Primers

[Star1pup]

I always use the same primer as well as all the other components in a load recipe.  Lately I have seen different primers in data from a powder company using the same components and the same exact load.

I am loading both .38 special & .357 for a Marlin rifle & a Ruger GP-100.  As I try to come up with a good load I have to keep switching primers to match what the data calls for.  I might end up with a lot of extra primers.

If I stick with standard primers when it calls for standard & magnum when it calls for magnum just how dangerous is it?

[KN]

Won't make any difference from safety stand point as long as your not hot rodding your loads. I personally use nuthing but winchester primers. Just use std when called for and the same for magnum.   KN

[Don Fischer]

I've seldom used magnum primers for anything. It's my understanding that they are usually used for large loads of ball powder as it's supposed to be harder to ignite. Never have used a lot of ball powders either. The only safty problem would likely be with max loads. The mag primer might push the load over the limits. But if it was just max, I doubt it would blow up your rifle, just show pressure signs.

Presently I'm fooling around with some H450 a friend gave me years ago and using standard primers. Seem to be working ok so far.

[Star1pup]

Thanks for the info.  It goes along with what another has told me.

BTW:  Right now I'm loading Bullseye and will stick with that until I try a couple loads at the range.

[Grumulkin]

I agree that if the loads aren't being "hot rodded" using different primers won't cause an unsafe condition.

That said, using magnum primers will likely cause increased pressure, increased velocity and therefore differences in accuracy.  I have a 357 Herrett in which I've tested both Federal 210M large rifle primers and CCI 250 large rifle magnum primers in.  The loads with the CCI 250 primers were definitely more accurate with IMR 4227.

I also ran a similar comparison in my 308 Winchester using Federal 210M and CCI 250 primers and there was no appreciable difference in accuracy or point of impact with IMR 4064.

In 44 Magnum loads with IMR 4227, signs of increased pressure came about 1 to 1.5 grain earlier with the CCI 250 primers.  That load wasn't accurate enough for me to come to any conclusion regarding relative accuracy.

The bottom line, use whatever primers you like but work up loads with specific components and don't assume that one brand/type of primer equals another.

[Jim n Iowa]

I use all Winchester primers, there are certain powders that the mag primers are recommended for, and it is usually noted in the manual. I know loaders that use only mag primers, and those that go to them in the cold weather. Years back the gov tried to limit primers to reloaders, and for awhile we ran out of primers. I have been keeping very good supply ever since, mostly Winchester and some CCI.
Jim

[Glanceblamm]

there are certain powders that the mag primers are recommended for, and it is usually noted in the manual.

IMO, This is probably the best advise. Those boys are not only gathering data but also doing it for a living.

[kombi1976]

Looks like this is the perfect place to ask my question then.
I'm test loading Woodleigh 250gn RNSNs for my 8x57 Mauser and am trying to tighten up the groups at present.
I'm tossing up using some magnum primers & I've heard plenty of stories about what's best for this load and what you should use for that load.
Temperatures where I hunt tend to be warmer rather than cooler although I'm always careful with my ammo in hot weather so I hardly think this will be a factor.
I have heard it said that with such a heavy bullet it'll take a longer for the powder to get it moving and that the extra heat from the magnum primer may get that powder working quicker and more effectively.
I'm using a ADI AR2209 which is equivalent to H4350 or H414 and is a thick extruded powder.
My test loads so far have printed 1.18" at 50 metres with standard PMC Large Rifle primers.
Am I likely to benefit from going to magnums?