Found a box of 1000 Federal small magnum match primers, what do you thing about using them instead of regular small primers? My loads are lite all ready - like 2grs. for 9mm, 3grs. for 38, all loaded with TiteGroup.

John,
I have used the small magnums in my 38's. I noticed no difference in pressure signs in light loads. But, it's quite possible that you may see a difference in accuracy.

As far as the 9, I have no reloading experience with it, but the small capacity scares me. Very small changes in small capacity cases can make huge differences.

Just my opinion, nothing to hang a hat on.

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Eric

I think you will find a very noticeable difference and I would avoid using them in non-magnum guns unless your loads are mild. The other thing is that accuracy results from using the least potent primer for the job, not the most.

This has been discussed quite a bit here lately. Do a search. CW is that you can use them as long as you are not at a max load.

I use small magnum primers in 9mm and 38 spl usually with powders that do not burn well. reduce the load. work up loads properly !!!

The 9mm is used in a 686 and the low load (in book)is 3.8 of Titegroup. I drop it to half and shot a few and it done great, so I have been loading 2 grs. and have no problems. But the mag primer was up in the air for me.

John,

I just picked up 1000 of these last week and loaded up some .38 Specials. Had a chance to compare them to some loads with standard primers on Friday and no problems at all. The only difference I could tell was the loads with the magnum primers were definitely cleaner shooting.

Loads were 3.0 gr of Bullseye with plated 148 gr wadcutters and plated 125 gr truncated cone.

That 125 gr load shoots great in my Airweights.

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Centennial Every Day

I have to agree with Photoman44...

Anytime I am shooting less than full speed ahead loads in .38 or .357, I always use mag pistol primers. The Cleaner ignition...and thus cleaner burn is noticable with Unique and Universal Clays. As far as 9mm....I don't load that one yet. (I stocked up on 9mm ball ammo when it was 10 cents a pop and still have about 5000 rds to go before I have to load for that gun...****ger SP-101). So yes, I think mag pistol primers are OK in non mag loadings.

I have been using small magnums since the regulars disappeared, then folks figured out you could use magnums, now they are nowhere to be found as well. My revolvers are all 357, so I had no concern whatever over pressuring a 38s, with clays, american select, or titegroup with my regular powder charges. I can't say on the 9mm, your on your on with those. I would not start off with max charge, no matter what I was loading however.

Thanks Guys, loading only 2 grain of TiteGroup shouldn't be any problems then.