I was sitting at my reloading press processing 200 cases for the S&W 44 Special and realized that I had primed each case with Lg Pistol Magnum primers "my bad". These rounds are intended for prewar 2nd model 44 spl S&Ws. I use only 200gr RNFP cast bullets with starter loads and pressures. Will these primers increase pressures beyond tolerance. Of course I can load them for my 44 mag but time is short for my range visit? Thanks for your help.
Reloading for the 44 Special Primer ?
- Thread starter delta-419
- Start date
Magnum primers will not raise pressures to any significant degree with your low powered loads.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Like said, your ammo is safe to shoot.
LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
I would have second thoughts if you were loading at the upper end of the chart, but at starting loads I doubt you will notice any difference. If anything, a magnum primer might improve ignition of small powder charges inside a large cartridge case.
cowboy4evr
Member
No worries , just shoot them and enjoy . Regards, Paul
Ivan the Butcher
Member
1st, you are good to go.
2nd, You may find that the longer duration of the primer may give a more consistent burn of the powder, which means a better shooting load. This could be your new target loading!
Ivan
2nd, You may find that the longer duration of the primer may give a more consistent burn of the powder, which means a better shooting load. This could be your new target loading!
Ivan
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I'm just curious, which powder are you using?
CScott
Member
A few years ago during the components shortage, I bought and used plenty of magnum primers in my 44 Special loads. Using Skeeter's load of 7.5 gr of Unique with a 240 gr LSWC, I could not tell any difference.
Scott
Scott
The Norseman
Member
Increase pressures? Yes. Significantly and making the rounds unsafe? More than likely, no...
During my early reloading, and pre web internet wisdom, I experimented with using different primers. I used rifle primers in pistol rounds and vice versa (except large pistol and large rifle), swapped magnum primers for standard and vice versa. Mostly in small to med caliber rifle (.223 to 30-06) and 35/357 and 44 Magnum revolvers. I always started with starting load data and worked up. I never loaded anything to the max. except some 44 Magnum "T-Rex Killer" rounds for my 7 1/2" SBH and I saw no unsafe/radical increase in pressures. Not much if any noticeable change in overall accuracy. I didn't own a chrony at the time so I didn't record velocities.
During my early reloading, and pre web internet wisdom, I experimented with using different primers. I used rifle primers in pistol rounds and vice versa (except large pistol and large rifle), swapped magnum primers for standard and vice versa. Mostly in small to med caliber rifle (.223 to 30-06) and 35/357 and 44 Magnum revolvers. I always started with starting load data and worked up. I never loaded anything to the max. except some 44 Magnum "T-Rex Killer" rounds for my 7 1/2" SBH and I saw no unsafe/radical increase in pressures. Not much if any noticeable change in overall accuracy. I didn't own a chrony at the time so I didn't record velocities.
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trapper9260
Member
I use win primers that is for both mag and standard in Large pistol primers .I would not worry about it. I load for 44 spl and 44 mag for my RH and Marlin ,I use the same primers that I stated.
OP
Powder and Pressures
I started out using the data that accompanied my 44 spl Lee die set using a 200gr lead cast bullet. It called for a starting load 0f 16.1gr of H4227 with a max of 16.5gr at a psi of 15800 and a velocity of 1142. I finished 50 rounds with this loading and decided that these were a bit too stout for old guns. They will be used in my Ruger Red Hawk 44 mag, and are so marked. My final decision was based on data from the Hodgdon data base for the 44 S&W special. It also gives me a lot more loads from which to choose. In old prewar guns I prefer "cowboy" loads that are accurate for clanging iron or punching paper. Thus using a starter load of Hodgdon H4227 of 13.0 gr at a pressure of 9100 cups and a velocity of 848 which should help to keep leading down. I do appreciate this forum as a place for ideas that keep us all safe and really like the feedback.
I started out using the data that accompanied my 44 spl Lee die set using a 200gr lead cast bullet. It called for a starting load 0f 16.1gr of H4227 with a max of 16.5gr at a psi of 15800 and a velocity of 1142. I finished 50 rounds with this loading and decided that these were a bit too stout for old guns. They will be used in my Ruger Red Hawk 44 mag, and are so marked. My final decision was based on data from the Hodgdon data base for the 44 S&W special. It also gives me a lot more loads from which to choose. In old prewar guns I prefer "cowboy" loads that are accurate for clanging iron or punching paper. Thus using a starter load of Hodgdon H4227 of 13.0 gr at a pressure of 9100 cups and a velocity of 848 which should help to keep leading down. I do appreciate this forum as a place for ideas that keep us all safe and really like the feedback.
trapper9260
Member
Sound like you got the same RH I have My is 7.5" barrel. I also have a scope to use on it also. All I say is start with start load and work your way up let the gun tell you what it likes. If it works with someones of the same gun dose not mean it will work the same way in yours. I had one time got some mag primers of large rifle by mistake at one time and talk with my gunsmith he told me you can use them but work your loads up. I just trade them with him for stared ones. I did not want to take chance on my rife. As for the ones for 44 mag it is for both that is what I like about the Win primers,
gwpercle
Member
With your starting / target loads you might not notice much difference but...take note if accuracy improves , it could be your new super accurate load. You never know what combo of components will be "The Target Load" in your gun.
Gary
Gary
Bayou52
Member
Also, to add to the discussion, I note that Win LP primers are marked on the box to be for both standard or magnum application...
Bayou52
Bayou52
trapper9260
Member
Yes and you can not go wrong with it.
DWalt
Member
The main difference between LP standard and magnum primers is the primer cup metal thickness. Magnum cups are made thicker to better handle the high pressures of magnum loads.
