Primers for Magnum loads vs Standard loads

[38MAN]

I went out again today looking for standard small pistol and rifle primers at the local shops. None to be had. I went into a shop that I have purchased some supplies from in the past.  They had some magnum small pistol and rifle primers. The owner said that I could use them in place of the standard small primers. Against my better judgement I purchased the magnum primers since I have been looking for the standard primers for over a month. Did I screw up? Can I use these magnum primers safely?  Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[cwlongshot]

I would say no, BUT that will depend on your loads.

 Start with starting loads and work up as always, just pay close attention to the signs. I would not advise you just substitute mag primers to your existing loads. That could create a problem.

CW

[jhalcott]

 You WILL have to rework the loads! Primers can make a load do some strange things. Accuracy MAY go to pot. Pressures will definetly be different, most likely higher! Not knowing WHAT guns you are using my advice is start low and work up. As is normal for changing ANY components. I have done this in the past when primers were scarce. I found some much better loads too.

[buck460XVR]

In most cases, unless you are already at the maximum recommended load or your loads have not already shown signs of excessive pressure you should be fine. Many of my load manuals have the exact same loads listed for a certain bullet weight with the only difference being some use a standard primer and some use a magnum. With my handguns loads, I routinely substitute magnum primers when tweaking a load for accuracy.  Again, as with all new components, the key is to start low and work up.

[38MAN]

Guys,

Thanks for the input. I'm not a big fan of recoil. I usually load at just above starting charges. I assume this shortage of supplies is due to the "change" they voted for. God Bless America!

Thanks again!!

[Lead pot]

Here are some primers. I just got 10 K from them.


http://www.grafs.com/powders/3525