your favorite try another brand, then stock up.

 

[Zak Smith]

Many, many, USPSA shooters use small rifle primers in their 40SW / 38Super / 9Major / 9x23 loads. A switch from a SP to SR primer will usually result in a small velocity increase and a reduction in S.D.