Swapping Primers - And Cast Bullets

[Lovesbeer99]

So I just got my order of cast bullets from Oregon Trail, with load data, but all the data call for WSP primers and I already have CCI 500 primers. Now if it means blowing up my gun, and my face, I'll buy the WSP but if not can I just subsititue the CCI's?

To qualify this question, I have read several books and I know that primers work differently with different powders, but they also state that if you swap components to just start at the starting load grains and work back up. Also, I have load data for Lead bullets and jacketed bullets in the same bullet weight for cci primers and the unique powder that I have.

Finally - If I have a 158 grain cast bullet, can I just use 158 grain Lead round nose bullet load recipe? How about 158gr JSP recipe?

Thanks in advance - (sorry this is so long)

Lovesbeer99

 

[Hazzard]

On the primer swap. If you are close to max loads, I would back it down a bit and work up. Some say you can swap primers, but I've never trusted doing so. You should be able to use the 158gr lead data but do not use the 158gr jsp data without working up the load. Remember that the lead bullets are usually slightly larger diameter and could cause higher pressures.

 

[Lovesbeer99]

Althought the bullets are not the same I'll stick to the 158gr cast bullet data that I have. It's in my Lyman book and has the option of Unique powder and CCI500 primers. The bullet listed is a flat nose, while the the bullet I have is a semi wadcutter. I assume that as long as they are both cast, and .358, and are 158 gr, and tha I start with the min load listed I should be ok.

Anyone?

Thanks in advance.
Lovesbeer99

 

[Sunray]

"...both cast..." Yep. You load for the bullet weight and whether or not it has a jacket. Do not use the same data for cast that is used for jacketed. If you use jacketed data, the cast bullet can be driven so fast that you'll get leading in your barrel. Jacketed bullets can be driven faster, however they cost a lot more to shoot too.
"...swap components to just start..." Yep. If you change any component you should work up the load again. It's not as big a deal if you're just changing the sytle of bullet with the same weight, but your group and POI will change.

 

[DWARREN123]

Like said, if near max back off 10% and work the load back to where you want it. Sometimes a small change such as primers can make a great difference sometimes not but do not take a chance.
This goes for a change of anything, brass, bullets, primers or powder even seating depth.

 

[Walkalong]

Unless you are around max it's no biggie.

 

[Jim Watson]

.38 Special, may I presume?

There is very little difference in brands of standard primers for moderate pistol loads, although I would not recommend substituting magnum primers without a little reduction in powder charge.

Lyman starting loads are the lightest in the business, there is no need to go down to 600 fps and work all that way back to normal. The usual "starting load" is 90% of the maximum powder charge and I have never had any trouble at that.