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November 15, 2007, 10:59 PM | #1 |
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What size primers for 44 Magnum?
I just bought a 44 magnum Blackhawk and I'm going to start loading for it. I assume that the cartridge takes large pistol primers?? I will be loading Starline brass (I know, i should call them, but I may head out to the store tomorrow before they open).
Also, do you guys recommend standard or magnum primers, and why? I will be loading hot with H-110. thanks!
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November 15, 2007, 11:19 PM | #2 |
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Large Pistol magnum
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November 15, 2007, 11:20 PM | #3 |
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I've been using CCI LP Magnum primers in my SRH with H110 for almost 15 years now,
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November 16, 2007, 08:08 PM | #4 |
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The reloading book I have here at the office, for Hodgdon H-110 powder, calls for a Remington 2 1/2 primer (a large pistol primer) like the CCI 300 would be a replacement. The load data I have does not call for a magnum primer.
I use TiteGroup in my .44 mag reloads - and I use a large pistol primer - not a Magnum primer. |
November 17, 2007, 01:59 PM | #5 |
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I have used both standard and magnum, and prefer the magnum for a good burn on powder that needs a little more motivation to burn thoroughly. When in doubt, check the recipe for the loads you're cooking up, they usually state whether magnum is required or not.
You can also keep it a bit short of full powder charge if you're unsure. |
November 18, 2007, 01:53 AM | #6 |
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.44 Mag = Large Pistol
The choice of standard or Magnum primers depends on the powder being used. Some powders (and loads) do better with magnum primers and others do not. Winchester sells primers that say they are for both standard and magnum loads. Other companies sell standard and Magnum prmers as separate items. Note that a load worked up with standard primers may be over pressure with magnum primers. Stick to established recipies, for safety. And ALWAYS start with the starting loads!! Each gun is different, and what is a starting load in one gun can be a max load in another. NEVER start with the max loads, unless you know where you can buy new hands and maybe eyes, along with a new gun!!!
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November 18, 2007, 12:09 PM | #7 |
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As 44 AMP says, a .44mag uses a Large Pistol primer.
As to whether you will be using a standard (LP) or magnum (LPM) type primer, it depends entirely on the powder you are using. The OP has said that he will be using H110. H110/W296 require a LPM primer for correct ignition, as per the instructions by the manufacturer, (Hodgdon). My Lyman's, Hornady, Hodgdon's and LoadBook data all say to use a LPM primer, when using H110/W296. I have tried using winchester's LP primer and have found that they don't give the same ignition characteristics as when using an LPM primer: velocities are lower and more unburnt powder residue is apparent. I'll stick to the published use of LPM primers for H110/W296, thank you. Lately, I've been using H4227 (also IMR4227) in my magnum loads (.357 and .44) and have found that while not all sources list using an magnum primer with this powder, like H110/W296, I seem to get better (more consistent) results using the magnum primer for this powder. |
November 18, 2007, 03:17 PM | #8 |
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On a related note
WW296 is load density sensitive. What I mean is that below a minimum charge, ignition (even with magnum primers) is erratic, with large amounts of unburned/partially burned powder. H110 probably is the same (since many people say it is the same powder), but I do not have personal experience to verify that as I do with W296. Do not go below the starting loads, or some strange things can happen. Use magnum primers. If you want less than full house loads, do not use W296, use a more moderate powder, like Unique (and use standard primers with Unique, not magnums).
You can also get good midrange perfomance with the faster powders, like Bullseye or W231, but don't use magnum primers with them either. I don't care for the faster powders in the big .44 cases, because the case will easily hold a double charge, and a double charge of a fast powder is a really good way to ruin your gun and wreck your whole day (and maybe the rest of your life). I like powders that fill the case halfway or better. Just a personal quirk mind you, but one that has served me well enough.
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November 19, 2007, 05:54 AM | #9 |
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Size all cases, even when new; it ensures a flash hole, and aids concentricity and bullet pull.
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November 19, 2007, 04:01 PM | #10 | |
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Quote:
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November 23, 2007, 11:20 AM | #11 |
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are you sitting?
The hole where the primer flash passes from primer pocket into case.
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