What powders require magnum primers?

[John C]

I traded into a large number of magnum large rifle and large pistol primers.

Previously, I've only used standard primers. What powders out there require magnum primers? Are there any powders with which I should AVOID using magnum primers? I figured that I might as well get some powder that works well with magnum primers for the calibers I load.

I'm loading for .308, .30-06, 8mm Mauser, and 7.62x54R.

Thanks,

-John

 

[ArchAngelCD]

For the most part, the cartridges you load don't usually need a magnum primer.

Hard to ignite handgun ball powders like W296/H110, HS-6 and HS-7 should be used with a magnum primer. Old powders like 2400 and Unique seem to work much better with standard primers and actually are more erratic when a magnum primer is used.

In rifle cartridges some reloaders like to use a magnum primer with all ball powders. Some powders will give better results, some won't. With most powders if your charge weight is 70.0gr or higher a magnum primer is recommended. If you're using BL-C(2) in the 7.62X54R or any of the ones your loading you might get some benefit from a magnum primer. It won't hurt to try for the most part but as usual, drop the charge weights back a bit and work up, especially if you're at the top end of the charge range already.

What powders are you using in the above cartridges?

 

[John C]

I have a little bit of IMR 4895, SR4659 and XMP 5744 on hand. Since I need to buy more powder, and I have so many large rifle magnum primers, I figured I'd just get some powder that will work well with what I've got.

For the rounds I'm loading, 70 grs is probably too much to fit in a case. I don't have any rifles chambered for rifle or safari cartridges. I guess I'll pick up some BL-C(2), unless there are some better powders. I've heard that some Accurate Arms powders work well with magnum primers?

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Since I need to buy more powder, and I have so many large rifle magnum primers, I figured I'd just get some powder that will work well with what I've got.

They will all work well with magnum primers. Mag primers will do well with any powder, its just that the powders don't require them. If mags are what you have, no worries. Just start low and work up like usual.

 

[CB900F]

JohnC;

As was stated above, you'll usually find magnum primers used with large charges & ball powders. However, that's a generality and when you are literally playing with dynamite, it's better to be sure. Therefore, check your reloading manual, it'll tell you what primer to use.

If you don't have a reloading manual, get two. Very useful to be able to check one against the other. Here's an example: Hornady #8, page 649, .338 Winchester magnum, 225 grain bullets, RL19 powder, min charge 61.0 grains - max charge 73.3 grains. Now we go to Speer #14, page 605, also .338 WM, also 225 grain bullets and, wow, starting minimum charge of Alliant RL19 powder is 74.0 grains! That min charge is over Hornady's max! Then Speer's max is 78 grains! What's going on! Why is this??!!

You can find out if you read the manuals. This is an excellent example of why single-source load data can fool you into an unsafe situation.

900F

 

[John C]

CB900F;

Thank you for your concern. I'm being 100% serious when I say that. I know there are many new reloaders on this forum that need this advice. When I was a new reloader, I followed this advice exactly, with very good results.

Unlike most of the others, I'm asking the converse question. I have a bunch of magnum rifle primers; please recommend a powder that I might not have thought of trying that works with magnum primers so I can buy it and reload. I will then consult my reloading manuals and work up an accurate load. I already have IMR 4895 and some others; I reload this powder with regular primers.

My understanding is that some magnum-primer-friendly powders will be "better" than others for full bore military rifle calibers of the last century. I'd be interested in hearing about them.

I apologize if I didn't ask my initial question as clearly as I should have.

-John

 

[Frag]

Fairly new to reloading, but I do know that HS-6 recommends a magnum pistol primer. I use it for my .357 loads

 

[ArchAngelCD]

John,
BL-C(2) is a good choice for the 4 cartridges you load, especially the 308 and 7.62X45R. As we discussed ball powders do react well when used with magnum primers so IMO it's a win-win. Just remember, when using a magnum primer start low and work up the loads slowly to be sure you don't develop excessive pressures...

Since you already have loads worked up for IMR4895, if you can find that powder you should buy it instead. (because you already put the time and work into the loads) IMR4895 doesn't act adversely when ignited by a magnum primer. Of course they are not necessary but if that's what you have, that's what you use. Remember, drop back your charge weights and work back up when substituting a magnum primer for a standard primer in any recipe.

Good luck finding powder, keep us updated...

 

[AABEN]

Jest load as your reloading book tell you. It will tell you when to use Mag primers. They are for most mag caliber and slow slow powder.

 

[gamestalker]

For the most part, rely on published recommendations.

There are certain powders, H110 and 296 come to mind as specifically necessary to use magnum primers with.

It's kind of coincidental, as I just covered this topic with someone today while teaching them basic reloading. The way I explained it is that some powders are absolutes, as to needing a magnum primer. But then there are some powders that are not absolute. One of those is RL22, some data says use magnum primers, while others actually state that, although it is recommended by some load data, that particular data was compiled using standard primers with excellent results.

Often times it will have much to do with the amount of a particular powder that is being used for a particular load, or cartridge.

GS

 

[NCsmitty]

Any of the older ball powders such as H110/W296, H335, W748, BLC2, W760/H414, would receive a magnum primer if I used them, as they are just harder to ignite, IMO. I only stock H110, BLC2 and H414 and I use CCI magnum primers in the brass cases utilizing them, and Wolf 209 in my 410 loads using H110 and Alliant 410 powder. Wolf 209's are not magnum primers per se, but offer a huge flamefront compared to rifle primers.
If you work up the loads, you can use magnum primers in about any case that you choose.


NCsmitty

 

[sage5907]

John C, my favorite load for the 30-06 150 grain bullet is IMR 4064 with a magnum primer. I shoot a lot in 30 degree temperatures and the magnum primers seem to be more consistent. I started doing this several years age and to my surprise I noticed that several other hunters were doing the same. I don't use magnum primers with IMR 4350.

 

[Steve C]

If you have a comprehensive manual from Speer, Hornady, etc there will be a section on primers. Read it.

While magnum primers are recommended with certain powders, as mentioned already, they will work with ANY powder. As a different component you need to work up your load and not just substitute them with a load already worked up using standard primers.

The reason to specifically use mag primers is to ignite ball powders and to ensure ignition in ammo that will be shot in cold weather using any powder.

 

[Poper]

John C,

The statements of ball powders needing/using magnum powders is an general statement often repeated in the loading manuals. I used to use W748 (lighter bullets) and W760 (heavier bullets) in my .308's and .30-06's and manuals nearly always stated magnum primers were used with these powders.

As always, check your manuals as your mileage may vary...

Hope this helps.

Poper