primers, reg or magnum?

NHSHOOTER · December 10, 2013, 05:07 PM

I have looked at a few reloading charts for my 223. I know even bullets of the same weight by different manufacturers will react different. My question, can I use mag primers even if they are not called for? For instance, speer 55 gr tnt hp calls for 26grs of 748 and a magnum primer for a velocity of 2965. Take a Sierra 55 gr HPBT and to achieve 2900 fps its 2605 grs of 748 with a standard primer.
My brother says, and he is not a expert and I am looking for other opinions. I can use Magnum primers for all my loads, I have had others say that you can use magnum primers as long as you cut back on your powder a gr or so.
There are alot of guys on here that have been reloading for years so I accept all opinions..

Brian Pfleuger · December 10, 2013, 05:12 PM

Magnum primers can be the equivalent of 5-10% more powder under extreme circumstances. Reduce known loads by 10% and work back up.

Generally speaking, lower powered primers produce better accuracy except if a particular load/powder requires magnums. YMMV.

December 10, 2013, 05:07 PM	#1
NHSHOOTER Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2012 Location: Concord NH Posts: 1,002	primers, reg or magnum? I have looked at a few reloading charts for my 223. I know even bullets of the same weight by different manufacturers will react different. My question, can I use mag primers even if they are not called for? For instance, speer 55 gr tnt hp calls for 26grs of 748 and a magnum primer for a velocity of 2965. Take a Sierra 55 gr HPBT and to achieve 2900 fps its 2605 grs of 748 with a standard primer. My brother says, and he is not a expert and I am looking for other opinions. I can use Magnum primers for all my loads, I have had others say that you can use magnum primers as long as you cut back on your powder a gr or so. There are alot of guys on here that have been reloading for years so I accept all opinions..

December 10, 2013, 05:12 PM	#2
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,578	Magnum primers can be the equivalent of 5-10% more powder under extreme circumstances. Reduce known loads by 10% and work back up. Generally speaking, lower powered primers produce better accuracy except if a particular load/powder requires magnums. YMMV. __________________ Nobody plans to screw up their lives... ...they just don't plan not to. -Andy Stanley