Anybody uses WLR primers in WSM calibers?

Deer Slayer 270 · April 24, 2009, 01:59 PM

I have been using WLRM (Winchester Large Rifle Magnum) primers in reloading all my WSM (Winchester Short Magnum) calibers. But I have noticed that most reloading charts call out regular large rifle primers or WLR (Winchester Large Rifle) if you use Winchester brand. I was wondering if anybody uses the regular larger rifle primers (WLR) on these WSM calibers and how is your experience, specially if you have used both type. I am having a hard time getting more magnum primers and was thinking about just using regular ones.

hoghunting · April 24, 2009, 08:53 PM

When I was working up loads for my 300 WSM, I tried many different powders and primers. My most accurate loads use WLRM primers, so that is what I stick with. If you can get an accurate load in your rifle using WLR primers, then use it. Each rifle is different, just because my rifle likes magnum primers doesn't mean yours has to have them. Good luck.

Major Dave (retired) · April 29, 2009, 01:09 PM

Rather than go with (possible) self-styled experts posting on this forum, I would suggest following published data from reliable loading manuals.

Both Lyman 49th edition, and Hornady 7th edition say WLRM, Large Rifle Magnum primers - for .270 WSM.

Since the non-magnum primers are not as "hot" as the magnums, the pressure curve will be different, resulting in possibly erratic high/low pressure. Notice I said "different", not "lower". I don't know how much, or in what way "different", but different, for sure.

Publishers of loading manuals are liable for their info - posters on this forum ARE NOT!!

snuffy · April 29, 2009, 01:35 PM

I've used nothing BUT wlr for loading my 300 WSM. Oh, except one load for 125 BT's that called for rem 9½ M primers.

The short-fat powder column that the WSM calibers all have, is easily ignited by standard primers. Also, since the powders normally called for are the mid to slow powders on the burn rate charts, they aren't that hard to ignite. That said, if the recipe in a manual says it was worked up using a mag primer, then use it.

The long, skinny powder column of the super mags use the slowest of the powders, so they always need a magnum primer.

When I started loading for my Browning, there wasn't hardly anything out there for loading data. Just a few loads with winchester 760, which I found wasn't any good for top velocity. I had to extrapolate loads up from 30-06 loads, to under 300 mag loads. The powder I choose was H-4831 SC. It still is my go-to powder for most of my loads.

April 24, 2009, 01:59 PM	#1
Deer Slayer 270 Member Join Date: January 6, 2007 Posts: 49	Anybody uses WLR primers in WSM calibers? I have been using WLRM (Winchester Large Rifle Magnum) primers in reloading all my WSM (Winchester Short Magnum) calibers. But I have noticed that most reloading charts call out regular large rifle primers or WLR (Winchester Large Rifle) if you use Winchester brand. I was wondering if anybody uses the regular larger rifle primers (WLR) on these WSM calibers and how is your experience, specially if you have used both type. I am having a hard time getting more magnum primers and was thinking about just using regular ones.

April 29, 2009, 01:09 PM	#3
Major Dave (retired) Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2008 Location: Between Dallas and Shreveport, LA Posts: 569	Stick with loading manuals Rather than go with (possible) self-styled experts posting on this forum, I would suggest following published data from reliable loading manuals. Both Lyman 49th edition, and Hornady 7th edition say WLRM, Large Rifle Magnum primers - for .270 WSM. Since the non-magnum primers are not as "hot" as the magnums, the pressure curve will be different, resulting in possibly erratic high/low pressure. Notice I said "different", not "lower". I don't know how much, or in what way "different", but different, for sure. Publishers of loading manuals are liable for their info - posters on this forum ARE NOT!! __________________ Artillery lends dignity to what would otherwise be but a vulgar brawl. Last edited by Major Dave (retired); April 29, 2009 at 01:10 PM. Reason: Typo

April 29, 2009, 01:35 PM	#4
snuffy Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2001 Location: Oshkosh wi. Posts: 3,055	I've used nothing BUT wlr for loading my 300 WSM. Oh, except one load for 125 BT's that called for rem 9½ M primers. The short-fat powder column that the WSM calibers all have, is easily ignited by standard primers. Also, since the powders normally called for are the mid to slow powders on the burn rate charts, they aren't that hard to ignite. That said, if the recipe in a manual says it was worked up using a mag primer, then use it. The long, skinny powder column of the super mags use the slowest of the powders, so they always need a magnum primer. When I started loading for my Browning, there wasn't hardly anything out there for loading data. Just a few loads with winchester 760, which I found wasn't any good for top velocity. I had to extrapolate loads up from 30-06 loads, to under 300 mag loads. The powder I choose was H-4831 SC. It still is my go-to powder for most of my loads. __________________ The more people I meet, the more I love my dog They're going to get their butts kicked over there this election. How come people can't spell and use words correctly?

April 24, 2009, 08:53 PM	#2
hoghunting Senior Member Join Date: March 27, 2006 Posts: 1,559	When I was working up loads for my 300 WSM, I tried many different powders and primers. My most accurate loads use WLRM primers, so that is what I stick with. If you can get an accurate load in your rifle using WLR primers, then use it. Each rifle is different, just because my rifle likes magnum primers doesn't mean yours has to have them. Good luck.