magnum small pistol primers for .22 hornet reloading?

[blaster2560]

Hello,
I have an NEF standard .22 hornet. Can magnum small pistol primers be used to load for my rifle? As I can't find any small rifle or small pistol primers. I use 12gr of Lil'Gun and 35gr v-max or 45gr speer bullets.
Thank you

[trotterlg]

I wouldn't think you would have a problem with them.  I use CCI 450's for my 17 FB and they are magnum rifle primers.  Unless they are too soft to stand the pressure, and I don't think the pressure in a Hornet is any higher than some pistol ammo I think things will be good.  Could be some adjustment to the load may be required but in my experience I kind of doubt it.  Larry

[Couger]

"Magnum" small rifle or small pistol primer in a Hornet?

Don't see why not.  altho your accuracy might suffer dramatically!

Twas I to do the same thing I'm guessing it might be safe to start at 8.5 or 9 grains of Lil'Gun with a 35 or 40 grain bullet and work up 3 tenths to 1/2 grain at a time.

I'd be inclined to try a heavier bullet instead of a lighter one actually.  50 or 55 grains at 1200-1500fps and see what your loads do, but you of course would be winging it, into the unknown!

One thing going for you with a small magnum pistol cap is the battery cup has still got to be on the softer side, versus a small magnum rifle cap.

Too bad you can't find any standard small pistol caps, or Remington 6 1/2's.

[LaOtto222]

I experienced more pressure when I tried a WSPM primers instead of CCI 500 (small pistol primers). I did not reduce the charge - just thought I would try them to see how they did - no go. If you do try them, back off the powder and as suggested, you might try a heavier bullet - especially with Lil"gun. It is worth experimenting a little with. Good Luck and Good Shooting

[mechanic]

I don't know if this helps or not, but using pistol primers in my 357 Handi, (SB1) I had a few to perforate with hot loads.  Went to rifle primers, no more problems.  On my Handi 45-70 I've used large pistol with no problem.  Just back off and work up a load and watch the primers for trouble.....

[blaster2560]

Thank you all for all you’re help. I’ll log it for reference. I’m a safety first person, and I don’t normally substitute components this way.
I have been going to my dealer in OKC for the past month to get primers. He said “there on order! Keep checking!” Okay, I thought. Then survival kicked in, and I was trying to think of any way to keep hunting and shooting.
today, I went to pick up some magnum SP primers, and the line was out the door. The person in front of me said that they got a shipment of primers! Cool, I got some SR and SP primers.
This is just scuttle butt, he said that primer availability would improve towards the end of the year. Let’s hope so.
Again thank you for the information.
You all are great!

[Gohon]

I don't recommend the mag primers for two reasons.  One there is nothing to gain by using them and two, if they are used you must make sure there is very good neck tension on the bullet.  If bullet pull is too weak from neck tension or crimp, a powerful primer will blow them out of the case and into the lands before the powder properly ignites which could, and I only say could cause higher pressure.  Not to mention this is not good for accuracy since you never know which round will be affected.