Primer question

[mag41vance]

What affect would using magnum primers have on regular loads.
IE; 30-30 using IMR4198?

I had a bunch of 30-30 cases primed and prepped. Some were magnum primers some were regular. I kicked over the two compartment tray they were in and they are now all mixed up.  :oops:

[Wlscott]

I don't think I'd load them.  Magnum primers are hotter than regular primers, so they will probably increase pressure.  I wouldn't think it would be good for accuracy, and probably not safe either.

You'll probably just have to get rid of them if there's no way of telling them apart.

[Flint]

Mag primers are used to light ball powders, and the load should be reduced 10-15% for loads listed for standard primers.

[Questor]

It depends on the powder, but keep in mind that as handloaders, we're just a bunch of dumb monkeys cranking out ammo to specific recipes developed by ballisticians. The general rule when changing components, like primers, is to use a starting charge, then work up gradually.

[John Traveler]

mag41vance,

Using those magnum primers in your .30-30 loads may have no noticeable effect at all, especially if you use ball powders like WW748.  For that IMR4198 you are using, you should start by reducing your starting loads by say 2 grains.  Ball powder starting loads should not be reduced.

It is safest of course to follow the loading manuals exactly as a recipe.

Primers have colour-coded tissue paper discs under the anvil.  If you look carefuly, you will probably see that the magnum primers are a different colour than the regular ones.

[Redhawk1]

I would just reduce my load a little and use them as practice rounds. But I think you will be OK. I have done it on just to see the difference. And I did not notice any.