Small pistol primers.

[Rule3]

Just so every one knows, I'm not looking for the best primer. It's just that I'm getting ready to load up some 38 + P ammo and was worried about maybe one or more of those primers causing pressure problems. I will be loading very close to the max and those are the primers are the ones I have on hand.

What powder you use will make more of a difference than what primer. You are better off (safer) with a slower powders than a fast one.
There is not much difference in pressure between a regular 38 special and a 38 +P (SAAMI specs) most load data is just the max of regular 38 data and a tad over makes it a +P. Heck Hodgdon doesn't use a mag primer for +p. So whatever primer you use is not going to push the "envelope"

Regular 38 is around 170 psi., +P is 200 psi.

I am not saying to do this, but 38 special can be loaded to near 357 mag with a powder reduction of at least 10-20%in new good condition brass.
(but heck good old Brian Pierce thinks it's OK.


https://saami.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Z299-3_ANSI-SAAMI_CFPandR.pdf#page=10

 

[ATLDave]

Just so every one knows, I'm not looking for the best primer. It's just that I'm getting ready to load up some 38 + P ammo

For what gun?

 

[Jack B.]

For what gun?

LCR 38+P

 

[Blue68f100]

If you look closely at the load data you will find std pressure rounds that have a higher velocity than the +P loads. Makes it easier on the brass and you.

 

[Eddietruett]

I try to use Federal primer all the time with .38/.357 since I have several revolvers that have such light springs that I get fails using anything else. Winchester seem to be just about as easy to ignite as Federal. About a year ago, I ordered 10k from Natchez If I remember correctly When ordering, I clicked on the wrong button and ordered Small Pistol Magnum instead of Small Pistol. When I realized my error, I decided to do some testing. I saw very little difference in velocity and no noticeable change in pressure, so I load everything with Small Pistol Magnum now since they are usually easier to find than standard Small Pistol. The .38 loads I use which would be considered +P are not loaded at top of the chart anyway and these are shot mostly in .357 Magnum revolvers, so no worry there either. There are certain powders with HS-6 immediately coming to mind that perform much better using a magnum primer even in mid range .38 loads. I did notice something interesting recently. I needed some Large Pistol Primers for the few .44 mag and .44 special I shoot on occasion. The local shop I purchased 1k from only had Winchester and the box says standard and magnum. Sort of a 1 size fits all?