Magnum Primers in 9mm

[Estimator]

As in most of the country, primers, powder and brass are in short supply here in Alaska, especially primers. Out of desperation, I recently purchased a large amount of Small Pistol Magnum primers at an estate auction. Now I am faced with the challenge of figuring out how to safely use them in my various 9x19 handguns.

As most serious reloaders know, the 9mm cartridge is sensitive to change and using magnum primers with the wrong combination powder, bullet, OAL etc, could be “not a good thing”. The bullet I have been using lately for weekend target shooting/load development is 125 gr rn BH18 .356 from the Missouri Bullet Company. Brass is Starline 9mm+P and powders vary from 231, HS-6, Titegroup, Universal Clays, Unique.

It seems that using a fairly slow powder with good shell filling capacity such as HS-6 or possibly Blue Dot and working up slowly would be a good way to go. The primers I normally use are Federal 100 which seem to be of fairly soft metal in that they can flatten somewhat when in fact the pressure does not seem excessive.

Although I have experimented with many combinations in 9mm from “barely able to cycle the slide” to “oh my, too much +P” my main goal is the seemingly never-ending search for a very accurate load with good velocity which does not overly stress the pistol.

The three pistols I commonly shoot in 9mm are S&W Model 39-2, S&W Model 639 and KAHR PM-9. Input from others concerning the above discussion will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Beemer-mark]

Magnum primers in 9 mm

I don't know the answer to your question but I hope you keep us posted. I have a large supply of magnum small pistol primers and can't get just small primers. I've been thinking of doing the same as you but would prefer you going first.

 

[OKFC05]

In small cases, you can quickly get into trouble changing components.
Might read this:

http://www.smith-wessonforum.com/showthread.php?t=89506

"I called Hodgdon and a Tech man said to use the starting load data for 9mm and 40 S&W with the Magtech SMPPs. He did not recommend using them on 380. He said he has seen pressure change as much as 5000 with different primers"

 

[max]

You might ask the WW people about 231. It is my favorite powder for the 9mm. I would start real low and work up gradually. I would be careful with Blue Dot in Alaska as I understand it does strange things in cold weather.

 

[magnum12pm]

I have used 2K of magnum primers in 38s - 9mm - 40 S&W since this primer thing started, which by the way everyone figured out quickly- can be done, since now I can't find magnum primers either. I started with min. charges worked up to my regular charges with no noticeable difference. You would have to chrono them to know for sure, but I would not hesitate for a second to use magnum primers in these cartridges, especially 38s in 357 guns, no way it can push pressure to danger level in the 38 brass if loaded with your normal load recipe in a 357 gun....my unprofessional opinion.

 

[Duskykiller]

9MM Mag Primers

I have used Winchester magnum primers with HS6 and 115 XTP. I am using the suggested starting load. I see no problem with this load at all. In testing for some reason I have founds the Winchester magnum primer to be slight less accurate than Wolf standard primers. I have tested the magnum primer in a Glock 17 and 19 a Ruger P85 and a Rock
River 9MM carbine.

 

[Dr.-d]

I have used magnum primers in 9mm luger reloading. I use Bullseye most of the time. I reload using the 125 gr. .356 lead bullet. In my experience with using magnum primers with Bullseye (a powder that is fast) I have never exceeded the minimum start grains. Side by side comparision every thing the same powder quantity,cases and bullets with the only thing different but the primer. Without chronograghing just by observation, using the same gun I notice the report a tad bit sharper. The recoil feels the same however, and upon examination of the fired cases, the magnum primed cases on the inside appear to be cleaner as to the fact the powder burned better. The indentation depth of the striked primer as a sign of excessive preasure or a weak loading is most of the time true. However, you need to be familiar with your gun. At times it could mislead you. Military surplus weapons can and will give stronger strikes on commercial primed ammunition and primers. In my experience using such a weapon upon examination of fired reloads one could be lead to believe excessive preasure has taken place. Then the reloads were fired in commercial weapons and the indentations are normal. As for accuracy, there are alot more variables involved for me to comment upon.

 

[kcoruol]

I've been using small pistol magnum primers in my 9mm with no problem. My powder charge is well below maximum though. Also use laser cast bullets.

Note: I in no way advocate any variation from published data loads.

 

[fredj338]

It depends. If your load is not running the ragged edge of max. it will likely make little diff. I have run some chrono tests, same loads for each but swapping out primers:
115gr FMJ (win), 4.8gr HP38, mixed cases all shot from my G26:
WWSP = 1091fps
WWSPM = 1101fps
Fed.SP = 1084fps
All pretty close for a 5 shot avg. Yes, it would be a bit more valid if all the same brass were used, but the diff. is small. Other powders will react diff. Another session w/ my 357sig showed a much wider swing in vel./pressure:
124gr Berry's FP, mixed cases, 13gr AA#9 from my P239
WWSP = 1192fps
WWSPM = 1285fps
Pretty big diff. from std. to mag primer.
Still another test using the 45acp:
230grLRN, mixed cases again, 4.5gr of WST from my 1911 Comm.
RPLP = 811fps
FedLP = 808fps
CCILPM = 809fps
Very little if any noticeable change. SO while it can matter, it likely won't if you are using low to midrange loads.

 

[mkk41]

Generally , magnum primers are used with large doses of harder to light , slow burning powders.

The 9mm uses small doses of fast burning powders.


Can't say I'd do it , but use caution. Load a few and see if ya get high pressure signs.

 

[Landric]

I've had good luck with Winchester SP magnums, HS6, and Missouri Bullet 125 grainers in 9x19mm. I tested the load with both standard and magnum small pistol primers. I saw an increase of 4fps on average using the magnum primers and no excessive pressure signs. I was getting around 1125 fps with my load. YMMV.

 

[Skip Sackett]

Welcome Aboard!

The three pistols I commonly shoot in 9mm are S&W Model 39-2, S&W Model 639 and KAHR PM-9. Input from others concerning the above discussion will be greatly appreciated.

I'm not sure off of the top of my head but, I don't think any of the firearms you mentioned are ones that I would worry about with the 9mm. If it was one with a seriously unsupported chamber, maybe.

I know that Glocks can have a bad rap here but there are other firearms out there that have that problem too. The BHP is one too.

In my limited experience, you can gain as much as 100fps just changing primers to the magnum version. If that would put the round out of the reported safe velocity of the maximum recipe I was using, I would reduce the charge significantly. Start over working up my loads.

I got 1000 WLP yesterday for $30. That was all I could buy at a time. A little pricey but I wanted them for some magnum loads. They can be used for both types of loads, magnum and standard.

I would recommend the slower powder. In the Unique burn rate on up to AA#7. Just work up your loads.

FWIW


p.s. Welcome to the forum!

 

[Dnotarianni]

As in most of the country, primers, powder and brass are in short supply here in Alaska, especially primers. Out of desperation, I recently purchased a large amount of Small Pistol Magnum primers at an estate auction. Now I am faced with the challenge of figuring out how to safely use them in my various 9x19 handguns.

As most serious reloaders know, the 9mm cartridge is sensitive to change and using magnum primers with the wrong combination powder, bullet, OAL etc, could be “not a good thing”. The bullet I have been using lately for weekend target shooting/load development is 125 gr rn BH18 .356 from the Missouri Bullet Company. Brass is Starline 9mm+P and powders vary from 231, HS-6, Titegroup, Universal Clays, Unique.

It seems that using a fairly slow powder with good shell filling capacity such as HS-6 or possibly Blue Dot and working up slowly would be a good way to go. The primers I normally use are Federal 100 which seem to be of fairly soft metal in that they can flatten somewhat when in fact the pressure does not seem excessive.

Although I have experimented with many combinations in 9mm from “barely able to cycle the slide” to “oh my, too much +P” my main goal is the seemingly never-ending search for a very accurate load with good velocity which does not overly stress the pistol.

The three pistols I commonly shoot in 9mm are S&W Model 39-2, S&W Model 639 and KAHR PM-9. Input from others concerning the above discussion will be greatly appreciated.

I have been loading mag primers in 9mm with 5.3 of power pistol with 119 and 125 lead and 119 plated bullets and don't notice any real difference shooting thru a Beretta 92. Your results may be different and use at your own risk. I use mag primers in everything but .40.