Author Topic: Primers, to magnum or not?? (Read 518 times)

Cuz · « **on:** September 12, 2005, 05:47:42 AM »

I have always used standard pistol primers for my .357 mag and .44 mag reloads. . .BUT a friend of mine stopped by my bench and he asked me. . .WHY not use magnum primers??
I have no complaints with my loads and they shoot well (I shoot mostly .44mag) but I am asking, SHOULD I be using the magnum primer rather the the standard primer. My .357 mag load is 8.6 gr IMR 800-X under 158gr JHP and the standard CCI small pistol primer. My load for the .44 mag is 14.2 gr IMR 800-X under 240 JHC and standard CCI large pistol primer.

I have not ever used the magnum primers. Should I be?? when or what would dictate the use of magnum primers? This 'friend' has got me to second guessing myself. would appreciate some of you fellas input.

Cuz

ricciardelli · « **Reply #1 on:** September 12, 2005, 06:22:53 AM »

"If it works, don't fix it..."

mountainview · « **Reply #2 on:** September 12, 2005, 06:25:42 AM »

What does your load data call for? If the recipe calls for non-mag primers, substituting a mag primer is heading for uncharted waters which in reloading is something that most folks want to avoid.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 12, 2005, 06:52:02 AM »

Quote from: ricciardelli

"If it works, don't fix it..."

I agree with ricciardelli. If your not having any problems do worry about it.

warf73 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 12, 2005, 10:06:14 PM »

What ricciardelli said.

I load my 44mag with CCI Mag primers with 4.8grs of Red Dot with a 240gr Keith SWC on top (make my own)
Extramly accurat at 25 yards, I've never had a pop can walk away yet with this load :grin:

Warf

Reed1911 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 13, 2005, 11:14:20 AM »

With 800X you should not need them.

Haywire Haywood · « **Reply #6 on:** September 13, 2005, 03:19:02 PM »

Some ball powders like W296 or H110 are a little harder to ignite and benefit from magnum primers. I was loading for 357 Max and couldn't get 145gr silvertips to group for squat till I switched to Mag primers. That was the magic component that shrank my groups by half.

However, changing to a magnum primer (as with any component change) requires backing off to a mild starting load and working up from scratch again.

Ian

Blackhawk44 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 13, 2005, 03:33:03 PM »

Always go by the manual. Moderate to quick powders normally do not work well with magnum primers. 800x is definitely a moderate speed powder. Chemical compositions, shape, and coatings of powders all contribute to whether a standard or magnum primer is most desirable. One example would be 2400, while a slow pistol powder, its composition makes a standard primer the most desirable. Always refer to the manual. Those companies have pressure testing equipment, we don't.

Steve P · « **Reply #8 on:** September 13, 2005, 03:48:45 PM »

I have dies set up in tool heads for over 30 calibers. I don't own a magnum primer.

Haywire, you may find Winchester Small Rifle primers work best in your max.

Good luck and shoot straight.

Steve

Gregory · « **Reply #9 on:** September 13, 2005, 03:53:01 PM »

Quote from: Reed1911

With 800X you should not need them.

I agree with Reed, it depends on the powder being used. 800X, Unique, or W231 will not need magnum primers. W296, H110, and sometimes 2400 will benefit from magnum primers.

Cuz · « **Reply #10 on:** September 14, 2005, 03:15:02 AM »

thanks, fellas. my groups are just fine and I am comfortable with the loading process, as I have described. this 'friends' advice had me second guessing myself and I needed your reassurance. I have read several load books and 'some' recommend the magnum primer for my load, BUT until it becomes unsatisfactory to me, I will not change a thing.

thanks Cuz