Rifle primers in Pistol Cartridges ?

444 · September 30, 2002, 04:59 PM

I recently bought a large lot of reloading components at a terrific price. Now I am trying to figure out what to do with this stuff.
Among the items are in excess of 15,000 small rifle primers. The only caliber I load that uses small rifle primers is .223 Rem. I load maybe 300 rounds a year for my two bolt actions. In the AR I shoot cheap stuff and don't pick up the brass. So, what the hell am I going to do with these primers ? What dire problem would arise if I used these in my .357 loads ? That would certainly solve the problem since I shoot a ton of small pistol primers.

Jim Watson · September 30, 2002, 05:42 PM

In the deep distant past, before Federal made a small pistol magnum primer, they recommended loading .357s with their small rifle primer. Many IPSC shooters use small rifle primers - I think the Remington 7 1/2 is popular - in their overloaded .38 Supers to delay primer cratering, extrusion, and piercing. So it can be done, but it will affect ignition. I would cut the load and sneak back up with an eye on velocity and casehead expansion. I would probably settle for a little lighter and slower load just to be sure.

Ben Shepherd · September 30, 2002, 06:04 PM

The "original" 357 mag load was a nickle winchester case, 158 gr. SWC, small rifle primer and 15.8 grains of 2400. the idea was the rifle primer was stronger, to handle the high pressure level(40,000+ cpu).

WARNING: Do not use this load in a lightweight/weak gun.

I shoot these in nothing weaker than a GP100.

tonyz · September 30, 2002, 06:39 PM

I bought 1000 small rifle primers by mistake at a gun show. I used them in place of small pistol primers and they work without a problem in my 38/357's. I even used them in my 9MM loads.

Tony Z

Jim Watson · September 30, 2002, 07:35 PM

They tried a number of things to improve ignition in magnums. About five years ago I picked up a clean, bright, nickel plated case headstamped "R-P 357 Magnum" with LARGE primer.

Southla1 · September 30, 2002, 08:00 PM

Yes you can use them in .357 cases BUT they are hotter than the Small pistol primers and they may be more difficult to ignite due to a stronger primer cup. Aside from that use them, just watch your load and start with the starting load listed.

rick_reno · September 30, 2002, 08:29 PM

I use small rifle magnum in my FA 454. A local gun store was going out of business and had a box of 1000 for $4 - they'll last me awhile.

September 30, 2002, 04:59 PM	#1
444 Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2000 Location: Ohio Posts: 3,968	Rifle primers in Pistol Cartridges ? I recently bought a large lot of reloading components at a terrific price. Now I am trying to figure out what to do with this stuff. Among the items are in excess of 15,000 small rifle primers. The only caliber I load that uses small rifle primers is .223 Rem. I load maybe 300 rounds a year for my two bolt actions. In the AR I shoot cheap stuff and don't pick up the brass. So, what the hell am I going to do with these primers ? What dire problem would arise if I used these in my .357 loads ? That would certainly solve the problem since I shoot a ton of small pistol primers. __________________ You know the rest. In the books you have read How the British Regulars fired and fled, How the farmers gave them ball for ball, From behind each fence and farmyard wall, Chasing the redcoats down the lane, Then crossing the fields to emerge again Under the trees at the turn of the road, And only pausing to fire and load.

September 30, 2002, 06:04 PM	#3
Ben Shepherd Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2001 Location: Utah Posts: 1,462	The "original" 357 mag load was a nickle winchester case, 158 gr. SWC, small rifle primer and 15.8 grains of 2400. the idea was the rifle primer was stronger, to handle the high pressure level(40,000+ cpu). WARNING: Do not use this load in a lightweight/weak gun. I shoot these in nothing weaker than a GP100. __________________ From my cold dead hands......... NRA certified rifle, pistol and shotgun instructor. Hunter education instructor

September 30, 2002, 06:39 PM	#4
tonyz Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2000 Location: Wa Posts: 922	I bought 1000 small rifle primers by mistake at a gun show. I used them in place of small pistol primers and they work without a problem in my 38/357's. I even used them in my 9MM loads. Tony Z __________________ Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained

September 30, 2002, 08:29 PM	#7
rick_reno Junior member Join Date: May 28, 2002 Location: Idaho Posts: 917	rifle primers in pistol cartridges I use small rifle magnum in my FA 454. A local gun store was going out of business and had a box of 1000 for $4 - they'll last me awhile.

September 30, 2002, 05:42 PM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,544	In the deep distant past, before Federal made a small pistol magnum primer, they recommended loading .357s with their small rifle primer. Many IPSC shooters use small rifle primers - I think the Remington 7 1/2 is popular - in their overloaded .38 Supers to delay primer cratering, extrusion, and piercing. So it can be done, but it will affect ignition. I would cut the load and sneak back up with an eye on velocity and casehead expansion. I would probably settle for a little lighter and slower load just to be sure.

September 30, 2002, 07:35 PM	#5
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,544	They tried a number of things to improve ignition in magnums. About five years ago I picked up a clean, bright, nickel plated case headstamped "R-P 357 Magnum" with LARGE primer.

September 30, 2002, 08:00 PM	#6
Southla1 Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 19, 2000 Location: Jeanerette, La. Near the Posts: 1,999	Yes you can use them in .357 cases BUT they are hotter than the Small pistol primers and they may be more difficult to ignite due to a stronger primer cup. Aside from that use them, just watch your load and start with the starting load listed.