Would you folks recommend using small pistol magnum primers with HS-6 and 38 Spl +P 158 gr LSWC loads? I’m using 1997 Winchester W540 (same as HS-6) 38 Spl +P load data for use in a Ruger 357 Mag Blackhawk.

You could simplify your reloading by stocking up on one small primer only and using them for all handloads. Small pistol magnum or small rifle. Virtually the same and zero drawbacks to using either for all loads.

alwslate that’s where I’m leaning. I use CCI 550 in all my 357 Mag loads using Lyman Cast data and also Western Powders…both recommend magnum primers in all their 357 Mag loadings regardless of type powder.

When I shoot 38 Spl, they’re always +P…I’ll load up some up using magnum primers (CCI550) backing off 10% to start from +P published load data and check over my chronograph.

38SPL HV , Yes , I always use magnum primers with HS6 . In my 41 and 44 magnum loads with HS6 I won't use the Winchester " in between " primer ( std and magnum ) combined . I use CCI 350 . In 38 and 357 I use a magnum primer , normally CCI 550 , it's what I have on hand right now . Regards Paul

I've tried standard CCI-500 and magnum CCI-550 with HS-6 and a couple or so bullets in the 158 grain range, mostly the 160 grain SWC cast from the H&G #51 mould. My results were inconclusive. Powder burn was fine with either primer and accuracy was about the same. I worked with HS-6 extensively after buying an 8lb. jug that's now close to empty.

I have none at the moment, though I found Power Pistol provided at least slightly better accuracy overall in comparison with HS-6. But, if you have HS-6, work with it; you may have good results.

Back when primers were still cheap before the pandemic I ran into a good deal and bought 10,000 Winchester SR primers. All will be used in pistol loads, mostly .38 spl and .357 mag regardless of powder and load level.

Thank you Gentlemen!

…I also was trying Remington 1 1/2 primers in 38 Spl +P and was experiencing pierced primers while CCI’s worked fine. Rem 1 1/2 primers worked well at 38 Spl standard velocity but I would not run them at +P for possibility of some piercing…

Many years ago, about 50, I stopped using Remington # 1 1/2 primers for exactly this reason, I experienced a high percentage of primer cup failures, resulting in breech face and firing pin erosion, in all calibers I had used them in, standards just as much as magnums! While I did experience some failures of the #1 1/2 in the primer indent, I saw more issues with failures occurring in the primer cup annulus! My preference after, many tears of experience, is in this order for all handgun calibers: Federal, Winchester. CCI, whatever is available as long as it is not R 1 1/2!

In all honesty, the only Remington primer that I will not use is the 1 1/2, I have never had a problem with any other Remington primer!

Years ago a few of us did extensive testing on the FBI load. There is a ton of information available in that thread. I suggest you read the thread and decide if you find it useful. I'm fairly sure you will like that thread. Unfortunately there is a lot of fill in the thread so be patient.
In particular look at the posts from Hobtob (Mike) who originated the thread.

Duplicating Buffalo Bore FBI Load

Unfortunately I can't fine the the original thread where Mike, Jim (now passed away) and myself discussed duplicating the original FBI load. I'm not even sure it was on this forum but I did think it was. Sorry I can't find that link.

__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

To answer the original question, yes, I feel a magnum primer is very beneficial when loading with HS-6 or any hard to ignite slow ball powder. I have found the powder burns more completely and the SD and ES numbers drop considerably.

There are those who feel they are not necessary but I am only relating my experiences.

__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

I appreciated when Archangel helped me out some years ago pointing me in the right direction.

I was looking to develop a 44 spc load. I was then searching for mid power and accuracy. Ended up w HS-6 and found, as Archangel told me, a noticeable accuracy advantage when using mag primers, CCI 350s vs 300s. I ended up shooting a scoped 29-6 at 25 yards, all in 1 raged hole, most accurate load I have ever fired. I think 8.3 gr HS-6 and some old oxidized 1950s Sierra JSP 220 or 210 gr I think it was, something like that. That project concluded.

Fast forward since then I have shot HS-6 in 9mm major power factor by the thousands in USPSA/Steel challenge with any decent small primer mag or not, and they have always hit where they supposed to, unless it's my fault.

I could add that you need to find the sweet spot for HS-6 first. It does not do good when loaded too light. Look for unburnt powder and increase powder until that is gone.

You have to use what you got . Magnum primers may not be necessary ... but if they are all you have ... best to use them .

If your load is a maximum +P load with standard primers you might want to drop the load back 0.5 or 1.0 grains to test them with the magnum primer ... looking for sticky / hard extraction .

Better safe than sorry . They should be just fine with HS6 powder .
Gary

__________________
Certified Cajun
NRA Member

Use what you already have......

Randy

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I second this.

Still dirty with WSPM.

I used 540/HS6 in 38 super major loads for USPSA for years. I went through many 8 pound cans of it and never used anything but standard primers in whatever brand I found cheapest. Never a problem. I still use it occasionally for more midrange loads but now favor CFE pistol due to less flash.

It's not the powders fault if someone loads it incorrectly. HS-6 just does not play well with lower charges. It's perfectly clean in the upper end of its it's load range.

__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

9mm 35,000psi still dirty.

It seems many complain about HS-6 being dirty and condemn the powder but when other complain about Unique being dirty they get laughed at and told to learn how to clean their guns. I don't get it?

@243winxb, you are one of the only loaders I've heard saying HS-6 is dirty up near the pressures you are reporting. That baffles me and I can't think of a reason. It's a shame you're having those problems with it, I found it to perform well.

__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

I have loaded HS-6 in the 38, 357 and 9mm to light target load fps with
std cci pistol primers and did not notice that it was as dirty as Unique or Blue Dot.

I did get some smoke with a lead 158 in my 357 loads but I believe that
was from the bullets lube and not the low amount of powder used.
This load was very accurate and I see no reason not to keep using it.

Even though hotter primers might be better, the std primers work for me
in my light target loads.