Using rifle primers instead of pistol primers
I've asked two different experienced reloaders the same question and have gotten two contradictory answers: Is it ok to use small rifle primers instead of small pistol primers in loading 38 Specials to be used in a 38/357 Puma 92? I was told the pressures would be too high by one guy and to go ahead and try it by another. I wouldn't ordinarily dream of mixing components this way, but we all know how hard it is to get primers right now, and I have quite a few of the small rifle primers left. I would be using 125 grain bullets at the lowest recommended loads of Unique or Green Dot.
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Your not likely to have pressure problems, rather ignition problems. The rifle primers are made with thicker metal "cups" to withstand the higher pressure generated by high velocity loadings used for centerfire rifle cartridges.
It would be sure to give you problems when fired in a revolver, might work just fine in the Puma though?0 -
I was given to understand the issue of using rifle primers in pistols had to do with the rifle primers being slightly higher than the pistol and the potential for the primer to be higher than the case, potential for an accidental ignition.
I remember reading about this with the switch between pistol primers and rifle primers on the 500 S&W but since those were large primers it may be a non issue between the small primers.
Dan R0 -
Pistol primers in rifle cases with light loads- no problem.
The other way around? It shouldn't be worse than a mag primer if you stay off the max loads, you should be fine. However I second the idea that you might have ignition problems, and you'd want to make sure the primers were seated flush.
However I can give you one example where this is done. M1 carbine. In the carbine itself, small rifle. In revolvers, small pistol- when handloading. But do you think that ammo companies load seperate batches for your Ruger or whatever? No. The 'rifle' ammo works fine.0 -
I have loaded a number of 9mms with small rifle primers. NO misfires. I don't know the pressure, but velocity with small rifle standard is higher than with small pistol standard, BUT lower than with small pistol magnum.
As to the OP, before Federal made small pistol magnum primers they recommended loading .357 magnum with their small rifle primers.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Donld
I've asked two different experienced reloaders the same question and have gotten two contradictory answers: Is it ok to use small rifle primers instead of small pistol primers in loading 38 Specials to be used in a 38/357 Puma 92? I was told the pressures would be too high by one guy and to go ahead and try it by another. I wouldn't ordinarily dream of mixing components this way, but we all know how hard it is to get primers right now, and I have quite a few of the small rifle primers left. I would be using 125 grain bullets at the lowest recommended loads of Unique or Green Dot.
no problem my friend, use what you have, i have been reloading when Dinosaurs still roamed the Earth [;)] (50+ years) and in times i run out of, say small pistol i used small rifle, i some times use SR when loading for my Colt Python.0 -
Please note that the issue of rifle and pistol primers being
different heights apply's only to large rifle and large pistol.
Small rifle and small pistol are the same size. The cups are
of a different thickness but otherwise they are the same.0 -
quote:Originally posted by XXCross
Please note that the issue of rifle and pistol primers being
different heights apply's only to large rifle and large pistol.
Small rifle and small pistol are the same size. The cups are
of a different thickness but otherwise they are the same.
Learn something every day, appreciate the information
Dan R0 -
I loaded several thousand 38's with CCI SRM primers. The load used is a max listed charge of Red Dot. Once in a blue moon I will get one that refuses to go bang on the first try. That is a good way to see if you are jerking the trigger. [:0]
All of this ammo is shot from 357 mag guns so pressure is not an issue.0 -
Thanks for all the imput guys. With the concensus being that it's not likely to be dangerous, I'll go ahead and load up a batch this weekend. I actually kind of expected it to be ok, particularly since they'll be used in a rifle made to shoot .357 mags. Should they not go "bang," I'll just pull the bullets and chalk it up to experience. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Donld
Thanks for all the imput guys. With the concensus being that it's not likely to be dangerous, I'll go ahead and load up a batch this weekend. I actually kind of expected it to be ok, particularly since they'll be used in a rifle made to shoot .357 mags. Should they not go "bang," I'll just pull the bullets and chalk it up to experience.
I'm interested to hear your results after shooting them. May start a another topic here or in the general discussion forum.0
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