CCI 550 versus CCI 500 small pistol primers

iluvlabs1 · February 19, 2012, 07:56 AM

I have been reloading 38 Special for a few years for target shooting. I normally use 158 grain, .358 diameter SWC above 4.0 grains of Bullseye and a CCI 500 small pistol primer. The rounds are shot in either a S&W or Ruger .357magnum revolver. The loading manual data is based on use of a CCI 500 primer.

I was recently given an quantity of CCI 550 small pistol primers. The manual shows these for some .357 magnum rounds, but not for the 38 Special.

Should I be concerned, or does anyone see a safety issue, if I use these CCI 550's in lieu of the CCI 500's for reloading as described above?

Thanks.

Uncle Buck · February 19, 2012, 08:20 AM

Back a few years ago when primers were hard to find and expensive, the only ones I was able to locate were the CCI 550 primers.

I reduced the loads 10% and started very low. I do not remember any problems that I had using these.

I do not think I would use them in a small case (9mm and smaller), but with a .38 special and higher, I would not be very concerned. (Just my opinion)

iluvlabs1 · February 19, 2012, 10:07 AM

Thanks Uncle Buck. I'll back of the load a bit.

89blazin · February 19, 2012, 06:41 PM

I have used mag primers in 38 special for years. No issues, but I have never loaded to max published, I normally load right in the middle of min and max published loads.

February 19, 2012, 07:56 AM	#1
iluvlabs1 Member Join Date: November 26, 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 49	CCI 550 versus CCI 500 small pistol primers I have been reloading 38 Special for a few years for target shooting. I normally use 158 grain, .358 diameter SWC above 4.0 grains of Bullseye and a CCI 500 small pistol primer. The rounds are shot in either a S&W or Ruger .357magnum revolver. The loading manual data is based on use of a CCI 500 primer. I was recently given an quantity of CCI 550 small pistol primers. The manual shows these for some .357 magnum rounds, but not for the 38 Special. Should I be concerned, or does anyone see a safety issue, if I use these CCI 550's in lieu of the CCI 500's for reloading as described above? Thanks.

February 19, 2012, 08:20 AM	#2
Uncle Buck Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2009 Location: West Central Missouri Posts: 2,592	Back a few years ago when primers were hard to find and expensive, the only ones I was able to locate were the CCI 550 primers. I reduced the loads 10% and started very low. I do not remember any problems that I had using these. I do not think I would use them in a small case (9mm and smaller), but with a .38 special and higher, I would not be very concerned. (Just my opinion) __________________ Inside Every Bright Idea Is The 50% Probability Of A Disaster Waiting To Happen.

February 19, 2012, 06:41 PM	#4
89blazin Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2009 Posts: 107	mag primers I have used mag primers in 38 special for years. No issues, but I have never loaded to max published, I normally load right in the middle of min and max published loads.

February 19, 2012, 10:07 AM	#3
iluvlabs1 Member Join Date: November 26, 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 49	Thanks Uncle Buck. I'll back of the load a bit.