Small Rifle Primer in .357 MAG

[tn_junk]

Got a Lee hand loader, some .357 Mag and 38 Spcl Brass and cast .358 boolits.
Also got some Winchester Small Rifle Primers. Considering as I will be loading way less than full
power, can I use the SR primers?
I seated 5 in cases and they popped just fine in my Handi.
Advice apreciated.

alan

[bilmac]

I once had a 30-30 that was prone to misfire, so I solved the problem by loading it with large pistol mag primers. Never saw any signs of pressure at 30-30 pressure.

 I would think that using a harder primer wouldn't be a problem as long as it doesn't make your gun misfire.

[stimpylu32]

Alan

In most cases I would say NO to using SR primers in a handgun round , however it will depend on the powder and charge you plan to use .

I have used CCI SR primers to fire heavy charges of H110 / Win296 with no adverse affects in both 357 Mag and Max , have also used them for IMR4227 but the groups were not any better than with SP primers .

But like I said , as a rule NO they should not be swapped with just any load .

stimpy

[tn_junk]

Thanks for the info.

Will be used strictly for cast bullets at nowhere near max pressure, my .357 Mag Handi with a real long throat, so I will try a few and see what happens.

alan

[1sourdough]

 I have done something similiar with no ill effects. I also was no where near max & they were just plinking type loads.

[Tom W.]

Take your calipers and measure the height of the small pistol primers  compared to the s/r primers.....

[tn_junk]

Actually used a 1" Micrometer.
The Small Rifle primers are .0026 thicker than the Small Pistol primers, but seat just fine in the Starline cases I am using.
I primed 10 cases, put them in my Handi to be sure they wouldn't fire accidently due to the thickness when I closed the action.
None did, and all popped when I pulled the trigger.
I will load 25 or so, light load with a cast bullet, and see what happens.

alan