Ok what is the difference between Small Pistol and Small Rifle primers?

[Paul5388]

Dennis,

The load I use is supposed to be in the 45,000 cup range. I can't tell much difference when I use a SP or a SR primer, but of course I don't have any pressure equipment to check with.

My thinking is, there's a little more safety margin against pierced/blown primers at that kind of pressure, when I use a small rifle primer.

 

[Amici]

Originally posted by Paul5388:
Dennis,

The load I use is supposed to be in the 45,000 cup range. I can't tell much difference when I use a SP or a SR primer, but of course I don't have any pressure equipment to check with.

My thinking is, there's a little more safety margin against pierced/blown primers at that kind of pressure, when I use a small rifle primer.

Precisely why I was told to use SR primers in my "race gun" loads. At that point, it made sense to buy only SR primers, as it:

1. Prevented the accidental use of an SP primer where an SR should be;

2. Provided an additional degree of safety in my other handgun loads, particularly the .40; and

3. Simplified inventory.

I have been using SR primers in my .40 and 9x23 reloads for several years without any negative effects.

As always; your gun, your health, your call.

 

[dennis40x]

I see that a conclusive answer is not forthcoming.Yes there are those that have and do use one in place of the other. The reality is proceed at your own risk should one decide to use small rifle in place of small pistol primers.

 

[Amici]

Originally posted by dennis40x:
I see that a conclusive answer is not forthcoming.Yes there are those that have and do use one in place of the other. The reality is proceed at your own risk should one decide to use small rifle in place of small pistol primers.

Good advice for ANY reloading information, especially that pulled off of forums.

 

[38-44HD45]

FWIW, back when I shot lots of IPSC, I always used Winchester small rifle primers in my .38 Super reloads. Major power factor was 175 then, and most of us ran at or above 180. I was shooting mostly 124 gr. jacketed bullets at about 1450 fps. Small pistol primers would always flow, and fairly often pierce at that pressure level, but the small rifle primers barely cratered. Small rifle primers are the ONLY way to go with factory-level 9x23 loads, which run at rifle pressures.