45acp primers

[cagoat]

reloading some 205 gr bear creek bullets for my Springfield 45XD.  My question is can large pistol magnum primers be used and if so do I need to lower my powder charge.    Thanks

[Cheesehead]

I have also pondered this question since I have so many magnum primers.
Cheese

[mdi]

Yes, they can be used. Yes, reduce charge. The last time the US elected a !%^*!, there was a primer shortage and I was only able to find Magnum primers in large pistol. Reduced the loads and worked back up...

[cagoat]

anyone know how much to reduce charge by

[Old Syko]

anyone know how much to reduce charge by

You're asking for a pat answer to a question that has none.  You want someone to tell you to reduce your load by a specific amount to acquire the same load which can't be done.  Yes you can substitute Mag primers for standard but you just have to start over with your load development and build a load that suits your needs.  You will find your charge, depending on which powder and primer you're presently using, will have to be reduced anywhere from .3 grains to well over 1 full grain after a load work up.  Whatever you decide to do, this is one you need to discover for yourself. 

[tacklebury]

Agree with Old Syko and will caution that some powders this isn't smart.  H110 is very sensitive to being under charged also, and I wouldn't really recommend messing with this unless you research your powder well.  If I find that a powder is safe to download via research or finding data in another manual which offsets lower, I will typically start by knocking off 10%, but as he stated.  Once you leave the bounds of the manual, for all intents and purposes you are in no man's land.  Good luck and be safe. 

[gypsyman]

10% is what the Sierra manual suggests to do with going to Mag primers. gypsyman

[Land_Owner]

Speer Manual No.14 suggests Mag. primers for large bottle neck cases to more uniformly ignite the powder.  For lower powder charges, the Manual suggests caution and safety first, double checking with other manuals for suggested charges and primer recommendations, and the potential to use Mag primers in the low charge regime for increased pressure.  The above is a recollection.  I suggest you read the Manual for exact wording.