A question about primers...

DavidJBlythe · September 21, 2007, 06:29 AM

I will be reloading for 8x57 in about 10 days, and I am going to pick up primers locally. I've heard of people using different types of primers like large magnum rifle primers and others. Is there some standard size for all rifle primers? If not, then how do you know which you can use? Wouldn't the brass case only take one type or size? Will my reloading data tell me which to use?
(I'm buying a 100 pack of new remington brass.)
Thanks for the info, and sorry for the n00b-ish question.

ZeroJunk · September 21, 2007, 07:41 AM

It will use a large rifle primer.Reloading data will be for standard primers not magnum,although magnum primers would probably work fine.When you are working with very hot loads it is best to stay with whatever primers the manual called for or whatever you were using when you worked up the load.Also,accuracy can vary between standard and magnum primers.
Just get a box of standard large rifle primers and you will be fine.

Remington 9 1/2,CCI 200,Federal 210

Sevens · September 21, 2007, 11:29 AM

In physical size, there are 5 sizes of primers. Small pistol, large pistol, small rifle, large rifle and shotshell. There are also magnum primers and bench rest primers, but those do not differ in size, they differ in their make-up. Magnum primers burn hotter for a longer period of time to give the powder a hotter hit, and bench rest primers are supposed to be more consistent and constructed to some more defined tolerances.

As said, 8x57 eats a large rifle primer, and you should not need to use a magnum primer unless the load data specifically calls for it.

Trapper L · September 21, 2007, 02:40 PM

David, the primer required will be governed by the powder that you use. Some powders are harder to ignite than others and some require a longer flame front from the primer. To get a better understanding of primers and their function, Jame Calhoon has an article you might want to read. Click on the left side of the page on Informative Articles( look for the Bobcat) and then scroll half way down to Primers and Pressure.

http://www.jamescalhoon.com/

For your 8x 57, you most likely will be using a standard Large Rifle primer. Let the reloading manual be your guide.

DavidJBlythe · September 22, 2007, 06:34 PM

Alrighty, thanks for the info. It makes more sense now!

September 21, 2007, 06:29 AM	#1
DavidJBlythe Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2005 Location: USMC, Centcom Posts: 214	A question about primers... I will be reloading for 8x57 in about 10 days, and I am going to pick up primers locally. I've heard of people using different types of primers like large magnum rifle primers and others. Is there some standard size for all rifle primers? If not, then how do you know which you can use? Wouldn't the brass case only take one type or size? Will my reloading data tell me which to use? (I'm buying a 100 pack of new remington brass.) Thanks for the info, and sorry for the n00b-ish question.

September 21, 2007, 11:29 AM	#3
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,775	In physical size, there are 5 sizes of primers. Small pistol, large pistol, small rifle, large rifle and shotshell. There are also magnum primers and bench rest primers, but those do not differ in size, they differ in their make-up. Magnum primers burn hotter for a longer period of time to give the powder a hotter hit, and bench rest primers are supposed to be more consistent and constructed to some more defined tolerances. As said, 8x57 eats a large rifle primer, and you should not need to use a magnum primer unless the load data specifically calls for it. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

September 21, 2007, 07:41 AM	#2
ZeroJunk Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2006 Location: Browns Summit NC Posts: 2,589	It will use a large rifle primer.Reloading data will be for standard primers not magnum,although magnum primers would probably work fine.When you are working with very hot loads it is best to stay with whatever primers the manual called for or whatever you were using when you worked up the load.Also,accuracy can vary between standard and magnum primers. Just get a box of standard large rifle primers and you will be fine. Remington 9 1/2,CCI 200,Federal 210

September 21, 2007, 02:40 PM	#4
Trapper L Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2006 Location: South Texas Posts: 804	David, the primer required will be governed by the powder that you use. Some powders are harder to ignite than others and some require a longer flame front from the primer. To get a better understanding of primers and their function, Jame Calhoon has an article you might want to read. Click on the left side of the page on Informative Articles( look for the Bobcat) and then scroll half way down to Primers and Pressure. http://www.jamescalhoon.com/ For your 8x 57, you most likely will be using a standard Large Rifle primer. Let the reloading manual be your guide.

September 22, 2007, 06:34 PM	#5
DavidJBlythe Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2005 Location: USMC, Centcom Posts: 214	Alrighty, thanks for the info. It makes more sense now!