Small pistol magnum primers in a 9MM?

[Clark]

CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The High Road, nor the staff of THR assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.

I have worked up 9mm to the threshold of case failure, and that takes an extra 4.5 to 6 grains of powder.
If I work up with a magnum primer, the threshold of failure is ~ .7 gr less.
The magnum primer raises the pressure like .7 gr of powder, but does not raise the velocity like .7 gr.
The threshold of intolerable recoil is 2 to 4 extra grains of powder.
The practical limit of 9mm is the recoil, not the pressure.

The magnum primers have a thicker cup, and take a little harder strike to set off, but most any 9mm is up to it.

What does it all mean?
Using magnum primers in 9mm will not do you any good, and likely cause no harm, and you will likely not notice a difference.

 

[d'Artagnan]

Yes, you'all really should get out and do some tests. I don't waste your time with speculation and conjecture. I actually do tests. I communicate cold, hard facts. My experience is that a 1/6th reduction in load was needed to remain at the same muzzle velocity with the only difference being Winchester small pistol magnum primers vice Winchester small pistol standard primers. Please post your test results so we can all share in that knowledge.

 

[rori]

When to Obama induced component shortage reared its ugly head I ran out of standard primers for everything!!!!! Had several thousand magnum primers so I switched to those and reduced my loads just a scoch. Works fine and I didn't see any difference in accuracy or pressure signs. FRJ

 

[Walkalong]

Please post your test results so we can all share in that knowledge.

What bullet type? What powder? What barrel length? Wanna get it right.

I do not have any small pistol magnum primers, but I can do it with small rifle primers vs small pistol primers. I suggest someone else does it as well.

I'll betcha a cold drink 4.8 and a small rifle primer vs 5.8 and a small pistol primer will give significantly different velocities.

 

[d'Artagnan]

Winchester brass, primers, Rem 115gr JHP, and Unique powder

. Overall length 1.125", Browning High-Power.

 

[Damon555]

I'd like a reference as to what the actual difference is between standard and magnum primers. Does the primer actually produce a stronger ignition pulse or is the cup material just stronger? All I've ever gotten is internet hearsay....never any real facts.

If there really is a difference why not just use magnum primers for every load and not worry about keeping both types on hand? In the end all they do is ignite the powder charge anyway.

 

[BeerSleeper]

Judging from reported observations of swapping from one to the other, I think it is reasonable to say magnum primers have different ignition characteristics.

 

[Walkalong]

I'd like a reference as to what the actual difference is between standard and magnum primers. Does the primer actually produce a stronger ignition pulse or is the cup material just stronger?

They have more priming compound, or perhaps even a different composition, but either way, they are stronger with more "fire" to help ignite larger amounts of powder or harder to ignite powders.

 

[Damon555]

They have more priming compound, or perhaps even a different composition, but either way, they are stronger with more "fire" to help ignite larger amounts of powder or harder to ignite powders.

Walkalong can you direct me to your source? I'm really interested in reading the manufacturers data about the differing characteristics.

I have no doubts that there is a difference......I'm just curious as to how they work.

 

[Walkalong]

I have no source, other than books/articles I have read over the years. Going from memory.

Google etc may find something.

 

[RandyP]

Per CCI their magnum primers burn hotter and longer than their standard primers -

http://www.cci-ammunition.com/products/primers/primers.aspx?id=29

I am more than willing to take their word for it without them furnishing any test results.

 

[Damon555]

Per CCI their magnum primers burn hotter and longer than their standard primers -

http://www.cci-ammunition.com/products/primers/primers.aspx?id=29

I am more than willing to take their word for it without them furnishing any test results.

Thanks RandyP....That's exactly what I was looking for.