Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Ammunition-Gunsmithing > Reloading
o

Notices

Reloading All Reloading Topics Go Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11-24-2011, 03:40 PM
pssman308 pssman308 is offline
Member
38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Tn
Posts: 342
Likes: 124
Liked 206 Times in 41 Posts
Default 38-357 magnum primers

I plan on reloading both of the calibers. Which primers do I need?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11-24-2011, 03:46 PM
arjay's Avatar
arjay arjay is online now
Member
38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Colorado
Posts: 15,082
Likes: 91,553
Liked 26,245 Times in 8,376 Posts
Default

Small pistol primers and maybe small pistol magnum primers.The recipe will specify which to use.Be very wary of recipes on the net.I stick with published reloading manuals.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11-24-2011, 04:00 PM
olskool's Avatar
olskool olskool is offline
Member
38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: the woods of S.C.
Posts: 538
Likes: 2,460
Liked 1,278 Times in 255 Posts
Default

for 357 i use alliant 2400 and a std. primer, a mag primer is not needed for this most accurate and slow burning powder. for 38 i use almost exclusively unique also with a std. primer. i like cci or fed. but lately i have been using wolf primers. they seem to do well, but i would not trade them for cci or fed. the only problem i see with them is they are tight going in the case and a little hard if you are using a light hammer spring.

Last edited by olskool; 11-24-2011 at 04:04 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11-24-2011, 04:33 PM
505Gibbs's Avatar
505Gibbs 505Gibbs is offline
Member
38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Suburban Deeeetroit
Posts: 2,251
Likes: 67
Liked 1,371 Times in 665 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by arjay View Post
Small pistol primers and maybe small pistol magnum primers.The recipe will specify which to use.Be very wary of recipes on the net.I stick with published reloading manuals.
I totally agree with this statement unless you have personal experience that says otherwise!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11-24-2011, 05:18 PM
kennyb's Avatar
kennyb kennyb is offline
SWCA Member
38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,895
Likes: 736
Liked 1,208 Times in 737 Posts
Default

as others have mentioned...look at what your recipe calls for
__________________
SWCA#2208
KK4EMO
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11-24-2011, 05:51 PM
pssman308 pssman308 is offline
Member
38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Tn
Posts: 342
Likes: 124
Liked 206 Times in 41 Posts
Default

The reloading manual says Winchester W.S.P. for 38 and Winchester W.S.P.M. for 357 magnum. What does that mean? I prefer federal when loading a rifle.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11-24-2011, 06:04 PM
Carnage_7 Carnage_7 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times in 4 Posts
Default

WSP= Winchester Small Pistol; WSPM= Winchester Small Pistol Magnum.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11-24-2011, 09:43 PM
Reloader's Avatar
Reloader Reloader is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Onalaska, TX
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 2 Posts
Default

Never had the need for magnum primers in pistol or rifle. Most accurate loads will be about 70% of maximum, it has been for me. Been reloading since '77.
__________________
NRA Life Member and Instructor
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11-24-2011, 10:49 PM
Rule3's Avatar
Rule3 Rule3 is offline
Member
38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 22,065
Likes: 10,777
Liked 15,467 Times in 6,788 Posts
Default

Depends on the powder used. You need regular small pistol for 38 special.

For 357 magnum some powders require a small pistol magnum primer like H110 or Win 296, HS 6 works better also with mag primers.

Any brand will work. Hodgdon Powder lists a Magnum, primer in all their magnum loads for consistency even though some powders like HP 38 do not need it.

If you use 2400 for your magnums you do not need mag primers.
__________________
Still Running Against the Wind
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11-25-2011, 02:46 AM
ArchAngelCD's Avatar
ArchAngelCD ArchAngelCD is offline
Moderator
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Northeast PA, USA
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 1,029
Liked 5,070 Times in 2,660 Posts
Default

Usually I would agree to follow the load manuals but in the case of primers it's not that important, especially in handgun loads. A standard SPP for the most part is the same from most manufacturers.

As for following the manuals as to using a standard or magnum primer, that's not always the best idea either. For simplicity most tests are now done using magnum primers will all powders in a magnum round and standard primers for all powders in non-magnum rounds. It may be easier for the testers but it's not the best data for reloaders.

The need for a magnum primer is dependent upon the powder you're using, not the caliber. You really only need a magnum primer when using hard to ignite slower ball powders like W296/H110, HS-6, HS-7 and the like. You also might need a magnum when using the ammo in VERY cold weather. (like 30 below cold)
__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 12-03-2011, 08:42 PM
GF1 GF1 is offline
Member
38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Virginia
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
Liked 116 Times in 44 Posts
Default

All ball powders, regardless of burn rate, need magnum primers. This is because the speed of the powder is governed by the coating on ball powders, rather than the physical properties of the powder granules. Very simply, ball powders need more fire to begin combustion than extruded powders.

Alliant 2400 is not a ball powder, despite it's relatively small granules. It lights pretty easily, hence no need for the extra fire of the magnum primer.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 12-03-2011, 10:15 PM
Alk8944's Avatar
Alk8944 Alk8944 is online now
Member
38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Sandy Utah
Posts: 8,617
Likes: 1,554
Liked 8,615 Times in 3,452 Posts
Default

I agree that the primer specified for the data being used is what you should use generally. When given the choice, I will use the data provided by the powder manufacturer rather than from bullet manufacturers or other published sources such as magazine articles.

Contrary to what others have said about 2400 not needing magnum primers, both Alliant, and Hercules have recommended for years the Federal #200 Magnum primer. Only recently have they changed the recommendation to the CCI 500 for some reason. At the same time the maximun loads were reduced by from 3% to 5%!
__________________
Gunsmithing since 1961
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 12-04-2011, 02:07 AM
GF1 GF1 is offline
Member
38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Virginia
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
Liked 116 Times in 44 Posts
Default

Sure, the magnum primer will work fine, no doubt about that. I've demonstrated to myself that it's simply not required, and I find the non-magnum primer somewhat more accurate.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 12-04-2011, 07:39 PM
Aticus Aticus is offline
Member
38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Breckenridge Hills, MO
Posts: 1,912
Likes: 1,594
Liked 1,487 Times in 705 Posts
Default

Would some one explain to me why the average reloader thinks he knows more about reloading than professional ballisticians?

The guys who write the manuals are highly trained and experienced professionals. I should think they know a thing or two about what they do.

Before any one flames me for this understand I know that standard primers will light off all powders. The reason for magnum primers is, I'm told, that some powders require the added fire for consistent ignition. Consistent ignition equates to more consistent pressures which lead to better accuracy.

My advice to all new reloaders is get several reloading books and FOLLOW them. I don't want to break any ones rice bowl here but following the loading data from someone with a screen name can be hazardous. Follow the books.

Rant over.

Pecos
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 12-04-2011, 10:45 PM
GF1 GF1 is offline
Member
38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Virginia
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
Liked 116 Times in 44 Posts
Default

And some folks get much better at shooting their keyboards than their guns, and are less good at working in common sense and experience into their high minded tomes.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 12-11-2011, 10:21 AM
Peter M. Eick Peter M. Eick is offline
SWCA Member
38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: San Antonio, TX, USA
Posts: 1,451
Likes: 8
Liked 740 Times in 256 Posts
Default

Your comment above should be a signature line! Great point!
__________________
SWCA 1646
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 12-11-2011, 03:33 PM
jepp2 jepp2 is offline
Member
38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Rocky Mtns, CO
Posts: 986
Likes: 19
Liked 214 Times in 141 Posts
Default

My default is to try to use the same primer that was used in development of the load. If not by brand, at least by category of magnum or standard.

I also heed the recommendations of the primer manufacturer and avoid using Remington 1 1/2 primers in 357 mag, 357 Sig, and 40 S&W cartridges. If they take the time to print it right on the side of the carton, I accept it.

Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 12-11-2011, 07:23 PM
ArchAngelCD's Avatar
ArchAngelCD ArchAngelCD is offline
Moderator
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers 38-357 magnum primers  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Northeast PA, USA
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 1,029
Liked 5,070 Times in 2,660 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pecos Bill View Post
Would some one explain to me why the average reloader thinks he knows more about reloading than professional ballisticians?

The guys who write the manuals are highly trained and experienced professionals. I should think they know a thing or two about what they do.

Before any one flames me for this understand I know that standard primers will light off all powders. The reason for magnum primers is, I'm told, that some powders require the added fire for consistent ignition. Consistent ignition equates to more consistent pressures which lead to better accuracy.

My advice to all new reloaders is get several reloading books and FOLLOW them. I don't want to break any ones rice bowl here but following the loading data from someone with a screen name can be hazardous. Follow the books.

Rant over.

Pecos
Please explain to me why the experts list a standard SPP for HS-6 in a .38 Special and a Magnum SPP for HS-6 in a .357 Magnum?

IMO and experience HS-6 in all applications is much more accurate and consistent when combined with a magnum primer, not a standard primer. No need to be an engineer to know when your ammo is more accurate.
__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 12-15-2011, 06:28 AM
chief38's Avatar
chief38 chief38 is offline
Member
38-357 magnum primers  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 17,759
Likes: 7,836
Liked 25,616 Times in 8,661 Posts
Default

For the most part if you are shooting the Magnum bullets at paper or steel targets, standard pistol primers should do the job. If you are using the bullets for self defense or hunting, then use the primer specified in the loading data tables.

With some powders I find little to no velocity change, but with certain other powders (specifically Titegroup) the Magnum primers make a big difference.
Since the Magnum primers are really the same price (or close) I would generally use what the tables say they tested the load with.

Chief38
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
357 magnum, primer, remington, sig arms, winchester

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
CCI 300 primers in the 41 magnum jct5588 Reloading 6 03-10-2017 02:11 AM
Magnum primers: yes or no? fuzzymcnab Reloading 23 01-12-2014 06:16 PM
Substitute SP Magnum Primers for SP Standard Primers photoman Reloading 10 05-07-2009 09:00 PM
WTT 1K CCI LG Pistol Magnum Primers & .41 Magnum Ammo AZ RufusG Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 3 04-13-2009 01:12 PM
Magnum primers in non magnum loads Ozziess396 Reloading 7 03-03-2009 12:51 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:49 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)