Author Topic: Primer Interchange  (Read 360 times)

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Offline Prince of Wales

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Primer Interchange
« on: November 01, 2005, 02:54:02 PM »
I have two boxes of primers which are CCI. One is 350 Large Pistol Magnum and the other is 250 Large Rifle Magnum. They seem to be of the same physical dimension. Will they interchange or more specificly will the pistol primer function in a rifle case? Thanks. POW

Offline Iowegan

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Primer Interchange
« Reply #1 on: November 01, 2005, 03:35:21 PM »
Not a good idea. There is a very good reason why companies make rifle and pistol primers. Rifle primers have a much stronger cup and can take the higher pressures generated in a rifle. Pistol primers have a softer cup. This helps detonation with a weaker hammer blow.
 
In other words, a pistol primer might blow out when used in a rifle. By the way, pistol and rifle primers are the same diameter but rifle primers are a few thousandths longer. Also, there is more mix in a rifle primer so it will create more pressure and hotter ignition. A pistol primer may not provide enough ignition to properly light up slow burning rifle powder.
GLB

Offline Steve P

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Primer Interchange
« Reply #2 on: November 01, 2005, 03:46:57 PM »
Prior post was right on.  Dont use a pistol primer in a rifle.  There are some pistol cartridges that are shot in rifles.  Some loads will use a rifle primer in a pistol case, but they are also using a recipe made for that primer, powder, and bullet.  The primers are not just being substituted.  
There are exceptions to this rule, and light rifle loads that do take a pistol primer.  Without more info, I will not say more.

Steve   :D
"Life is a play before an audience of One.  When your play is over, will your audience stand and applaude, or stay seated and cry?"  SP 2002

Offline Prince of Wales

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Primer Interchange
« Reply #3 on: November 01, 2005, 05:10:26 PM »
Thanks guys I appreciate your reply and information. POW