So, with primers in short supply, I have close to 200 Large Rifle, and maybe 300 Magnum primers. The question is whether or not using the Magnums in some of the non-magnum cartridges I load for would be a big "No no!"...such as 300 Savage, .308 W, .358 W, 6.5x55, 250 Savage. My guess is it would have little to no impact, but perhaps someone can either confirm that, or clue me in otherwise.
Magnum primers?
- Thread starter icedog
- Start date
I have never been able to distinguish the slightest difference, whether I used standard, or magnum primers.
In the past I used a lot of RWS primers. In recent years I saw the results of a lab test on primers and the bottom line was that RWS had the most fire power of any tested, including all the magnums.
It has also been shown in lab tests that the strength of the firing pin hit has more to do with primer power, than does the type of primer. In other words, a standard primer with a strong firing pin, has more power than does a magnum primer with a weak firing pin.
In the past I used a lot of RWS primers. In recent years I saw the results of a lab test on primers and the bottom line was that RWS had the most fire power of any tested, including all the magnums.
It has also been shown in lab tests that the strength of the firing pin hit has more to do with primer power, than does the type of primer. In other words, a standard primer with a strong firing pin, has more power than does a magnum primer with a weak firing pin.
I currently use CCI 450 mag primers in my 6BR and it shoots the lights out.
I have used mag primers in.223 and .308 as well. In the 6BR there is negligible velocity difference between my usual BR4 primers and the 450 Mag primers. Some have even found they get better SD's using mag primers over match primers.
Back your load off a grain or two and work back up watching for pressure giveaways.
I have used mag primers in.223 and .308 as well. In the 6BR there is negligible velocity difference between my usual BR4 primers and the 450 Mag primers. Some have even found they get better SD's using mag primers over match primers.
Back your load off a grain or two and work back up watching for pressure giveaways.
unstableryan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Beautiful Okanagan Valley
I simply buy 1000 federal 215 primers at a time and just use them. I load .270 win and 45-70 for the most part and as long as you always keep that part the same there is no problem. I think if I listen to the advertisements that they are in fact better for my really light unique powered loads for the 45-70.
If you are worried, back it off a couple grains and work back up. It's the safe thing to do.
Ryan
If you are worried, back it off a couple grains and work back up. It's the safe thing to do.
Ryan
unstableryan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Beautiful Okanagan Valley
and listen to H4831, he's made more shells than any of us asking questions and answering them. Just sitting and having a talk in person with him makes you want to learn more.
Thanks for the helpful replies gentlemen. That definitely gives me a back-up plan. I may be fine anyway, but will look for a more when I cross AB and SK next week. One of the local stores recently got a very small supply, but understandably, it limited individual purchasers to 100 each. Currently none of the other locals have any.
rnbra-shooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Brunswick
No problem at all using magnum primers in all of the cartridges you mention. When I've chrono'd different primers in a max-loaded .308 Win, I have seen no more than 30fps difference from primer changes (Fed GM215M did produce slightly more velocity than Fed 210M). While there is a difference, it is a very small one; you probably don't need to change your powder charge at all. If you want to be super-conservative, you could drop your charge by 0.3 grains (though that's probably over-reacting! ;-)
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
Just to simplfy my logistics I use magnum primers for everything with the exception of match ammo. It matters not whether the powder is Unique or Re-25, a magnum primer lights it all.
A lot of loads in non magnum cartridges actually call for a magnum primer depending on the powder used, The CCI 450 Magnum is an awesome primer I currently use it for my SKS rifles believe it or not. I was having issues with slam fires and the hard primers fixed it right up! I use magnum primers for all my loads with ball powder.
As many others have stated start low and work your way up. There really is no exception to this basic reloading rule.
As many others have stated start low and work your way up. There really is no exception to this basic reloading rule.
The NRA did a test years ago, swapping primers on an established 30-06 load with no other changes. The pressures varied up to 10,000 PSI, usually with little change on the chronograph. That doesn't mean you can't use magnum primers if you work up to them, but it does hint that the "primers are primers crowd" are delusional.
