Can I use a small Magnum Primer

mbsams

November 28, 2009 10:51

Due to supply shortages, I cannot find small pistol primers but I have a good supply of small magnum pistol primers. I have a 380 ACP and a .357 Magnum and Unique powder. With starting load charges will there be any problem? Just want to get a target load and keep shootin'. I am most concerned with the .380

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  B17-P51

  November 28, 2009 10:53

  Assuming the small magnum primers are pistol primers too, and you are using target (light) loads, have at it. Do a search using "magnum primers" in the reloading forum and you will get plenty of info.

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  Zinderbloc

  November 28, 2009 15:56

  I don't load .380, but I've used magnum primers for all my .357 loads for years. No problem with Unique or any other powder.

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  dcs shooters

  November 28, 2009 17:53

  Just keep your loads about 20% under max.

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  blacarrow

  November 28, 2009 18:39

  Reading "between the lines" I'm guessing you are referring to small RIFLE magnum primers. That said, rifle primers are manufactured to require a stronger firing pin strike and as such may or may not be suitable in some pistols.
  The advise given on loads is good and you will need to do some trial and error work with the pistols you own. I have successfully used rifle primers in some but not all pistols I own.
  
  Hope this helps.

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  11b6r

  November 28, 2009 18:59

  A small rifle primer may also be thicker- with the result that you could have a "high" primer when seated. Bad ju-ju.

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  partisan

  November 29, 2009 09:42

  There shouldn't be any problems.

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  Geri

  November 29, 2009 16:55

  I use small rifle primers in my 357 mag revolver. No problems

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