LR primers in LP 500 S&W brass? Am I gonna die tomorrow?

[RudyCakes]

I have some old nickel plated brass from a box of winchester platinum tips back when they were 400grain JHP @ 1800 fps. I reloaded them using rifle primers but am not sure what primers they were made for. This was before they were marked differently. I loaded them up kind of weak. 38 - 43 grains of Lil' Gun pushing a 300gr FTX. I'll be firing from a NEF Handi Rifle.
What's a likely scenario? Is there even much of a difference?
Personally, I don't feel much fear because it's a relatively benign load in a stout case in a stout rifle. But I want the opinions of more experienced reloaders.
Thanks for the help.

[littlejack]

RudyCakes:
Welcome to the CastBoolits.
That is some big lead slinger you have there. You should have no trouble at all, as the 500 S&W has an operating pressure of 50,000 psi from one scource, and Wikipedia states 60,000 psi "maximum".
One source reads that cases made before 2003, were for L Pistol primers, and cases after 2003 are for the L Rifle primers. The difference is the depth of the primer pocket in the case. Large rifle primers in a large pistol pocket will/may protrude out of the pocket, while pistol primers will seat deeper in a later post 2003 L rifle pocket. Source says that there is an "R" stamped on the head of the later made cases.
Source also says that either primer CAN be used.
There are many rescources on the net for you to find a great deal of information on your cartridge. I suggest that you read all you can on it, and the knowledge will be quite helpful when you reload.
Reguards
Jack

[RPRNY]

Early 500 S&W was spec'd to 50kpsi and used large pistol primers. It was subsequently changed to 60kpsi and large rifle primers.

[Nobade]

If they stick out past the case head they might tie up the gun. If they seat flush they should be just fine.

-Nobade

[RudyCakes]

Excellent. Thanks guys. I appreciate the help.
I've always wondered what happened with the early production stuff. The 2003 box say's 400 grain JHP @ 1800 fps from a 8" barrel! That seems to be well over 50,000 psi but the current production Winchester Platinum Tips are 400 grain @ 1675 yet rated for 60Kpsi???? I can only imagine this is a lawyers fault. :)
Thanks again for the welcoming atmosphere.

[RudyCakes]

I checked every primer and they all seated flush and look normal. Thanks for the response.

[RudyCakes]

I fired them all off without a hitch.

[littlejack]

Glad to hear all went well.