PISTOL PRIMERS

[williamlayton]

What is the criteria--in your opinion--in the choice of pistol/revolver primers.
This is size NOT manufacturer.
I use as an example the 9x23.
I use small rifle primers. Why? Because Burns says to in his blog on his site. I have never tried using another.
What for instance, using the following calibers, do you use---& WHY.
.38+P's
.38 Supers
.357 mag
.41 mag
maybe even the .45ACP.
Blessings

 

[tomuchiron]

I use the exact primer specified by the most recent publication of the powder manufacturer.
The reason being, I know that my computer key board will be easier to use if I have all of my fingers.
If you want to play mix and match, you might want to check into the new talk and type computer programing. because you won't be needing a key board.
Mike

 

[Rule3]

Guess I do not understand what you are getting at??

I use what the primer that fits the cartridge or load as stated in a manual.. SP for small, LP for Large, Mag primer if required. SR for small rifle etc.

 

[Calliope]

I use SPPs in all of them. When I shot .38 Super, I never got into the very top end loads, so SRPs were not needed to prevent blown/pierced primers.

LRPs don't fit in LPP holes, so it's a non-issue in .45acp.

.357/.38? again, no need, and the recipes call for SPPs or SPMs. SRP would change pressures.

Even in .357/.38 carbines I use SPPs.

 

[williamlayton]

I find some amount of different advice on primer sizes is the reason I ask. I always use the suggestions of the book I am using using as a guide for loads.
Just a curious question.
Blessings

 

[bgrafsr]

There is a good article in the current issue of Handloader magazine on primers, if that will help.

 

[Sagetown]

I use the exact primer specified by the most recent publication of the powder manufacturer. The reason being, I know that my computer key board will be easier to use if I have all of my fingers.If you want to play mix and match, you might want to check into the new talk and type computer programing. because you won't be needing a key board.
Mike

What he says ! ........

 

[505Gibbs]

What he says ! ........

+1 - what he said!!

 

[williamlayton]

Still wondering what the criteria is.
I understand why you do it--so do I.
What is the criteria.
Blessings

 

[Fkimble]

I find some amount of different advice on primer sizes is the reason I ask.

There should be no question on primer size. Small won't stay in a large pocket and large will be destroyed trying to get it in a small pocket. I use magnum primers when the powder being used requires it, otherwise a regular primer is used. I don't shoot any of the high pressure gaming rounds so using s small rifle in a pistol case is out for me. I would NEVER use a pistol primer in any rifle case.

 

[Hobie1]

From CCI customer service

"One thing that can happen is the rifle firing pin can perforate the bottom of the pistol primer cup. This can damage the firing pin and sometimes erode the breech face of the firearm. The pistol primers have a thinner cup bottom than a rifle primer. Also, CCI pistol primers typically have less priming compound (or a different formula) than a rifle primer. Thirdly our pistol primers have a 'shorter' overall height than the rifle primers. They may seat too far into the rifle case primer pocket and result in a misfire".

Linda OlinCCI/Speer Technical Services2299 Snake River Ave.Lewiston, ID 83501

I only use what the load books tell me to use, unless a manufacturer tells me otherwise.

Regards,

Hobie

 

[Rule3]

Still wondering what the criteria is.
I understand why you do it--so do I.
What is the criteria.
Blessings

What criteria?? The criteria is that's what it calls for from the folks who make and test them.

If a small pistol caliber calls for a small pistol primer, then that's what works and fits.

So there is not another criteria, it is what it is.


"A standard of judging; any approved or established rule or test, by which facts, principles opinions, and conduct are tried in forming a correct judgment respecting them. [1913 Webster]"

 

[dg101win]

Burns

Who is this "Burns" you speak of?
I use what is called for as printed in established loading manuals.

 

[williamlayton]

HUMMMMM---
What is the critical issue, the criteria, that defines what is chosen--not by you or me---buy the manufacturers. They didn't get it from a manual and nobody told them--what is the criteria.
Blessings

 

[nrb]

The critical issues ARE....

I think your question should be addressed to the ammunition and component manufacturers since they are the ones who specify what to use where. I think you have received reasonable replies to your question from us users. Ask the makers.

best, nrb

 

[williamlayton]

I guess you are right---I know that I don't know.
It can't be the poweders used that maes a difference.
It must have something to do with pressures--but that thought leaves me a liitle confused as some powders are used interchangably in high pressure and low pressure.
I was just wondering.
Blessings

 

[fredj338]

Using rifle primers indescrimenately in pistol loads can be problematic. They are much hotter than psitol primers, even hotter than magnum pistol primers. SO unless you are reowrking your loads, not a good idea. The other issue is the rifle primers are "harder", so will not fire in some striker fired guns or guns that have tuned triggers. The final issue is the magnum primer will disguise pressure issues as they will not flow like a pistol primer. This could mean a KB instead of an observed high pressure event. You will not find ANY vetted, printed data calling for rifle primers in handgun loads but for the 454cas & maybe the newer 480 & 500 mags.

 

[Rule3]

Maybe this will provide some info?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Still wondering what the criteria is.
I understand why you do it--so do I.
What is the criteria.
Blessings

The criteria is, you use "small pistol primers" in pistol cases that use a small primer. You use "large pistol primers" in pistol cases that use a large primer. (and so on)


When using hard to ignite ball powders in magnum handgun ammo you use a magnum primer, small for the .357 Magnum and large for the 44 Magnum....

When making 454 Casull ammo you use a small rifle primer because it can handle the extremely high pressures generated by that cartridge and because that's what the manuals recommend...

Read and then read some more and you will get the idea...

 

[williamlayton]

Well--I am reading.
I do communicate so poorly.
I will post the question differently.
Without consideration of wanting to experiment I follow the manuals.
What, in the composition of a primer, is the primary concern for the bullet and powder being used---is it pressure or complete burning of the powder.
I understand that the faster powder is burned the more pressure it builds.
Dane Burns is a Gunsmith of some good reputation and considered, by most, to be a real authority on the 9x23 and the reloading and development of this cartridge.
I follow his advice.
The primer does more than ignite powder--it directs/starts a controlled explosion.
The critical issues--even the low powered .45--is what I am trying to understand.
I am not trying to re-invent a wheel.
Blessings