Primer type

[Shooting Padre]

I reload both .38 Special and 9mm Luger. My son mistakenly picked up CCI 550 magnum small pistol primers instead of CCI 500 small pistol primers. Does anyone have experience in using the magnum primers in the loads stated above. I usually don't deviate much from the recommended loading data.
Thanks all.

 

[505Gibbs]

I reload both .38 Special and 9mm Luger. My son mistakenly picked up CCI 550 magnum small pistol primers instead of CCI 500 small pistol primers. Does anyone have experience in using the magnum primers in the loads stated above. I usually don't deviate much from the recommended loading data.
Thanks all.

No first hand knowledge, BUT I'll stick my neck out and say on the 38Spl its probably not too much of an issue unless you're going after max +p loads[much larger case vol. as compared to the 9mm].
On the 9mm, with the smaller case volume, I'd be careful IF you're pushing the edge of the max load. Just my $0.02!

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Magnum primers will give higher pressures, so it's best to back down from whatever load you are, or have been using with the standard primers by at leat 10% and work back up.
In smaller rounds they can also somtimes cause wider extreme spreads and less accuracy with normal loads. Like all things in reloading whenever you change components, back down and work back up to be safe.

 

[PPC'r]

You can use them, but I would decrease my load by about 4 or 5 tenths of a grain (depending on type of powder) and chrono them to see where you are. Then work up to the velocity listed in the manual and don't go over the listed highest velocity. As long as you don't go over the highest velocity, you shouldn't be over pressured. A chronograph is a must have tool, if you reload. I used small pistol magnum primers a while back, when the shortage was in full swing.

 

[firearmsunlimited]

Take the primers back and exchange them or decrease your load by 10% as stated by Gun 4 Fun.

 

[Sully]

Take the primers back and exchange them or decrease your load by 10% as stated by Gun 4 Fun.

Id just outright take them back myself.

 

[Rule3]

Most stores will not take back primers. powder or ammo.
If you have a 357 load some of those or as others suggested just use a start load on the 38's. Unless you bought a case or something.

 

[SR]

Magnum primers are harder and do not seat as well on my dillon square deal b. I actually use magnum primers to make reloads to test the springs on revolvers that I will use as carry guns.

If you have reduced springs/trigger jobs on your revolvers, these primers might be a problem for you.

 

[K&Nframe]

Trade them with a buddy for std primers.

Kevin

 

[aphelion]

Since you have the primers now anyway, sounds like a good reason to go buy a .357.

 

[Dragon88]

Since you have the primers now anyway, sounds like a good reason to go buy a .357.

Even most 357 loads do not require magnum primers.

I have used SP magnum primers for non magnum loads, the difference is very small. I have about 50/50 regular and magnum SP right now because of the shortages, I had to buy magnum for a while. What you do from a safety standpoint is your decision, but here's what I do. 9mm I do not mess around, I use regular only. The case is so small that I don't want any unusual variables or pressure spikes. I use the magnum primers for 38 special. The 38 spl case is very large, and from my chrony readings, the magnum primer makes almost no difference. In fact, with some powders the average velocity is the same or slightly lower, but more consistent with magnum. None of my 38 loads are maxed out pressure wise, and you should take your load data into consideration before using a different primer.

 

[Chuck Jones]

Since you have the primers now anyway, sounds like a good reason to go buy a .357.

now that's my kinda logic!

/c