Primers for the .357 Magnum

[Skeet 028]

I kinda follow Hodgdon's lead. At least with the 357. I don't load many magnum loads except with the 357. I do use 2400 and 4227 and HS6 and HS7. Mostly use mag primers for those powders and yep the 357 is a long skinny case. 2400 and 4227 do leave more residue than faster burners. so with the 357 I do use mags. Do I have to...no, probably not but it doesn't hurt and Hodgdon data does use mags. in the 41 and 44 mag I load mags with the slower powders but I hardly ever shoot 41 and 44 full blown mag loads. My 41 mag loads with the 245 gr WFNGC bullet get mag primers only(L'il Gun). They are my dependable bear/hunting loads....and I am paranoid about them...and it is generally cold up on the mountain. Matbe what I have said in the above there are no drawbacks to using mag ptimers in 357...and some probable positive reasons to use them

 

[zeke]

In 357 only loads am using mag primers have 296/H110 or AA-7 in them. While the AA-7 loads don't "need" a mag primer, the accuracy was noticeably enhanced using Fed 200 over the standard Federal 100 primers.

When using V V N110, am specifically using standard primers, and as guided by Speer, getting better results.

 

[stansdds]

It is interesting to note that more than one of us has tested magnum primers with powders that do not require magnum primers and the results are usually a very slight increase in velocity, but more importantly, more complete combustion of the powder and perhaps better accuracy. Winchester offers only one large pistol primer for both standard and magnum cartridges, I'm leaning towards buying only magnum small pistol primers the next time I need to buy small primers.

 

[rockquarry]

It is interesting to note that more than one of us has tested magnum primers with powders that do not require magnum primers and the results are usually a very slight increase in velocity, but more importantly, more complete combustion of the powder and perhaps better accuracy. Winchester offers only one large pistol primer for both standard and magnum cartridges, I'm leaning towards buying only magnum small pistol primers the next time I need to buy small primers.

You're probably right and buying only magnum primers would be a good way to simplify things.

Some years ago, one of the best handloading articles I ever read was publihsed in HANDLOADER magazine. The subject was .308 loads. To keep things simple, the author used only CCI-250 magnum primers. You seldom if ever see magnum primers recommended for the .308 regardless of powder, bullet, or any other considerations. The author of the HL article developed some very accurate .308 loads and I doubt a standard primer would have been any better.

 

[alwslate]

I just asked a question. I made no insinuation that they were "blasting caps". I haven't found the improved consistency in .38 Special that you have.

I'd rather use SRP than SPM in many situations. I've actually determined they are a tad less intense that SPM. That's somewhat brand dependent.

Don't mean to insult or disrespect, removed them. In every comparison test that I have done consistency, meaning reduced ES, has been demonstrated. I probably have a lifetime supply of small primers but if I ever buy any more they will be Winchester SR for all loads, light or heavy.

 

[zeke]

You're probably right and buying only magnum primers would be a good way to simplify things.

Some years ago, one of the best handloading articles I ever read was publihsed in HANDLOADER magazine. The subject was .308 loads. To keep things simple, the author used only CCI-250 magnum primers. You seldom if ever see magnum primers recommended for the .308 regardless of powder, bullet, or any other considerations. The author of the HL article developed some very accurate .308 loads and I doubt a standard primer would have been any better.

Over 90% of my 308 and 223 loads use 748 and magnum primers (CCI 34 and Rem 7 1/2). Again am using the "hotter" primers because of accuracy increase with 748.

 

[rockquarry]

Over 90% of my 308 and 223 loads use 748 and magnum primers (CCI 34 and Rem 7 1/2). Again am using the "hotter" primers because of accuracy increase with 748.

Nothing wrong with that approach.

 

[Racer X]

"Over 90% of my 308 and 223 loads use 748 and magnum primers (CCI 34 and Rem 7 1/2). Again am using the "hotter" primers because of accuracy increase with 748. "

Thanks for the tip. I have an 8# jug of 748 for 223 and 308/.30-'06

do you know of sources for 308 and '06 load data for 748 and heavier projectiles? I have an older #47 Lyman that covers them, but I prefer several sources.

 

[Skeet 028]

I would not use 748 with heavy bullets in the 30 cals..A better approach is 760/H414 same powder...or another slower powder. 748 is great in the 308 with 150s...maybe even 165s but with heavier than 150s I use other powders. My only 308 is a couple of AR-10s. With 165s in 30-06 and 308 I use Superformance powder

 

[zeke]

"Over 90% of my 308 and 223 loads use 748 and magnum primers (CCI 34 and Rem 7 1/2). Again am using the "hotter" primers because of accuracy increase with 748. "

Thanks for the tip. I have an 8# jug of 748 for 223 and 308/.30-'06

do you know of sources for 308 and '06 load data for 748 and heavier projectiles? I have an older #47 Lyman that covers them, but I prefer several sources.

The heaviest bullet am using in 308 is the 175 Sierra tmk, and have a rifle that allows seating it out further than standard. Sierra's new manual lists 748 for up to190 grainers in 308, but am not experienced in those heavy bullets, and don't load for 30-06.

 

[Racer X]

The heaviest bullet am using in 308 is the 175 Sierra tmk, and have a rifle that allows seating it out further than standard. Sierra's new manual lists 748 for up to190 grainers in 308, but am not experienced in those heavy bullets, and don't load for 30-06.

I have a lot of 180 grain SP bullets is why I asked, and an "AR-10" in .308, and my dad's Winchester 70 pre'64 in .30-'06 that he hunted Roosevelt elk with, maybe a moose or two. And maybe 500 168 match kings. My brother-in-law has access to a 1300 yard or so private range at his neighbors place.

I'll look into my latest Sierra manual, and maybe buy the newest version.

 

[alwslate]

Handloader magazine #313, 4-2018, article by Brian Pearce. Over 400 loads for the .308 with bullets of up to 200 grs.

 

[taz666]

The Castle Arms | Magnum Primers vs Standard Primers
This is a good read.

 

[alwslate]

I settled the issue of magnum and small rifle primers compared to standard primers by the results of my own chronographing. Use what you want. If I ever buy any more small primers they will be Winchester small rifle for all use in .38 spl and .357 mag. If SR isn't available I will buy Winchester SPM primers, basically the same primers.