Standard primers sparking IMR 4227

[JohnhenrySTL]

Today I worked up some .357,s to a load 19.2 grains of Imr 4227, assorted range brass, 125 grain Hornady xtps, with Winchester standard primers.

They all went off, I didn't see any un burned powder chunks, and they seemed extremely accurate. I saw no pressure signs.

I then shot some federal 158 grain jacketed soft points from the 1980s. They freaking kicked. And had some authority. The group was looser than mine, but they were more fun to shoot.

I have 7000 Winchester standard small pistol primers and only 100 Winchester magnum primers.

I'm wanting to make about 100 nickel plated brass cased .357s. I'm wondering is it dangerous for me to assume that the 19.2 grain charge will also be safe using magnum primers, would I get a little more velocity and thump? Perhaps I should save the magnum primers for future loads? I'm kind of just wanting a 100 .357s laying around for genereal magnum situations. I live in a city. Using my chroneograph is not a convenient option at this time.

Thanks in advance.

 

[hdwhit]

Strictly speaking, any time you change a component (i.e. standard primers for magnum primers) you should retreat to your starting load and work up again until you get a safe, accurate combination.

 

[maxxhavoc]

I have never gotten that "magnum feeling" from 4227. Since you should be doing a new load workup to use the primers anyway, I would get some Win 296 (or H110). Use Hornady Load data for XTP's and you will find what you seek. I will warn you that the 125gr loads make a lot of noise and fire. It is fun if you like it.

 

[sugarmaker]

Most of the recoil effect was due to bullet weight going up. 4227 is pretty easy to ignite.

 

[Reloadron]

Using IMR 4227 under a Hornady 125 grain XTP bullet Hornady suggest a start load of 14.8gr working up to a maximum load of 17.9gr. The Hornady load data known to be conservative. The suggested primer is a WSPM (Winchester Small Pistol Magnum) with a C.O.L. of 1.590". They suggest the magnum primer likely because IMR 4227 is a more difficult to ignite powder, that does not mean a magnum primer is a must, only suggested. I would just work up to what you are looking for using the magnum primers.

Ron

 

[JohnhenrySTL]

Thanks all. I broke down and bought H110. I'll save the 4227 for heavier bullets. I also bought magnum primers for my H110. The Lyman book suggest 21-22 grains at a length of 1.590.
My length,, seated to the crimping groove is more like 1.575. I don't think this is short, but all load data calls for 1.590.

My first test will be 3 at 21, 3 at 21.5, and 3 at 21.8 of H110. I'll try chroneograph the results and post them on here, as well as the maxed out 4227 loads.

 

[LOLBELL]

Unless you're a high flash recoil junkie, I'll bet you like the IMR4227 better. I've got better accuracy with 4227 in every caliber I've used it in. I could always get an extra 50fps out of the H110, but my eyes weren't quick enough to see the difference. Non of the deer I shot lived long enough to tell if they could tell the difference. Accuracy trumps velocity every time.

Standard primers will do just fine with 4227, but H110 needs the magnum primers

 

[Jesse Heywood]

4227 seems to shine with a compressed charge under heavy bullets. Velocity will be a tad lower than 110, but accuracy is better. It's my favorite in 45 Colt, where I use magnum primers to help with residue. Switching to magnum primers requires a new load workup. And the results aren't always better.

 

[GRIZ22]

I have no reservations switching from standard to magnum primers with soft loads. I would back off the charge and work the load up again with magnum primers.

If everything works well as it is I can't see why you want to switch to magnum primers.
If it's not broke why fix it?

 

[JohnhenrySTL]

Just curios Jesse, what would you consider a heavy bullet weight? 158 grain?

And thanks I'm learning. I'll will return to the 4227 later.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

158 gr and above. A friend casts for me. The last batch was 160 gr. RNFP, which I loaded with 14.0 to 17.0C of 4227 and magnum primers. they were all tack drivers. No chrony, but the 17.0 gr load was a handful.