Question for a "Vintage" Reloader

[TwoPoundPull]

Where do Alcan Max-Fire pistol primers fall in the hardness range between Federal, Winchester, and CCI?

 

[BLUEDOT37]

S&W Alcan Max-Fire

Sorry I can't answer the hardness question, but I just finished using up the ones I bought over 30yrs. ago & never noticed any difference in them & my usual primer, CCI, & never had any problems that I recall.

 

[rwsmith]

I may be talking through my hat......

Sorry I can't answer the hardness question, but I just finished using up the ones I bought over 30yrs. ago & never noticed any difference in them or my usual primer, CCI, & never had any problems that I recall.

....but weren't CCI and Alcan business buddies in those days?? They may be the same primers.

 

[bigedp51]

Google is your best friend when it comes to info.

Cast Boolits-Alcan primers
Alcan primers

S&W Primers.
S&W Primers. - Shooters Forum

From reading it appears they are on the soft side and magnum strength.

And I'm NOT Vintage, I'm chronologically gifted.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I Know Alcan primers ran on the hot side. Many target loads developed with Remington and Winchester primers needed reduced 2-10's of a grain for a matching performance. (circa 1974) Ivan

 

[BLUEDOT37]

Now they tell me...

The primers themselves are considered to be quite hot, with soft cups. Don't substitute them blindly without reducing your regular load first.

Now they tell me...where was Google in 1980 when I needed them!?