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Thread: Substitute Small "Magnum" Pistol with "Standard" Small Rifle Primers?

  1. #1
    Boolit Master detox's Avatar
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    Substitute Small "Magnum" Pistol with "Standard" Small Rifle Primers?

    I have no small "magnum" pistol primers, but i have lots of "standard" small rifle primers. So i have been using the standard small rifle primers in my 357 Magnum. The Vihtavouri Cowboy load data sheet states that Small Rifle primers were used during load development of the 357 magnum. What is the difference between these two primers?
    http://www.lapua.com/en/products/rel.../relodata/7/96



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  2. #2
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    aspangler's Avatar
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    The rifle primers will require a little harder hit to ignite than the Pistol primer. It'll work but depending on your firing pin and or spring you may have a few misfires.

  3. #3
    Boolit Master detox's Avatar
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    I know the newer AR15 style Small Rifle primers have stronger cups to prevent slam fires in the AR. Some say standard small rifle primers are too soft to be used in the AR. I myself have not had any problems with slam fires in my AR using standard primers.
    Last edited by detox; 07-27-2013 at 11:28 PM.

  4. #4
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    ive switched between small pistol mag and small rifle both ways. Rumor has it the at least with cci there the same primer in a differnt package.

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    ive used many cci small pistol mags in my ars without any troubles at all. Had to do it durning the last shortage or not be able to shoot them.
    Quote Originally Posted by detox View Post
    I know the newer AR15 style Small Rifle primers have stronger cups to prevent slam fires in the AR. Some say standard small rifle primers are too soft to be used in the AR. I myself have not had any problems with slam fires in my AR using standard primers.

  6. #6
    Boolit Master
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    CCI 400 and CCI 550 are the same primer in different boxes. This information came straight from CCI when I bought primers with both in the same package of 1000.

    Nighthunter

  7. #7
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    I've been using small rifle primers instead of small magnum pistol primers for *years*. I would be leery of going the other direction (it should work, but they might be too sensitive, or rupture too easily -- or they might be fine)

  8. #8
    Boolit Buddy

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    Quote Originally Posted by nighthunter View Post
    CCI 400 and CCI 550 are the same primer in different boxes. This information came straight from CCI when I bought primers with both in the same package of 1000.

    Nighthunter
    Thanks, I never heard that before. Could come in handy someday.

  9. #9
    Boolit Master
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    I did that when I was not able to get small rifle primers. It was in the 30cal Carbine cartridge. Of course, that has a lower pressure than most rifle cartridges, but I had no problems with the substitution at all.

  10. #10
    Boolit Master
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    I tried small rifle primers in my .357 Mk III Trooper. They worked fine single action but there were some misfires double action.

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    Boolit Grand Master

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    I stopped using SP Magnum and switched to SR so I don't have to stock as many varieties. They've fired in all of my 357s w/ no issues. As usual if you are switching from one to another. Rework the load back up. I doubt there will be much difference but better to play it safe.

  12. #12
    Boolit Master Slow Elk 45/70's Avatar
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    Nice post /subject, I've used them both ways with no problems with CCI, can't speak to other brands.
    Slow Elk 45/70

    Praise the Lord & Pass the Ammo

  13. #13
    Boolit Grand Master

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    I've interchanged them with not problem but have not tried small pistol magnums in my AR's only my pistols.
    I Am Descended From Men Who Would Not Be Ruled

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  14. #14
    Boolit Master
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    I've played with this in 45 acp small primer brass, and haven't had any problems subbing SR primers for SP primers in several different brands. I started with a "beginning" load and worked up with each load combo, no problems.

  15. #15
    Boolit Buddy Mugs's Avatar
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    Like dragon813gt says cuts down on stock. Been using SR for every thing small for years.

    Mugs
    Shoot only Cast Bullets!

  16. #16
    Boolit Buddy .429's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by BAGTIC View Post
    I tried small rifle primers in my .357 Mk III Trooper. They worked fine single action but there were some misfires double action.
    what brand of primers where u using?

  17. #17
    Boolit Buddy 300blk's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by singleshot View Post
    I've played with this in 45 acp small primer brass, and haven't had any problems subbing SR primers for SP primers in several different brands. I started with a "beginning" load and worked up with each load combo, no problems.
    Ive used small rifle in moderate 9mm loads as well, usually 124 lrn with 3.5 titegroup.
    Shortages kinda suck... Gotta make do.
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  18. #18
    Boolit Master HighHook's Avatar
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    Great subject and very usefull information.
    High Hook

  19. #19
    Boolit Master
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    I have been using CCI almost exclusively since 1960.

  20. #20
    Boolit Bub 762cavalier's Avatar
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    so, does it work the same with Large pistol magnum and large rifle primers as well

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check