Using Rem 6 1/2 primer in .204?

[daveg01]

Newbie reloading question...

Can I use Remington 6 1/2 small rifle primers in loads for my .204 instead of Rem 7 1/2 primers?

I'm having a hell of a time finding small rifle primers locally. The local range had some and I didn't realize that there was a difference until I came home. I just asked for small rifle primers and got 6 1/2, but load data says to use 7 1/2.

Hopefully I'm not stuck with a 1000 primers I can't use.

Thanks!

 

[brnolvr]

You can use them but you won't be able to run max loads with them, they won't take the pressure.
6 1/2 were designed to be used with 22 hornet, 25-20, 30 carbine, 218 bee etc etc.

Keep the loads under 45,000 psi and you should be fine.

 

[44Bore]

6 1/2's will take standard small rifle pressures--7 1/2's have a slightly thicker cup to prevent pierced primers in hot benchrest/varmint loads. If you are loading to max loads in .204 with them keep an eye out for pierced primers. Loads may work fine in cooler temperatures but again keep an eye on them when temperatures warm up.

44Bore