Small pistol primers=small rifle primers?

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DynoDan1

DynoDan1

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Looking at the SAAMI website, the schematic for primers seems to indicate that SPP's and SRP's are one and the same. Is this correct?
I just bought my 1st AR15 and it looks like I'm gonna be shooting it A LOT!!!
First time out with it yesterday and I went through 300 rounds in a blink of an eye!!!
I think I better start gathering all the stuff I'll need to start reloading 5.56/.223.
I also bought a Kimber 1911 .45ACP and blasted a bunch of rounds with that, so include reloading .45's too!
I've been reloading for my bolt action .308's, .38spcl's/.357 mag/9mm for almost 3 years now so
I have a bunch of gear to reload those. I've been re-using/making my own LRP's with a modicum of success. I still have about 5000 SPP's so I'm hoping things come around by the time I've shot through them so I don't have to make my own SPP's. If what SAAMI shows is accurate then I'm good to go as far as SPP's go. If not, then I'll be spending my pension/401K on 5.56/.223 ammo I guess!!!
 
Nope not the same...SRPs have a thicker cup. There are many discussions on this on THR. You can usually use SRPs in place of SPPs in some pistol/revolver applications. However it is not advised to use SPPs in rifle or semi auto rounds such as ARs due to slam fires. YMMV
 
DynoDan1 said:
the schematic for primers seems to indicate that SPP's and SRP's are one and the same. Is this correct?
Click to expand...
It is not, they are merely the same size. With a couple of exceptions, small pistol primers should not be substituted for small rifle primers, especially in semi autos. They can't stand the amount of pressure that the thicker cupped small rifle primers can. Some small rifle primers are not even recommended for the AR-15 due to their softness/sensitivity.
 
I find it difficult to seat SRP’s reliably on the Dillon square deal press when I try to use them in pistol cartridges. The thicker case requires more leverage to seat them. If you aren’t careful they can end up sitting slightly proud. If I am ever to use them in that way I prime them separately on my single stage.
Just something to watch out for depending upon your priming tools/methods.
 
The only application I would use a spp in place of an srp is in 300 blackout subsonic. Pressure is everything and matters. A 300bo sub is in 357 mag territory and after testing the load I would be confident. The issue comes when your mind takes that next step to it worked in subs why not full power or 5.56 ammunition. Knowing the why in this hobby is critical to your safety..... be smart and make educated decisions.
 
DynoDan1 said:
Bummer. I thought since I have a bunch of SPP's I could delay the inevitable.
I've heard of something called "slam fires" and I think I understand it.
Definitely do not want to put my safety at risk or damage the rifle.
SRP's only then for my AR.:(
Click to expand...
Trades are all the rage right now and you might find a fellow like yourself wanting to trade. A lot of people bought what there was and not what they needed. That's exactly how I ended up with three pounds of accurate #9 vs just one to test with. Any powder is better than no powder unless its unusable....
 
You can use the CCI small pistol magnum primers for small rifle primers because the cup thickness is the same.
 
I don't mix primers,it isn't worth it.
I haven't been reloading for my AR. I do for my 223 Precision rifle but my current batch of supplies cost me .38 cents minus brass prep time. I have been getting loaded under .50 a round. My time is sometimes limited and loading numerous other things take most of that time. At some point I probably will. Brass is easy to come by,I can usually bring home 40 to 50 pieces each time I go to the range.
 
14 June 2009 Speer/CCI Technical Services was quoted as responding to an inquery: "Both the CCI 550 Small Pistol Magnum and CCI 400 Small Rifle primers are identical in size. Both primers use the same cup metal and share the same cup thickness. Both primers use the same primer compound formula and same amount of primer compound. They can be used interchangeably."

The CCI 500 Small Pistol primer cup is too thin for use in rifle cartridges.
Small pistol primers should not be used as a replacement for small rifle primers.
Small pistol primers should not be used as replacement for small pistol magnum primers.
I expect CCI 550 and 400 to be equivalent.
I suspect if CCI changes their specification they will change the primer numbers.

I have had experience with a compact striker fired 9mm pistol and a compact DAO hammer fired .380 pistol both of which had no problem firing ammo loaded with small pistol primer but both had fail to fire on first strike with small pistol magnum or small rifle primers.
 
From the earlier link:

Reloadron said:
doubtful I got my call back from CCI. They are always a pleasure to talk to and informative.

Question: Are CCI 400 small rifle and CCI 550 small pistol magnum the same primer? Same as in Brissiance, Cut Thickness and Cake Mix.

Answer: Absolutely Not! The mix is not even close between the two and even the anvils used are not the same. Interesting about the anvils because I would have guessed there were only two anvils, large and small. :) They were very specific with the "Absolutely". They went on with other differences but they got their point across.

Now for anyone who wishes to confirm what I just posted feel free to give them a call: 1-800-379-1732.
Click to expand...
 
Walkalong said:
Absolutely not with the Federal small mag primer
Click to expand...
This was exactly my consern. Cci makes the strongest hardest cup and is not comparable in any way to federal known to be the softest. Understanding what we say is also a problem. Cci is not federal even if they are both owned by vista
 
So what are you going to do with all those spm primers you don’t need?:)
A primer swap would be nice, but not practical with hazmat shipping issues.
 
wtf808 said:
age old adage.. just because you can, doesnt mean you should.
Click to expand...
It's an old WISE adage, and applies to way
more firearms related SOP's than just
primer selection and use.
Unfortunately, there's several points I've
made comments about around various
sites, and some get bent out of shape
so I've just about quit trying to say anything
about others bad ideas
Oh well. . .
 
Walkalong said:
Who’s going to email CCI and ask for the larest scoop?
Click to expand...
Well I have been there and done that. :) I doubt there reply would be any different than the last time. While some will argue that primer manufacturers are not true and written by liability attorneys I prefer to listen or read what the manufacturers have to say. Can small pistol and small rifle primers be interchanged? Short of sometimes and getting into various cartridges and pressures and powders the simple short to the point answer is no. It's just not a good practice. The old Speer #12 reloading manual went so far as to distinguish between the use of a small rifle primer like the CCI 400 and a small rifle magnum primer like the CCI 450. The selection was based on the powder used in loading 223 Remington or 5.56 NATO. The CCI #41 was not yet on the market yet. The CCI #41 is actually a magnum primer with the anvil angle changed in addition to the thicker cup making for a less sensitive primer tailored for rifles with a free floating firing pin.

Ron
 
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