Small Pistol Magnum Primers ok in non-magnums?

[Six Star]

I have a thousand Winchester small pistol magnum primers but no magnum caliber pistols any more. Are they safe to use these in my "regular" calibers like 9mm and .40S&W?

 

[sgtrock]

Magnum denotes that they are HOTTER than STANDARD primers. In you reloading info they are usually used with slower powders. If you cannot find loads in your info that state to use MAGNUM primers. remember if you substitute ,your pressures will be higher than stated.

 

[daBear]

As stated above, slightly higher pressures, but will work fine on average loads. FYI all I use are magnum primers, but thats mainly because of the ball powders ie W231 which actually reccommend use of magnums.
Cheers
dB

 

[Six Star]

Thanks daBear.

 

[Canuck223]

FWIW, many people work up 9mm and .40 loads with small rifle primers for the thicker primer cups. As long as you realize the pressures will be greater, so loads need to be worked up from a lower powder charge, they will be fine.

I would not use them in softball loads like .38 special wadcutters, but for the 9mm and .40 you mention they will do fine.