357 primmers

[lone ranger]

I have been using 'SMALL PISTOL" primers loading my 357 rounds.
I was told today, NOT to use them...instead I should be using MAGNUM PISTOL primers.??? Have been using SP primmers for 7 years with no problems. SOOOO, who's right,..and IS there any difference besides price ??
If it makes any difference..I'm using FMJ 158gr with 13.2 of 4227 powder.

 

[jethunter]

Don't worry about it. You can use mag primers but there is no reason you can't use regular spp. Mag primers MAY give better ignition with some powder types - ball powders for instance - but if you are getting reliable ignition then don't worry about it.

I have used regular primers in .357 for years. It is not a safety or reliability concern.

 

[lone ranger]

thank you

Don't worry about it. You can use mag primers but there is no reason you can't use regular spp. Mag primers MAY give better ignition with some powder types - ball powders for instance - but if you are getting reliable ignition then don't worry about it.

I have used regular primers in .357 for years. It is not a safety or reliability concern.

Thanks for the fast reply.

 

[xtremacanuck]

I too have used non magnum primers, but with a fast burning powder (Clays). For my 158gr XTP loads with H110 I will use the magnums to ensure complete ignition of the big powder charge.

 

[Sun_and_Steel_77]

I shoot many different loads in .357 and use small rifle primers in all but my toasty loads using H110.

 

[savagefan]

I use small rifle primers for hot .357 loads in my Marlin 94, pistol primers were bursting.

 

[floriosean1]

i went threw this debate myself not long ago, and basically what i discovered is if your loading the rounds very hot and have a big powder charge then yes use them, if your not loading it to max the regulars are just fine

 

[iceman2]

What does your manual say? If all else fails read the instructions.

 

[t-star]

the manual doesn't tell you everything, esp if the manual is made by a ammunition manufacturer- like winchester makes one small pistol primer for BOTH magnum and non magnum applications- their priming mix is HOT ENOUGH to be effective in both applications- cci does make both, and then depends on the powder and charge you're using

 

[Ganderite]

I just made up a batch of 357M loads with Win296. I would ahve used mag primers if I had them. But I just used regular cci. After they were loaded I slapped my head and thought "I should have used my Winchester primers. they are hotter."

The cci worked just fine. But next time I will use the Winchester if i still have them.

 

[legi0n]

I've always used SP (non mag) primers in 357 and noticed a lot of unburnt W296 (on the chrony at 5m)
Also, I can't seem to reach the book velocities with said W296
Alliant 2400 works as expected though.

I wonder if magnum primers would help?

 

[cement head]

small pistol primers

I have a buddy who reloads 223 357 and 9mm with small rifle primers and has never had any problems . I sold off my 223 rifles years ago and have used some of the small rifle primers with no problems at all . I have used small pistol regular and small pistol magnum and small rifle in my 357 loads.

 

[sunray]

Magnum primers have nothing whatever to do with the cartridge name. They're about the powder used. They burn a bit hotter for a bit longer and are used to light hard to ignite powders and cold weather shooting. If your manual doesn't say to use 'em for a particular powder, you don't need 'em. Nothing bad will happen if you do though. Not a good thing to use small rifle primers with pistol powders.
"...4227 powder..." Which one? 13.2 is below minimum for H4227. Isn't for IMR4227.

 

[savagefan]

Magnum primers have nothing whatever to do with the cartridge name. They're about the powder used. They burn a bit hotter for a bit longer and are used to light hard to ignite powders and cold weather shooting. If your manual doesn't say to use 'em for a particular powder, you don't need 'em. Nothing bad will happen if you do though. Not a good thing to use small rifle primers with pistol powders.
"...4227 powder..." Which one? 13.2 is below minimum for H4227. Isn't for IMR4227.

why not use rifle primers with pistol powders?

 

[legi0n]

why not use rifle primers with pistol powders?

rifle primers use a thicker cup and therefore one could miss certain pressure signs

 

[savagefan]

rifle primers use a thicker cup and therefore one could miss certain pressure signs[/QUO

That's why I use them, keeps the smoke in the right direction.

 

[legi0n]

That's why I use them, keeps the smoke in the right direction.

yeah, another summer of developing loads with magnum primers for me

 

[lone ranger]

imr 4227

Magnum primers have nothing whatever to do with the cartridge name. They're about the powder used. They burn a bit hotter for a bit longer and are used to light hard to ignite powders and cold weather shooting. If your manual doesn't say to use 'em for a particular powder, you don't need 'em. Nothing bad will happen if you do though. Not a good thing to use small rifle primers with pistol powders.
"...4227 powder..." Which one? 13.2 is below minimum for H4227. Isn't for IMR4227.

Sorry I should of said...IMR 4227 I find the gun is the most acurate @13.5..thats at the low end of the chart. I mistakenly typed 13.2
Have gone as high as 15 with 160grain fmj.
Flat nose lead is inacurate . I get poor groups using it. It likes the shinny copper stuff .