Reloading EverythingTitan ReloadingInline FabricationMidSouth Shooters Supply
Lee PrecisionRotoMetals2WidenersRepackbox
Load Data
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 31

Thread: Large Pistol vs Magnum primers chrono results

  1. #1
    Boolit Buddy
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Posts
    280

    Large Pistol vs Magnum primers chrono results

    With components being scarce was wondering about the real world differences in loads using LP vs mag primers.

    Load is 44spl level in 44 mag brass and SAA replica.

    Virgin WW 44 mag brass trimmed to length, 7.5gr of TB and 180gr FTX seated to 1.61 with a nice Lee crimp.

    30 rounds with Win LP netted an average vel of 850fps with a SD of 13fps, accuracy was on par with anything I can do @ 25.

    30 rounds with Fed LP magnums netted an average vel of 850fps with a SD of 13fps, accuracy was on par with anything I can do @ 25.

    No doubt others will have different results, especially at higher pressure/vel but this is what I found.

  2. #2
    Boolit Master
    Mal Paso's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Carmel, Ca
    Posts
    4,121
    Since there is little hard data on primers here are the best rumors.

    Win LP are supposed to be hotter as they don't have magnum primers. One size fits all.

    Federal Mag Primers are not hotter the brass cup is thicker to take higher pressure.

    Testing like you did is the only way to know for sure.
    Mal

    Mal Paso means Bad Pass, just so you know.

  3. #3
    Boolit Buddy
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Posts
    280
    Interesting hadnt heard that before, thanks.
    I will primarily be using 44spl load data, just wanted to make sure I wouldn't see any big swings or spikes with the mags.

  4. #4
    Boolit Buddy
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    482
    Are you saying you have an 1873 that is chambered in 44 Magnum? Who makes it?

  5. #5

  6. #6
    Boolit Master

    dale2242's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    SW Oregon
    Posts
    2,466
    I think that to do your test right you need to use the same brand of standard and magnum primers.
    I did my test with 45ACP reloads.
    I used the same brand of brass, same bullet of the same alloy, same powder charge of the same powder.
    The only difference was the primers. Primers were both CCI.
    I fired 10 rounds of each from a 1911 and a Sig P220.
    I got a 20 FPS increase in velocity with the magnum primers.
    Accuracy was the same.

  7. #7
    Boolit Grand Master


    Larry Gibson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Lake Havasu City, Arizona
    Posts
    21,305
    From a previous thread on this topic;

    9mm; SP and SR primers
    The last few months there have been several threads regards the use of SP magnum and/or SR primers in the 9mm cartridge. I had conducted a test of SP and SR primers in the 357 Magnum and posted the results [https://castboolits.gunloads.com/sho...he-357-Magnum]. In that cartridge with Unique powder there was enough evidence demonstrating the SP Magnum and SR primers could raise the psi enough to warrant caution in doing so.
    However, does that correspond to the 9mm cartridge which was the subject of the question. Some definitely thought the substitution should not be made. Others were adamant that using a SP Magnum or SR primer in the 9mm with a given load posed no problem. A video showing a limited test by a commercial reloader demonstrated no different in pressure or velocity. Others stated they found little variance in chronographed velocity as proof there was no difference in psi. I proposed caution be used should it be necessary to substitute SP Magnum or SR primers in the 9mm with a given load.

    I have just completed 3 additional more fairly comprehensive pressure/velocity tests of 3 different powders [Bullseye, VV 3N37 and HS-6] in the 9mm cartridge.
    A commercial loader request I test the 9mm cartridge with CCI’s 500, 550 SP primers using 6.1 gr VV 3N37 under a 115 gr FMJ bullet. He supplied the powder and the bullets.
    To provide a comparative reference I also loaded test rounds with the same primers using 4.9 gr Alliant Bullseye and the 115 FMJ bullets [listed as a maximum] and also included the CCI 400 SR primer and the CCI 450 SR magnum primers. Testing was done in a 10” Contender barrel with a strain gauge affixed and connected to the Oehler M43 PBL. The SAAMI MAP for the 9mm cartridge is 35,000 psi.

    The test of the comparative reference load [4.9 gr Bullseye] proved quite interesting. The test results briefly;

    Primer, velocity average, psi average:

    CCI 500 SP primers; 1331 fps, 35,000

    CCI 550 SP Magnum primers; 1341 fps, 35,000 psi

    CCI 400 SR primers; 1338 fps, 35,000 psi

    CCI 450 SR Magnum primers; 1330 fps, 35,000 psi

    Note the test to test variation in velocity is well within the test to test expected variation of the same load. What was really surprising was the pressure for each and every shot, regardless of the primer, was exactly the same…..right at the SAAMI MAP for the 9mm cartridge. Looking at the internals [time/pressure curves, area under the curve and rise to pressure] a slight difference could be noted. The CCI 550 SP Magnum and the CCI 450 SR Magnum primers gave slightly more uniform internals than either the standard SP or SR primers!

    So why was there no increase or variation in psi with this load? In discussing this with a ballistic technician the answer is actually quite simple; the 4 gr powder charge of Bullseye will only produce so much psi regardless of the primer used to ignite it. All other factors be ing equal other than the primer used the 4 gr charge of Bullseye was giving all the psi it was capable of. With other powders the results can be very different as seen in the 357 Magnum test and the following 9mm test.

    I then conducted the second test using the provide VV 3N37 powder. The test results;

    CCI 500 SP primers; 1236 fps, 32,300 psi

    CCI 550 SP Magnum primers; 1253, 34,500 psi

    Note, with the use of VV 3N37 powder, we have a distinct difference in results with this test than with the previous test with Bullseye. The internal ballistic measurements again indicated the CCI 550 primer gave slightly more uniform ballistics. The CCI 550 Magnum primer also gave a noted increase in velocity [20 fps increase vs the 10 fps difference with Bullseye] and an increase in pressure of 2,200 psi.

    In a previous thread it was Lloyd Smale (If memory serves me correct as I couldn’t find the thread with “search”] that was adamant with is 9mm load of HS-6 in didn’t matter with his mid-level HS-6 load what primer was used as all were “safe”. He also rather adamantly suggested I test HS-6 and find out. So I did.

    Lyman lists 6.2 gr HS-6 as their max load under a 120 gr 356402 bullet. I didn’t have the Lyman bullet but have the Lee 120 gr TC bullet [123 gr cast of COWW + 2% tin], so I chose to use that load. Even though Lyman lists that load as “max” the CUP measurement of 29,300 indicates it is not a “max” load as the CUP SAAMI MAP is 33,000. I have on hand 13 different SP and SR primers [7 SP primers and 6 SR primers] so I loaded up a test with each of them.

    Again, the test load was 6.2 gr of Hodgdon HS-6 under the 123 gr Lee TC cast bullets.

    The test results by primer used;

    Small Pistol primers;

    Federal 100 SP primer; 1255 fps, 34,800 psi

    CCI 500 SP primer; 1227 fps, 34,700 psi

    Magtech 1 ½ SP primer; 1243 fps, 35,000 psi

    Winchester WSP SP primer; 1247 fps, 35,000 psi

    CCI 550 SP Magnum primer; 1210 fps, 34,400 psi

    Federal 200 SP Magnum primer; 1214 fps, 34,700 psi

    Winchester WSPM SP Magnum primer; 1253 fps, 35,000 psi

    Small Rifle primers;

    Remington 7 ½ SR Primer; 1229 fps, 34,700 psi

    Winchester WSR SR primer; 1220 fps, 34,800 psi

    CCI 400 SR primer; 1237 fps, 34,800

    Federal 200 SR primer; 1253 fps, 34,800 psi

    CCI 450 SR Magnum primer; 1228 fps, 34,700 psi

    Federal 205 SR Magnum primer; 1222 fps, 34,500 psi

    Appears Lloyd was certainly correct, there really isn’t much difference regardless of the primer used. Also. interesting to note that 3 of the SP primers pushed the psi right to the SAAMI MAP whereas none of the SR primers did. That is one of the things I really like about this game and that is I’m always learning. In this case I’ve not only learned from actual testing but also through research to find the facts about primers. Turns out, once again, I and most others were misled over the years into thinking SP magnum primers and SR primers would increase the psi with a given load because they were “hotter” or had more explosive power. Turns out that isn’t true. The primers only hold so much compound and the energy produced by that amount of compound is finite. Thus, SP and SR primers essentially hold the same amount pf priming compound which essentially increases the same amount. SPM and SR/SRM primers apparently do not increase the psi per se by themselves. The difference is in the priming compounds and how they “burn”. The SPM and SR/SRM primers compound gives a longer flame burn is all.

    So, if that is the case then why did two of the tests [the 357 magnum with Unique and the 9mm with VV 3N37 powders] show a marked increase in psi with the SPM and/or the SR/SRM primers? The answer to that appears, at least so far, to lie in the nature of the powder used. My guess at this time is any real potential increase in pressure with the use of a SPM or SR/SRM primer will be dependent on what kind of powder is used [single or double based], the kind of deterrent [controls the burn rate] that is used and probably any flash retardant used. Thus, as it turns out, all who participated in the past thread were essentially correct some of the time and potentially wrong at other times. This is evidenced as I’ve not found any conclusive evidence one way or the other to definitively say substituting a SPM or SR/SRM primer in a 9mm load is safe because, like many things we’ve found in reloading, it depends.

    I will still, as of this writing, stand by my original suggestion; if one has to substitute a SPM or SR/SRM primer in the 9mm cartridge for a load proven safe with a SP primer developed load then use caution.
    Last edited by Larry Gibson; 07-26-2021 at 09:07 AM.
    Larry Gibson

    “Deficient observation is merely a form of ignorance and responsible for the many morbid notions and foolish ideas prevailing.”
    ― Nikola Tesla

  8. #8
    Boolit Master



    MUSTANG's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Kalispell, Montana
    Posts
    2,746
    Mustang

    "In the beginning... the patriot is a scarce man, and brave and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot." - Mark Twain.

  9. #9
    Boolit Master
    Join Date
    Jan 2018
    Location
    North Central
    Posts
    2,514
    My rather unscientific take at least with pistol loads is that as long as you are not loading near maximum data you should have no problems. A bit more caution perhaps with fast powders like Titegroup, Bullseye or VV N310.

  10. #10
    Boolit Buddy
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Posts
    280
    Quote Originally Posted by dale2242 View Post
    I think that to do your test right you need to use the same brand of standard and magnum primers.
    I did my test with 45ACP reloads.
    I used the same brand of brass, same bullet of the same alloy, same powder charge of the same powder.
    The only difference was the primers. Primers were both CCI.
    I fired 10 rounds of each from a 1911 and a Sig P220.
    I got a 20 FPS increase in velocity with the magnum primers.
    Accuracy was the same.
    Lol are you saying that my singular test wasn't 100% scientific and definitive

  11. #11
    Boolit Master
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Location
    OKC , Oklahoma
    Posts
    3,384
    Thanks again Larry for testing and posting your results ��

  12. #12
    Boolit Master

    dale2242's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    SW Oregon
    Posts
    2,466
    mattri, No but neither was mine.
    Just a fun little test.
    I will always go with Larrys results as more scientific and definitive.

  13. #13
    Boolit Man QuackAttack24's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2021
    Location
    Orygun
    Posts
    87
    Larry,

    Thanks for posting these results. With component shortages, we all find ourselves scrambling for substitutes to use in place of what we're lacking. For me lately, it's been SPP. I've been using SRP as many have posted about on different forums. It's nice to see the data confirming what I've noticed, which is that there seems to be no difference in velocity or accuracy.
    What could possibly go wrong?

  14. #14
    Boolit Master



    MUSTANG's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Kalispell, Montana
    Posts
    2,746
    I loaded up a lot of .38spcl/.357, 9mm , 40S&W, and .45 ACP for friends (including several living across the country from us) who could not buy ammunition or even worse, "Discovered" they needed to buy a firearm and learn to shoot because of the rising violence in the cities/suburbs over the last 24 months. When I began to run out of small pistol primers in the loading bench storage area; I went to my "Reloading Shed Storage" and discovered my stock of Small Pistol Primers was almost zero and limited Large Pistol primers on hand.

    This induced me to start loading .38 Spcl and 9mm with Small Rifle Primers. I found the CCI 400 rifle primers worked well and had no issues in either 9mm or 38/357 handguns I used. Unfortunately; I got 2% to 5% failure to fire if I used CCI- #41 (MilSpec .223 primers) Small Rifle Primers in 38 Specials (variety of S&W Handguns); but have not had failure to fire in same for 9mm (Beretta, Luger, and others). I continue to look for Small Pistol Primers; but will use the CCI 400's if I have to since I still have a good store of those (but will avoid the CCI- #41 for this alternate application of small rifle primers for small small pistol in handguns).

    As we continue to see if the primer issue will change; I am looking at what to do in the Large Pistol area as I am short supply on those too. Unfortunately there is a dimensional difference between the Large Rifle and the Large Pistol Primers.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	b902120933b29cb379e768768969d8ee.jpg 
Views:	31 
Size:	55.4 KB 
ID:	286722

    That difference between the Large Rifle Primer Max Height of 0.1320 and the Large Pistol Primer Max Height of 0.1250 looks small; but will result in high primers in a Large Pistol Pocket. If we do not see availability of Pistol Primers in the next few months; I may have to select out several hundred .45 ACP cases and ream the pockets to the same depth as a Large Rifle Primer pocket. Just as with the previous description on my use of Small Rifle primers in place of Small Pistol primers; I foresee that I may need to use the CCI-200, and avoid the use of CCI - #34 (intended for 7.62x51).
    Mustang

    "In the beginning... the patriot is a scarce man, and brave and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot." - Mark Twain.

  15. #15
    Boolit Master

    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    East Coast
    Posts
    792
    This proves what a lot of us have been saying for a long time. Many people have the misguided idea magnums drastically increase pressure and velocity.

  16. #16
    Boolit Master

    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Location
    Idaho
    Posts
    1,091
    Great post Larry. Thank you for the great work and great write up!
    "There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something."
    ~Thorin Oakenshield

  17. #17
    Boolit Man
    Join Date
    Feb 2020
    Posts
    87
    Wow. Very useful information. Excellent post. I had been wondering this myself. I'm down to the last 500 small pistol primers and was considering trying this but decided to err on the cautious side since I have had a catastrophic malfunction.

  18. #18
    Boolit Master


    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Atlanta, NY 14808
    Posts
    2,163
    Quote Originally Posted by Mal Paso View Post
    Since there is little hard data on primers here are the best rumors.

    Win LP are supposed to be hotter as they don't have magnum primers. One size fits all.

    Federal Mag Primers are not hotter the brass cup is thicker to take higher pressure.

    Testing like you did is the only way to know for sure.
    Thanks for that info. My question involved substituting SPM in rifle loads. My current thinking is caution necessary, but very possibly ok.
    Micah 6:8
    He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

    "I don't have hobbies - I'm developing a robust post-apocalyptic skill set"
    I may be discharged and retired but I'm sure I did not renounce the oath that I solemnly swore!

  19. #19
    Boolit Master
    Join Date
    Jan 2018
    Location
    North Central
    Posts
    2,514
    I tried small pistol magnum primers once in .223 and got pierced primers and gas cutting on the bolt face.
    "If everyone is thinking the same thing it means someone is not thinking"

    "A rat became the unit of currency"

  20. #20
    Boolit Buddy
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Posts
    280
    Interesting. 223 is rated to 55k psi, wonder if that is too much for the pistol primers? Even 327 is only 45k.
    It seems that running reduced loads (like 44spl in 44 mag) keeps the variance to a minimum.
    Last edited by mattri; 07-30-2021 at 07:55 AM.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
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