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Old 01-10-2017, 07:10 PM
brigham33 brigham33 is offline
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Default Beginners question...

Just started reloading. I'm planning on reloading the more or less obsolete cartridges, 45LC, 38LC, 38S&W, 45-70 etc.

Just primed my first small batch of 38 LC, getting used to the tool etc. After I got 25 done, I see I'm using Small Pistol Magnum primers instead of just Small Pistol.

Is that a big deal? Can I just switch to Small Pistol primers now and continue on? Or do I need to change those Magnum Small Pistol primers to the Small Pistol primers?

Thanks!
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Old 01-10-2017, 07:10 PM
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They should be fine


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Old 01-10-2017, 07:16 PM
brigham33 brigham33 is offline
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Thank you!
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Old 01-10-2017, 07:18 PM
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Shouldn't be a problem. If you were loading at max loads, then "watching" for over pressure signs might be in order.
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Old 01-10-2017, 08:23 PM
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Stay away from max load (which is good idea for beginner even with standard primers) and you should be fine. If you're using manual where only max charge is listed decrease it by at 10-15% to get your starting point.
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Old 01-10-2017, 08:58 PM
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I would change and use the right primers. You need to be a lot more careful following proven safe fomulas you are following the recipe for disaster not being careful. don't know what you're shooting them in but older cartridges in older firearms could use lots of caution and safety cushion. You are removing some of that cushion. Make sure you know what you're using each and every time. Next thing you know you'll use Bullseye instead of 2400 then you need to change your name to lefty.
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Old 01-10-2017, 09:34 PM
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Quote:
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I would change and use the right primers. You need to be a lot more careful following proven safe fomulas you are following the recipe for disaster not being careful.
The OP realized the error of components used and asked if he should correct it. Since the problem is minor and loading these cases would be safe. Why?

Magnum primers offer benefits over standard depending on propellant used.

Magnum primers are approx. 20% hotter and longer duration to provide positive ignition.

Many chrono test by others have shown little to no difference in performance, and I have used many myself.. Call me lefty, I have been since I grabbed my first toy(approx 6 months old) at least that's how my parents told it.
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Old 01-10-2017, 09:39 PM
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I wouldn't make a habit of it but you should be fine with a few dozen rounds. I know guys who only use mag primers; then again I know guys who won't use hearing protection.
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Old 01-11-2017, 03:22 AM
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Default Generally speaking....

The powders that require a magnum primer are slow magnum powders such as 296/110, HS-6 and I think Blue Dot, along with others. The load tables tell you what to use

2400 doesn't require magnum primers but doesn't not give up much at all to the REAL magnum powders.
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Old 01-11-2017, 02:40 PM
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As noted, if you are using loads below midrange, as you should just starting, then no issue. At max loads, everything matters, even brass brand.
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Old 01-11-2017, 07:26 PM
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Primers do make a difference. Magnum primers would raise pressures quite a bit, depending on several factors. While a normal answer would be "go ahead and shoot them", which ain't all wrong, I'd say put those cases loaded with magnum primers away until you have more experience and understanding of primers and pressures. Then you can decide for yourself what you should do with them...

This is a pretty common question on forums and if you googled "can I use magnum primers instead of standard?" you'd get quite a few hits, with reference to several forum threads...

Last edited by mikld; 01-11-2017 at 07:28 PM.
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Old 01-12-2017, 12:51 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mikld View Post
Primers do make a difference. Magnum primers would raise pressures quite a bit, depending on several factors. While a normal answer would be "go ahead and shoot them", which ain't all wrong, I'd say put those cases loaded with magnum primers away until you have more experience and understanding of primers and pressures. Then you can decide for yourself what you should do with them...

This is a pretty common question on forums and if you googled "can I use magnum primers instead of standard?" you'd get quite a few hits, with reference to several forum threads...
Citation on 'quite a bit'?

I personally have switched to only magnum primers to keep my inventory simple. I have not seen any statistically significant difference in accuracy or muzzle velocity as measured by a Magnetospeed V2 chronograph. The difference in primers would only be a concern if you were at the limit with regular primers.
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Old 01-12-2017, 01:18 PM
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You might want to start paying strict attention to what and how you are doing. Reloading is one of those things where the details matter. Some details matter a lot.
Don't load maximum charges of powder with the magnum primed cases, just to be on the safe side , use a charge between starting and maximum and you will be fine.
You can deprime those primed cases , just do it slowly , wear hearing protection . I've deprimed a lot of primed cases and even reused the primers with no problems. Do it slowly !
Gary
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Old 01-12-2017, 04:18 PM
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Been reloading for 55+ years. Don't worry about the magnum primers as You won't see much difference. If You worry about pressure, get PO Ackley's books on reloading or borrow a copy from someone and read the chapters on pressure. Have fun.
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Old 01-12-2017, 07:49 PM
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Yep, I been reloadin' fer nigh onto 50 years and I ain't never used a reglar primer and I don't mesur powder no more. I jes dump some in thu shell and stuff a boolit on top. I ain't never had no problems hittin deer at 300 yards wif my good ol' six gun, one handed fer sur and jes used them iron sights and guesses at holdin over du deer's neck. Usin' whut primers is writ in some silly book is fer sissies...
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Old 01-12-2017, 09:58 PM
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Default Some people use nothing but magnum primers..

..and just knock a few tenths of a grain off every load for standard primers. Having one kind is easier to keep in stock and not get things crossed up. I maybe see a time in the future when a primer will be a primer and the data will reflect that. I think some companies may already have settled on one small primer for pistols.

Magnum primers exist because some of the slow powders used in magnum loads are hard to light and get a complete and consistent burn. They have a little more fire and heat. I've used magnum primers to shoot plastic bullets and they will do major damage to wall board. Don't ask me how I know. (I was sure that the backstop I made would stop a plastic bullet driven by a primer)
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Last edited by rwsmith; 01-12-2017 at 10:03 PM.
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Old 01-13-2017, 01:53 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bbqncigars View Post
Citation on 'quite a bit'?

I personally have switched to only magnum primers to keep my inventory simple. I have not seen any statistically significant difference in accuracy or muzzle velocity as measured by a Magnetospeed V2 chronograph. The difference in primers would only be a concern if you were at the limit with regular primers.
As a general statement this is sort of true, but it is powder & case size specific. Not all powders respond the same to primer force.
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Old 01-13-2017, 11:05 AM
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Quote:
Just primed my first small batch of 38 LC, getting used to the tool etc. After I got 25 done, I see I'm using Small Pistol Magnum primers instead of just Small Pistol.
Good job on catching your mistake. We all make them and hopefully learn from them. Again, good job!

Pick a mid-range load and shoot them.
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Old 01-13-2017, 02:30 PM
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Remember that the OP i a new reloader and throwing "I've always...", when it's outside normal safe reloading procedures is a disservice, and potential danger to him...

When addressing a question from an experienced reloader extrapolation theories are fine, but remember that some new reloader may believe all the B.S. that often appears on an anonymous forum...

Last edited by mikld; 01-13-2017 at 02:32 PM.
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Old 01-13-2017, 06:20 PM
Ralph Compton Ralph Compton is offline
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There are several good books with recommended and tested loading data. The books are a whole lot cheaper than a new fire arm. I would follow the data from the manufactures! Reading is cheap insurance.
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Old 01-13-2017, 07:03 PM
Qc Pistolero Qc Pistolero is offline
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What is the gun you intend shoot these in?What is its condition?What is the load you used(powder type and how many grains,bullet weight,age and condition of brass)?Mag primers are hotter burning than regular and are known to increase pressure a little in large cases but a lot more in small cases(around 3K PSI and even a little more)and the 38LC is a small case.
To answer your question;if you ask the question it is because you have a doubt and when in doubt,don't.Better safe than sorry.You certainly won't blow yourself up but you might damage the gun.Have fun and be safe
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Old 01-16-2017, 04:17 PM
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If you have read this far you have received a lot of good information. My advise is use a lower to mid range load for those cartridges primed with a mag primer.

reloading in an enjoyable satisfying hobby, but with the vast majority of firearm related hobby it can be dangerous. It helps to develop a set pattern of reloading, that is doing the same thing in the right sequence every time. I am an old Air Force type. The Air Force uses check list for everything that in done. Yes I have a check list for setting up my reload bench, a check list for the reload steps and for clean up. I am old and still have all my fingers and both eyes, I have never damaged a gun with one of my reloads. But the day is still young and I am a human and capable to mistakes.
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Old 01-16-2017, 07:25 PM
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Default Use in a Stout Pistol

The range of weapons that will swallow and fire 38 LC is pretty broad, as is their pressure capacity. As most have said above, if you load a fast burning, non-pressure sensitive powder like Bullseye, Unique or W-231/HP-38 in a mid-range load you should be fine, but consider carefully what you shoot those 25 rounds in. This is not a time to fool around with your classic collectible Colt or S&W. Shoot them in something cheap, new, and strong.
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Old 01-16-2017, 09:37 PM
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I won't give you advice but I will tell you I use exclusively Federal Gold Medal small pistol Magnum primers in my pistol cartridges calling for small primers. This happened because I could not get standard Federal small pistol primers. Before doing lots of rounds using magnum primers, I made a sample batch and chronoed magnum vs my normal ammo. I use a high-end chrono indoors with infra-red light source. No measurable difference in the numbers. I have been using these magnum primers ever since. The loads are moderate.
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