.45 ACP large primer brass vs. small primer brass?

[KansasPaul]

I just acquired a new, to me that is, 1911 and of course I can't wait to load up some cartridges. I'm not very familiar with the .45 ACP but I thought that all cases had large primers. While perusing  auction sites in search of brass I found listings for both small and large primer 45acp cases. What the heck??? I assume that the larger primers allow better powder ignition but I could be wrong. Is there any real difference other than the primer sizes? Will it make a difference for my handloads?  I plan to use W231 exclusively.

As always, input is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Paul

[mdi]

Very little difference. The small primer cases are "green", no lead primers and the flash hole is slightly larger.   I read an article in Handloader about large vs small pistol primers in the 45 ACP and there was a little difference in velocity, with large pistol primer being a bit faster (from what I remember, less than 100 fps). A problem is mixing cases when reloading on and trying to seat a large pistol primer in a small primer pockets. If I were starting to load 45 ACP, I'd stay with the "standard" large pistol primer

[1sourdough]

 45acp brass can be had fairly cheap from the sellers on high traffic sites. I think my last was $45 1000 shipped. You may do better than that. For the most part cases should take the large pistol primers. I have not run into any of the small & they may of been sorted out. I have enough cases where I would just set aside any small & stick with LP primers. I've been using Titegroup & H Universal in the 45 acp lately.

[gypsyman]

I've run into some of the small primer pocket brass. Just segragate it out, and hand prime it, as I don't want to change the Dillion over for that few rds. And run it thru just like std brass. I've been using std sm primers, seem to work ok. gypsyman

[dovehunter]

I run across the small primer cases on occasion when scrounging brass at my club range.  I have always worried about accidentally trying to seat a large primer in one of these cases (since they will decap okay).  I just chuck them in the trash can now whenever I find them so as not to accidentally pick the same cases up again.  What I have read also suggests that there is no particular advantage to cases with the small primer pocket.