Federal large pistol primers and 44 mag

[jeepguy242]

I have over 20k federal large pistol primers (not magnum)

I was wondering if anyone has tried them in 44 mag with cast loads. I know I can use them all day long in my 45acp but I was concerned that they may be too soft for 44mag

Anybody have any experience with this. I have used non magnum winchesters in 44 mag for years with bullseye and power pistol and unique with no problem. I just don't think I can use all these up in just 45 and 44 is the only other cartridge I load for with large pistol perimers

[Bzcraig]

Yes, I have used them without unwanted results.

[jeepguy242]

Thanks

[bluejay75]

They were flashy at the bottom of the load range with H110 and 240-250 grain bullets. But towards the top of the charge range I think they performed better than magnums.

[MT Gianni]

There should be no difference in the brisance of the primers, what you are calling hardness. Magnum primers burn hotter for better ignition of ball powders, regardless of the cartridge designation as magnum.

[jeepguy242]

Thanks guys!

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I have over 20k federal large pistol primers (not magnum)

I was wondering if anyone has tried them in 44 mag with cast loads. I know I can use them all day long in my 45acp but I was concerned that they may be too soft for 44mag

Anybody have any experience with this. I have used non magnum winchesters in 44 mag for years with bullseye and power pistol and unique with no problem. I just don't think I can use all these up in just 45 and 44 is the only other cartridge I load for with large pistol perimers
I'm curious why you said "I have used non magnum winchesters in 44 mag for years"

All the WLP primers I've ever used are labeled "for standard or magnum loads".

There current packaging shown below, Also, the older white boxes said the same.
204778

[earlmck]

The loading books generally call for using the magnum primers if you are using a ball powder such as H110. I did have a couple of failures to ignite the powder when using H110 in my .357 with regular primers but have never had another such failure since going to the recommended magnum primers. I started shooting 44 mag after the bad experience with H110 in the .357 and have never used anything but magnum primers when loading the ball powder. I use standard primers when loading anything other than the H110, which for me means I seldom use a magnum primer in my 44 mag anymore since I became a wimp and shoot mostly lower velocity loads using Universal or Green Dot.

Magnum vs. Standard has nothing to do with operating pressure -- it's a "amount of fire" thing.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

SNIP...

Magnum vs. Standard has nothing to do with operating pressure -- it's a "amount of fire" thing.
A long time ago, I read there are basically three reasons to use a Mag Primer.
1. Large case capacity
2. difficult to ignite powder
3. shooting in extreme cold

It should be said, to follow the suggested primer use with load data from published reloading manuals. Veering from such, is a advanced form of reloading, it shouldn't be done without thorough research, do so at your own risk. As to #3, always work up a load for a specific firearm in a specific weather condition.

[Paul105]

Ruger Only .45 Colt
Freedom Arms M97 - 4 1/4"
22.5gr H110
305gr SWCGC Saeco 454 (Matts Bullets), crimped in crimp groove
New Starline cases
65 Deg F
5 long steps from muzzle
5 shots -- average fps, extreme spread fps

CCI 350 (Mag) 1,137 31
Fed 155 M Matc 1,107 43
WLP 1,099 42
Fed 150 Std 1,104 34

Ran this test on the same day, within a half hour

Probably not statistically relevant due to sample size of 5, and certainly doesn't indicate pressure. FWIW, CCI350s always give me higher velocity (by 30 - 40 fps).

Just another set of data points

FWIW,

Paul

[jeepguy242]

I'm curious why you said "I have used non magnum winchesters in 44 mag for years"

All the WLP primers I've ever used are labeled "for standard or magnum loads".

There current packaging shown below, Also, the older white boxes said the same.
204778


Ha. I just looked at mine. They say the same thing. I never noticed that before

[jeepguy242]

The loading books generally call for using the magnum primers if you are using a ball powder such as H110. I did have a couple of failures to ignite the powder when using H110 in my .357 with regular primers but have never had another such failure since going to the recommended magnum primers. I started shooting 44 mag after the bad experience with H110 in the .357 and have never used anything but magnum primers when loading the ball powder. I use standard primers when loading anything other than the H110, which for me means I seldom use a magnum primer in my 44 mag anymore since I became a wimp and shoot mostly lower velocity loads using Universal or Green Dot.

Magnum vs. Standard has nothing to do with operating pressure -- it's a "amount of fire" thing.

I wasn't worried about anything but a ruptured primer because I have always heard that the cup was "softer"

I don't use 110 or 296. I use the same powder I use in 45acp so I am not worried about ignition.

[fecmech]

One of our former posters, 44man always maintained the Fed LP primer gave better accuracy in the .44 mag than the mag primers. He was a somewhat controversial figure here but also was a top flight silhouette shooter. Back when I was heavy into silhouette and .44 mag shooting I used Federal LP primers in my .44 mag with max loads of 25/ 296 and Lyman 429421. My ballistics were uniform and accuracy was excellent. I managed to hold my own and win a few trophy's in AA production class with my SuperB and that load.

[jeepguy242]

One of our former posters, 44man always maintained the Fed LP primer gave better accuracy in the .44 mag than the mag primers. He was a somewhat controversial figure here but also was a top flight silhouette shooter. Back when I was heavy into silhouette and .44 mag shooting I used Federal LP primers in my .44 mag with max loads of 25/ 296 and Lyman 429421. My ballistics were uniform and accuracy was excellent. I managed to hold my own and win a few trophy's in AA production class with my SuperB and that load.

That's the kind of info I was looking for. I got a Winchester 94 and I would hate to mess it up with a ruptured primer.

Thanks

[BOSCHLOPER]

I have been using standard primers in .44 mag. for 30+ years. From full house loads with 2400 and 4227 all the way down to mouse fart loads with Titegroup and Trail Boss. Never had a problem

[jeepguy242]

I have been using standard primers in .44 mag. for 30+ years. From full house loads with 2400 and 4227 all the way down to mouse fart loads with Titegroup and Trail Boss. Never had a problem

Federal brand was the question. Not just standard

[MATT HELM]

Even 10 yrs. ago my loadings of .44 mag. ( 240 gr. XTP's) were performing admirably, using near max. H110 . No problemo.

The primers were Federal. Large pistol. The non magnum primers were suggested and sold to me by a knowledgeable reloader , & hunter . (Mgr. of a local gun shop )

Been using the above loadings , for a good while now, with good results....proper ignition .

[ga41]

I've used Fed 150 in a 41 mag with H110 with excellent results for over 30 years fwiw

[dhom]

I have used federal large pistol primers in many loads with good results. No they are not too soft. I have read many posts by 44 Man and my results on 44 mag shooting with standard primers and 296 did not match his. I have had good results with fed mag primers using the same loads he used and with IMR4227. Most of my shooting results were when the temps are less than 70 degrees. That said, using the standard primers I had good results with Titegroup, unique, and 2400.