Primer interchangeability question

[lrrifleman]

Greetings!

I'm currently taking inventory of my primer supply, and not exactly ecstatic with the results. I'm good for most of my "large" needs, but my recent habits have switched to the need for "small" primers, and that is where I have concerns.

I am in a position where I can pare off some small rifle primers to serve duty as small pistol primers, if what I am thinking would work. However, I don't plan on cutting myself short on match rifle ammo.

Specifically, I have questions about two different primers, the Remington 6 1/2 rifle primer and the CCI 41 (a military grade 5.56 primer).

I have read that the 6 1/2 was designed for the 22 Hornet and could suffice as a substitute for small MAGNUM pistol cartridges. Is the Remington 6 1/2 an acceptable substitute for 357 Magnum loads?

Second, I have read here (and elsewhere) that small rifle primers can be used in place of small pistol primers. Since the CCI 41 is designed for the 5.56, would it be useable for regular range and target use 38s, 9mm, 380, and 40 S&W cartridges. I figure if the 41 is an acceptable substitute standard, I can divert about 1500 for a year's worth of Glock matches or home loaded SD ammo (should push come to shove).

Having seen recent dillusional prices on GB, I seriously doubt that I will purchasing primers from other than sane box stores!

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[SMSgt]

What makes the #41 "suitable" for ARs is its increased distance between anvil and cup. It's the same cup as the SRM primers. I don't think it is a question of the 41 being suitable for pistol rounds, more a question of does your pistol firing pin/striker have enough oomph to fire the primer. Test a few and find out. They'll probably be fine unless your gun's firing pin/striker strike is marginal. Standard reloading workup procedures apply.

 

[Just another 22 shooter]

6 1/2s have worked well for me in 357 loads shot in my 586.
SMSgt explained #41 very well.
Being retired now with plenty of time on my hands, this spring I plan on trying #41s and Remington 7 1/2s in the pistol calibers to see how they perform.

 

[CH4]

The way things are going, I may try using a fuse.

 

[HorizontalMike]

6 1/2s have worked well for me in 357 loads shot in my 586.
SMSgt explained #41 very well.
Being retired now with plenty of time on my hands, this spring I plan on trying #41s and Remington 7 1/2s in the pistol calibers to see how they perform.

I hope that you already have a good/large supply of Remington 7-1/2s, as they are discontinued.

And who knows about #41 availability.

 

[AManWearingAHat]

Interchangeability is doable in that they will fit. If you are going to use SR primers in say 9mm, work back up. As other have stated it will also be important to have enough umph behind your hammer or striker to ensure consistent detonation.

 

[lrrifleman]

I hope that you already have a good/large supply of Remington 7-1/2s, as they are discontinued.

And who knows about #41 availability.

Mike,

Are the 7 1/2s being replaced or is the Remington primer line being discontinued?

 

[HorizontalMike]

Mike,

Are the 7 1/2s being replaced or is the Remington primer line being discontinued?

I am not sure but definitely have my eyes open on this. I am down to just short of a case of 7-1/2s. Bought them for my Rem#222, though will be used with my .223 as well.

 

[Just another 22 shooter]

I hope that you already have a good/large supply of Remington 7-1/2s, as they are discontinued.

And who knows about #41 availability.

I'll just say that it will be quite a while before I might be forced to use the Remingtons for pistol loading. And I have more than enough for the prairie dog safaris I have planned.

 

[SMSgt]

The way things are going, I may try using a fuse.

(Note to self: Start hoarding fusing.)

 

[mmb617]

I have the same situation of more small rifle primers than small pistol primers so I've done some experimenting. I've found no problems using CCI #400 or Federal #205M primers in my M&P pistols. I've not had a single light strike with them.

However, the CCI #41 and CCI #BR4 would not fire about half the time in either the Shield or Compact 9.

 

[SMSgt]

I have the same situation of more small rifle primers than small pistol primers so I've done some experimenting. I've found no problems using CCI #400 or Federal #205M primers in my M&P pistols. I've not had a single light strike with them.

However, the CCI #41 and CCI #BR4 would not fire about half the time in either the Shield or Compact 9.

I suspect striker-fired handguns may have more problems with rifle primers than hammer-fired handguns.

 

[Rammer Jammer]

A few years ago I accidentally bought S&B Small Rifle primers but I only reload for pistols, and for small primers just 38 Special and 9mm. Eventually I used them in 38 Special loads and had no pressure issues, just reliability in setting them off. My LCR would not reliably set them off sometimes taking a few strikes to go. Without going through each of my 38s from best to worst with these primers I found my Mod 67-1 to have the best reliability when fired in single action. So I basically had about 1000 target loads that could be used in my 67 but couldn't count on them to be reliable and fired in DA in any of my 38s.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

What makes the #41 "suitable" for ARs is its increased distance between anvil and cup. It's the same cup as the SRM primers.

Primers are supposed to be seated fully to the bottom of the primer pocket so the anvil's point is in contact with the primer cup & it's compound.

This pre-loads & sensitizes the primer.

Why are you saying there's a distance between the two?

When primers aren't fully seated, & making contact between the anvil & cup's compound, misfires are possible.

Everything I've read says they (#41s) just have harder cups to resist slam-fires in ARs.

.

lrrifleman, use/try the Remington 6-1/2 in your pistol cartridges & save the #41 for your rifles.

.

 

[BillBro]

Probably not the 41s but the 6 1/2s should be fine as long as you have factory springs in your guns. 41s are HARD.