Primer question from a complete noob

[fightinghamster]

So I haven’t started reloading yet but I’m slowly getting components here and there and have a question about primers, basically what primers do I use, not like brand but size ? I’m confused about what cartridge uses what size primers I’m planning on reloading
Pistol:
45acp
40s&w
9mm
380acp
38s&w
Possibly 38 special/357 mag if I can find one

Rifle:
30.06
303brit
223
22-250
308
7.62/39 maybe
7.62/54 possible

Shotgun? Are they all the same ?

So should I just buy every size primers I see come up ( I occasionally see em on local classified) or should I buy the specific size I need for the calibres listed above also… what are the primer size I need for the above
I know I’m a noob but any information is really appreciated thanks

 

[Potashminer]

Wow! - do you have a reloading manual? Would likely be explained there. I do not load handguns, but for centerfire rifles, is Large Rifle and Small Rifle boxer primers - both of them come as "standard" or as "magnum". Is totally different sizes involved if you are loading Berdan primed centre fire. Shotguns, regardless of gauge, seen to all use similar size primer that is NOT the same size as handgun or rifle primers.

Of the rifle cartridges that you list, I load the first 5 of them - so all can use either Large Rifle or Large Rifle Magnum - except the .223 Rem which uses Small Rifle or Small Rifle Magnum. A reloading manual will explain when to use standard or magnum - often to do with the type of powder that you use, or the temperature that you plan to shoot in - to be aware - NOT interchangeable - your manual will explain how to "work up" a load - once you have done that, can not simply swap components - need to start over with your work-up - especially standard versus magnum primers - can be like adding or taking away several grains of powder in some cartridges.

FYI - is often a third rating for primers - Bench Rest - I could be corrected on this, but most Bench Rest primers are equivalent to Standard primers - just more care taken in manufacture, so that they are more similar to each other than Standard primers - at least that is the sales story, why they generally cost more to buy than regular - non-magnum primers.

 

[Gatehouse]

Pistol:
45acp SP or LP depending on brass
40s&w SP
9mm SP
380acp SP
38s&w SP
Possibly 38 special/357 mag if I can find one SP or SPM

Rifle:
30.06 LR
303brit LR
223 SR
22-250 LR
308 LR
7.62/39 maybe LR
7.62/54 possible LR

 

[fightinghamster]

Wow! - do you have a reloading manual? Would likely be explained there. I do not load handguns, but for centerfire rifles, is Large Rifle and Small Rifle boxer primers - both of them come as "standard" or as "magnum". Is totally different sizes involved if you are loading Berdan primed centre fire. Shotguns, regardless of gauge, seen to all use similar size primer that is NOT the same size as handgun or rifle primers.

Of the rifle cartridges that you list, I load the first 5 of them - so all can use either Large Rifle or Large Rifle Magnum - except the .223 Rem which uses Small Rifle or Small Rifle Magnum. A reloading manual will explain when to use standard or magnum - often to do with the type of powder that you use, or the temperature that you plan to shoot in - to be aware - NOT interchangeable - your manual will explain how to "work up" a load - once you have done that, can not simply swap components - need to start over with your work-up - especially standard versus magnum primers - can be like adding or taking away several grains of powder in some cartridges.

FYI - is often a third rating for primers - Bench Rest - I could be corrected on this, but most Bench Rest primers are equivalent to Standard primers - just more care taken in manufacture, so that they are more similar to each other than Standard primers - at least that is the sales story, why they generally cost more to buy than regular - non-magnum primers.

Thanks for the information I’ve mostly been picking up random components here and there as they come up or as I can afford them I’ll definitely be getting a manual next tho thanks

 

[fightinghamster]

Pistol:
45acp SP or LP depending on brass
40s&w SP
9mm SP
380acp SP
38s&w SP
Possibly 38 special/357 mag if I can find one SP or SPM

Rifle:
30.06 LR
303brit LR
223 SR
22-250 LR
308 LR
7.62/39 maybe LR
7.62/54 possible LR

Much appreciated I’ll be on the lookout for primers in my area thanks for the info

 

[Potashminer]

Your last question - "Shotgun - are they all the same?" - is sort of yes and no answer - most are same physical size, but as beginner in loading shotgun - is important to exactly follow a pressure tested recipe that you find in a manual or on a website - is no "working up" a shotgun load - first sign of overpressure is your shotgun coming apart - so will see that some recipes specify Cheditte primer, or a Federal primer or a CCI primer - apparently makes pressure difference at the very low pressure levels that shotguns operate at - I doubt I have ever loaded 500 shotgun rounds - I always EXACTLY followed a pressure tested recipe from a published source - others with more experience or less caution may swap and substitute components in shot shells - but I do not feel I am to that level yet - to know what can be substituted. Consider reloading for shot shell as completely separate from loading for centerfire handgun or centerfire rifle

 

[Janeau]

Get a reloading manual. All infos are in it including how to and the why in the first sections.
As a new reloader, thats where you should start. Sound, written information from a know, reliable source.

 

[bearhunter]

OP, get a hands on mentor.

You're a complete newb to this process of hand loading and a decent mentor can save you a lot of grief and maybe stop you from injuring yourself or ruining a decent firearm.

We've all been where you are and it can be dangerous.

As far as purchasing components helter skelter?????? That's a questionable practice and usually leads to disappointment as far as consistent accuracy/performance etc.

I can fully understand that "The Rock" isn't exactly floating in a large selection of decent components, but it's not as bad as the whole situation was 50 years ago, when it comes to quality.

BE CAREFUL.

Pressures can be a real issue with small cases and the increase/decrease in charges is exponential, rather than proportional.

Getting a manual is a great place to start but IMHO, it's always better to get some initial advice from someone with REAL experience.

Following the advice of another newb will get you in trouble, maybe very painful or expensive trouble.

That doesn't mean you can't have fun. It's going to be a long learning curve.

Enjoy

 

[I Dont Care About You]

There are two sizes and two "types" of primers making a total of 4 different kinds of primers. You cannot put a small into a large pocket or a large into a small pocket. Thus the only thing you really need to know is rifle primers for rifle cartridges and pistol primers for pistol cartridges. Its hard to get it wrong.

 

[Talltimber1]

There are two sizes and two "types" of primers making a total of 4 different kinds of primers. You cannot put a small into a large pocket or a large into a small pocket. Thus the only thing you really need to know is rifle primers for rifle cartridges and pistol primers for pistol cartridges. Its hard to get it wrong.

Partially true. Don't forget Magnum and match primers also

 

[Scotty454]

Partially true. Don't forget Magnum and match primers also

Or sometimes when a pistol cartridge calls for a rifle primer (Like that time I bought a 460 magnum revolver, thinking I was good because I had a bunch of LPM primers. Nnnnope! Large RIFLE magnum for that guy, FFS. lol).

Or when a rifle cartridge calls for a pistol primer (Like that time I built a 458 SOCOM rifle. Large pistol/LPM primers for that guy. Why do I do this to myself).