9mm Primers??

Field · July 13, 2009, 02:56 PM

which specific brands are used for loading 9mm? ive been having some problems getting ahold of primers. how exactly are they labeled?

Farmland · July 13, 2009, 02:59 PM

They would be small pistol primers, each mfg has their own brand ID name, but each box should say Small Pistol Primer.

For example Winchester would be WSP Small Regular Pistol

Steviewonder1 · July 13, 2009, 03:01 PM

Small pistol, Federal 100 primers will work well. Primers are in short supply right now. Any Small Pistol will work, just don't go for Small Pistol Magnum or Small Rifle. You also need good loading data from one of the loading books.

Field · July 13, 2009, 03:01 PM

this is probably stupid to ask but will cci Magnum 550 small pistol primers work for loading 9mm?

Field · July 13, 2009, 03:02 PM

oh so magnum primers would not work...?

Dragon55 · July 13, 2009, 03:08 PM

No magnum primers will not work... and... Man with a lot of respect from a reloader of only 7 months you seriously need to do some reading on reloading.

Field · July 13, 2009, 04:07 PM

gosh its just it seems like 9mm primers are just as hard to get ahold of as good 9mm ammo, kind of defeats the purpose

WESHOOT2 · July 13, 2009, 05:46 PM

I use numerous brands of Small Rifle (non-magnum) primers for 9x19.
I use numerous brands of Small Pistol primers, to include CCI500, Federal 100, and WSP, in 9x19.

For certain specific loads I use Small Pistol Magnum primers, including CCI550, EXCEPT WINCHESTER, in 9x19.
Safely.

I do the same for 9x21.

(Accurate says no Magnum primers under AA9.)

I NEVER use Winchester Small Pistol Magnum primers in ANY load unless specified by data (they can increase pressure up to 5,000PSI; tested).

angus6 · July 13, 2009, 05:48 PM

magnum primers will work just fine , most people will back loads down a tiny bit to start, here's a little test 1 guy ran http://tinyurl.com/lho6jq theres more info out there you've just got to search a bit

WESHOOT2 I've been kicking around also just going to small rifle for everything

hodaka · July 13, 2009, 06:15 PM

I have often used small rifle primers in place of small pistol primers in my auto's. I did learn that my H&K P7 will not reliably ignite CCI 41's although my Glock will. As soon as I run out of the small pistol primers I am using now (CCI 500's) I plan to switch to Wolf small rifle, provided the P7 likes them. I mostly use Unique and 231.

Field · July 13, 2009, 08:00 PM

thanks guys you are really helpful.

one thing this makes me wonder though is...what makes all of these primers different?

wvshooter · July 13, 2009, 08:13 PM

To say that primers are hard to find is a huge understatement. I found 1k at Gander Mtn. about eight weeks ago and consider it almost a miracle. The sales guy said they had come in the night before. I happened to be at the store when the door opened at 9am the next day and got the last box. They were small pistol match primers for $40 but I felt very blessed to get them. Obviously the boxes not snapped up by employees are bought immediately by very lucky customers. This situation is of course temporary, the same shortages have happened before, but I was told today by an employee who had been to a meeting with suppliers that the suppliers said it will be one year before there are normal supplies on the shelves. He said some primer supply is being diverted to increased loaded ammo production.

Back to primer selection, powder, etc, etc. It's very important to get a couple reloading manuals and follow the recommendations for safe reloading. Just get the manuals and be careful.

kyle663 · July 13, 2009, 08:23 PM

magnum primers fire hotter than standard primers. as for rifle , i havent loaded enough rifle to say much about that.

WESHOOT2 · July 14, 2009, 06:19 AM

-Physical dimensions;

-Material used for the 'outside';

-Material used for the 'igniter';

-Material used for the other parts inside....

Like asking "What is different about auto brands?"; they are different.

dahermit · July 14, 2009, 08:16 AM

"How are rifle primers different than pistol primers?"

Quote:

-Physical dimensions;

Outside dimension is the same. Primer cup may be thicker or harder.

Quote:

-Material used for the 'outside';

Not so, "outside" of primer cup is brass in both.

Quote:

-Material used for the 'igniter';

Lead Styphenate is used in both. In addition primer compound has different over all chemical composition, allowing a hotter, longer burning result on firing in rifle primers.

Quote:

-Material used for the other parts inside....

"other parts", i.e., is anvil, made from brass.

WESHOOT2 · July 14, 2009, 08:37 AM

Time spent with a ten-thou mike show measurable differences in dimensions.

Think all manufacturers use the same cup alloy?
Or anvil alloy?
And what does Federal, and Winchester/Wolf/Remington/CCI use for compound?

I stand uncorrected.

cerberus65 · July 14, 2009, 10:59 AM

Quote:

you seriously need to do some reading on reloading

I probably would have phrased it a little differently but I feel compelled to second that assertion. Do you have a reloading manual yet? Your primer question and many others are answered in any decent manual. I started reloading a year ago and I'm up to 3 manuals and I've read the howto section of each one. Reloading is a potentially dangerous hobby and starting slow seems like a great idea. And by that I mean several things. First, you should read the howto info in a reloading manual before doing anything else. Second, it's a good idea to use the exact components shown in your load data (hard these days with lack of availability, I know). Then, later on, when you've built up more knowledge and confidence you could start to substitute. I don't pretend to understand all the implications yet of switching some components so I'm still very wary of that.

I'm sorry if it seems like I'm hacking on you. I just don't want to see you show up in some future thread with pics of a blown up gun (or worse, bloody fingers

). I really want to keep all my own fingers and I wish the same for all my TFL friends.

GeauxTide · July 14, 2009, 11:39 AM

Over a hundred years of science developed in primer manufacturing says I'm going to follow the labeled recommendations.

dahermit · July 18, 2009, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Time spent with a ten-thou mike show measurable differences in dimensions.

a .0001 or .0002 difference in dimensions of the primer cup is not significant. If there were a significant difference, otherwise, cast lead bullet shooters could not use pistol primers in rifle cases...they would not seat correctly, or would be loose.

Quote:

Think all manufacturers use the same cup alloy?
Or anvil alloy?

There are just two general types of brass. Cartridge brass and Marine brass. All manufactures of primers use cartridge brass...the exact alloy of cartridge brass is not significant. The "material" in all cases is brass.

Quote:

And what does Federal, and Winchester/Wolf/Remington/CCI use for compound?

All modern primers contain Lead Styphenate. Some formulate their compounds to be "standard". Some formulate thier compound to be "normal".

Quote:

I stand uncorrected.

Of course you do.

Uncle Billy · July 18, 2009, 09:49 AM

I followed a suggestion on CCI's website that said it was okay to use small pistol primers (which are available locally) instead of small rifle primers (which are not) in .22 Hornet handloads. I tried that, using Accurate 1680 (only powder I could get) and Nosler jacketed bullets, and it worked just fine- one ragged hole for 3 shots at 100 yds from my Ruger 77/22, no signs of overpressure or primer structural distortion or failure.

That's specific to .22 Hornet and I wouldn't have tried it without CCI saying it was okay. Here's where that suggestion came from, on CCI's website. There's a lot of good info here on primers::

CCI "Tech Tips"

I'll NEVER substitute components on my own or on anyone else's amateur advice, even if it means the gun stays in the rack until stuff becomes available again. It's just not that important to me to risk the gun and/or my ability to see and use my hands just to do my hobby.

Smogdude · July 20, 2009, 07:55 PM

I'm only 5-6 months into reloading and have used small pistol magnum primers with starting charges, or slightly reduced, for .40s&w, however when I stepped the charge up a few tenths of a grain, I began to get flattened primer cups and 5 out of 50 cases split at the neck, one all the way down the case.

That was enough for me to forget about using magnum primers in place of standard. It can be done but I wouldn't do it again personally. It's extra wear on your gun also.

Jim243 · July 21, 2009, 12:54 AM

Field - The answer to your question is NO.

9 mm is a small case and can develop extreem high pressure that will injure your gun or you.

The smaller the case, the more carefull you have to be. No room for error (pun intended)

NWPilgrim · July 21, 2009, 01:28 PM

Field,

If you have been reloading for even a bit then you have probably degraded yourself by scrounging for brass at the range.

Now is the time to throw off the shackles of any remaining dignity and scrounge for primers from friends and relatives. "Please buddy, can you spare a sleeve of primers?"

Wideners seems to have the most one-day supplies of Wolf primers. Also, check out-of-the-way gun shops and general merchandise shops. One guy I know found ammo, powder and primers at a small town drug store in northern California. I found some at a fisherman's sporting goods store.

Hardcase · July 22, 2009, 12:26 PM

I second NWPilgrim's advice - one of our local shops that is primarily devoted to reloading always has primers. Sometimes they're a little spendy - it all depends on what he has to pay to get them. Last time I was in, it cost $44 for 1000 Winchester WSPs. I bought a hundred Federal small pistol magnums a couple of days ago for $6.00.

Everybody shops at the big stores, so they're always out. But the little guy has a lot more flexibility in choosing suppliers. You can also get some pretty good advice from them, too.

BigJimP · July 22, 2009, 01:07 PM

In my area - many of the gun shops are able to get CCI primers for small and large pistol both - and they're retailing for about $ 35 - $ 40 per thousand.

You're asking some real basic stuff on primers / you really need to spend some time with a "mentor" and / or reading some reloading manuals.

July 13, 2009, 02:56 PM	#1
Field Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2009 Posts: 295	9mm Primers?? which specific brands are used for loading 9mm? ive been having some problems getting ahold of primers. how exactly are they labeled?

July 13, 2009, 03:01 PM	#3
Steviewonder1 Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2009 Location: John's Creek, Georgia Posts: 328	9MM Primers Small pistol, Federal 100 primers will work well. Primers are in short supply right now. Any Small Pistol will work, just don't go for Small Pistol Magnum or Small Rifle. You also need good loading data from one of the loading books.

July 13, 2009, 03:08 PM	#6
Dragon55 Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2009 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 811	No magnum primers will not work... and... Man with a lot of respect from a reloader of only 7 months you seriously need to do some reading on reloading. __________________ sailing ... A way to spend lots of money and go real S L O W

July 13, 2009, 05:46 PM	#8
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	lesseenow I use numerous brands of Small Rifle (non-magnum) primers for 9x19. I use numerous brands of Small Pistol primers, to include CCI500, Federal 100, and WSP, in 9x19. For certain specific loads I use Small Pistol Magnum primers, including CCI550, EXCEPT WINCHESTER, in 9x19. Safely. I do the same for 9x21. (Accurate says no Magnum primers under AA9.) I NEVER use Winchester Small Pistol Magnum primers in ANY load unless specified by data (they can increase pressure up to 5,000PSI; tested). __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

July 13, 2009, 08:23 PM	#13
kyle663 Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2008 Location: IL Posts: 311	magnum primers fire hotter than standard primers. as for rifle , i havent loaded enough rifle to say much about that. __________________ NRA member 22LR,17hmr, 9mm, 9mm makarov, 38 S&W, 38/357, 41mag, 44mag, 45ACP, 7.62x39, 7.62x54, 222rem

July 13, 2009, 02:59 PM	#2
Farmland Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2009 Posts: 869	They would be small pistol primers, each mfg has their own brand ID name, but each box should say Small Pistol Primer. For example Winchester would be WSP Small Regular Pistol

July 13, 2009, 03:02 PM	#5
Field Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2009 Posts: 295	oh so magnum primers would not work...?

July 13, 2009, 04:07 PM	#7
Field Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2009 Posts: 295	gosh its just it seems like 9mm primers are just as hard to get ahold of as good 9mm ammo, kind of defeats the purpose

July 13, 2009, 05:48 PM	#9
angus6 Member Join Date: October 11, 2008 Location: N.E. Missouri Posts: 31	magnum primers will work just fine , most people will back loads down a tiny bit to start, here's a little test 1 guy ran http://tinyurl.com/lho6jq theres more info out there you've just got to search a bit WESHOOT2 I've been kicking around also just going to small rifle for everything

July 13, 2009, 06:15 PM	#10
hodaka Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2006 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,010	I have often used small rifle primers in place of small pistol primers in my auto's. I did learn that my H&K P7 will not reliably ignite CCI 41's although my Glock will. As soon as I run out of the small pistol primers I am using now (CCI 500's) I plan to switch to Wolf small rifle, provided the P7 likes them. I mostly use Unique and 231.

July 13, 2009, 08:00 PM	#11
Field Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2009 Posts: 295	thanks guys you are really helpful. one thing this makes me wonder though is...what makes all of these primers different?

July 13, 2009, 08:13 PM	#12
wvshooter Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2007 Location: Charleston, WV Posts: 302	To say that primers are hard to find is a huge understatement. I found 1k at Gander Mtn. about eight weeks ago and consider it almost a miracle. The sales guy said they had come in the night before. I happened to be at the store when the door opened at 9am the next day and got the last box. They were small pistol match primers for $40 but I felt very blessed to get them. Obviously the boxes not snapped up by employees are bought immediately by very lucky customers. This situation is of course temporary, the same shortages have happened before, but I was told today by an employee who had been to a meeting with suppliers that the suppliers said it will be one year before there are normal supplies on the shelves. He said some primer supply is being diverted to increased loaded ammo production. Back to primer selection, powder, etc, etc. It's very important to get a couple reloading manuals and follow the recommendations for safe reloading. Just get the manuals and be careful.

July 14, 2009, 06:19 AM	#14
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	differences -Physical dimensions; -Material used for the 'outside'; -Material used for the 'igniter'; -Material used for the other parts inside.... Like asking "What is different about auto brands?"; they are different. __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

July 14, 2009, 08:37 AM	#16
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	mmmm, not so fast.... Time spent with a ten-thou mike show measurable differences in dimensions. Think all manufacturers use the same cup alloy? Or anvil alloy? And what does Federal, and Winchester/Wolf/Remington/CCI use for compound? I stand uncorrected. __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

July 14, 2009, 11:39 AM	#18
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,424	+1 Kerb Over a hundred years of science developed in primer manufacturing says I'm going to follow the labeled recommendations.

July 18, 2009, 09:49 AM	#20
Uncle Billy Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2009 Location: Small city in New York Posts: 482	I followed a suggestion on CCI's website that said it was okay to use small pistol primers (which are available locally) instead of small rifle primers (which are not) in .22 Hornet handloads. I tried that, using Accurate 1680 (only powder I could get) and Nosler jacketed bullets, and it worked just fine- one ragged hole for 3 shots at 100 yds from my Ruger 77/22, no signs of overpressure or primer structural distortion or failure. That's specific to .22 Hornet and I wouldn't have tried it without CCI saying it was okay. Here's where that suggestion came from, on CCI's website. There's a lot of good info here on primers:: CCI "Tech Tips" I'll NEVER substitute components on my own or on anyone else's amateur advice, even if it means the gun stays in the rack until stuff becomes available again. It's just not that important to me to risk the gun and/or my ability to see and use my hands just to do my hobby. __________________ Despite the cost of living, have you noticed how popular it remains? Last edited by Uncle Billy; July 18, 2009 at 10:03 AM. Reason: clarification

July 20, 2009, 07:55 PM	#21
Smogdude Member Join Date: October 6, 2008 Location: Dublin CA Posts: 57	I'm only 5-6 months into reloading and have used small pistol magnum primers with starting charges, or slightly reduced, for .40s&w, however when I stepped the charge up a few tenths of a grain, I began to get flattened primer cups and 5 out of 50 cases split at the neck, one all the way down the case. That was enough for me to forget about using magnum primers in place of standard. It can be done but I wouldn't do it again personally. It's extra wear on your gun also.

July 21, 2009, 12:54 AM	#22
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	Field - The answer to your question is NO. 9 mm is a small case and can develop extreem high pressure that will injure your gun or you. The smaller the case, the more carefull you have to be. No room for error (pun intended)

July 21, 2009, 01:28 PM	#23
NWPilgrim Senior Member Join Date: September 29, 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,346	Field, If you have been reloading for even a bit then you have probably degraded yourself by scrounging for brass at the range. Now is the time to throw off the shackles of any remaining dignity and scrounge for primers from friends and relatives. "Please buddy, can you spare a sleeve of primers?" Wideners seems to have the most one-day supplies of Wolf primers. Also, check out-of-the-way gun shops and general merchandise shops. One guy I know found ammo, powder and primers at a small town drug store in northern California. I found some at a fisherman's sporting goods store. __________________ "The ultimate authority ... resides in the people alone. ... The advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation ... forms a barrier against the enterprises of ambition." - James Madison

July 22, 2009, 12:26 PM	#24
Hardcase Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2009 Location: Sunny Southern Idaho Posts: 1,909	I second NWPilgrim's advice - one of our local shops that is primarily devoted to reloading always has primers. Sometimes they're a little spendy - it all depends on what he has to pay to get them. Last time I was in, it cost $44 for 1000 Winchester WSPs. I bought a hundred Federal small pistol magnums a couple of days ago for $6.00. Everybody shops at the big stores, so they're always out. But the little guy has a lot more flexibility in choosing suppliers. You can also get some pretty good advice from them, too. __________________ Well we don't rent pigs and I figure it's better to say it right out front because a man that does like to rent pigs is... he's hard to stop - Gus McCrae

July 22, 2009, 01:07 PM	#25
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	In my area - many of the gun shops are able to get CCI primers for small and large pistol both - and they're retailing for about $ 35 - $ 40 per thousand. You're asking some real basic stuff on primers / you really need to spend some time with a "mentor" and / or reading some reloading manuals.