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Thread: A primer question......

  1. #1
    Boolit Master waco's Avatar
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    A primer question......

    I don't shoot a lot of magnum handgun rounds that require mag primers. I am mainly talking about small primer stuff.
    For general plinking loads in .38spl with a dash of redot or bullseye will I see anything too weird if I use a small pistol mag primer?
    I have 6-7k of them I'd like to use up in .38's or even 9mm
    Do you guys see any problems here? Do I need to reduce powder charges by a few tenths to compensate for the hotter primer?
    Will accuracy be affected?
    Thanks.
    Waco
    The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
    Proverbs 1:7

  2. #2
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    I would say no difference. For general plinking, not nearing max you should be fine with the same loads.If your groups move, drop 5%-10% and work back up for accuracy.
    [The Montana Gianni] Front sight and squeeze

  3. #3
    Boolit Grand Master tazman's Avatar
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    The only time you might have any issue with a magnum primer is if you are redlining the load with a standard primer and switch primers without otherwise changing the load.
    I don't normally shoot full power loads in anything. I commonly switch back and forth between standard and magnum primers for practice and plinking loads where accuracy isn't super important.

    For match ammunition, I use loads I worked up for best performance and never deviate from the load specs.

    Lots of times you can get those magnum primers at a significant discount.

  4. #4
    Boolit Master waco's Avatar
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    Johnny, Taz. Thank you Gents. Just what I wanted to hear.
    The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
    Proverbs 1:7

  5. #5
    Boolit Master
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    I've been using magnum primers in .38 and .40 s&w. Not max loads, but haven't seen any difference.

  6. #6
    Boolit Master
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    I use WSPM primers in 9 MM, 40 S&W & .45 ACP for IDPA and USPSA so no max loads but very accurate and low extreme spread numbers.

  7. #7
    Boolit Grand Master


    stubshaft's Avatar
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    I use whatever is cheapest at the LGS.
    Old enough to know better, young enough to do it anyway!

    Men who don't understand women fall into two categories: bachelors and husbands!

  8. #8
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    I actually tested the velocity difference between standard and magnum primers years ago and found very little difference.

    I did find that the deviation between shots was slightly less with magnum primers. Caveat - these were not magnum rounds or maximum powder charges.

  9. #9
    Boolit Master Forrest r's Avatar
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    When these go on sale I'l typically buy 20,000 at a time.
    [IMG][/IMG]

    I use those primers for:
    223rem with powders like bl-c2/h335/cfe223/ect
    9mm any powder
    357's any powder
    38spl p+ any powder

    The only time I use a standard primer is when I'm loading loads for my "tuned" revolvers. Then I use federal/federal match.

  10. #10
    Boolit Master
    DerekP Houston's Avatar
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    Count me in the "used small magnum primers" club as well, didn't notice any difference as my loads are nowhere near max.
    My feedback page if you feel inclined to add:
    http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...raight-Shooter

    Thanks Yall!

  11. #11
    Boolit Master waco's Avatar
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    Thank you guys.
    The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
    Proverbs 1:7

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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