This maybe a dumb question. But, as I am having problem finding pistol primers and I have some rifle primers and do not load rifles any more. I am curious if I can use rifle primers in target loads for .38 Spl. and .44 Mag. Thnak's in advance.
Rifle primer's in handgun?
- Thread starter Larrymcc1
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This maybe a dumb question. But, as I am having problem finding pistol primers and I have some rifle primers and do not load rifles any more. I am curious if I can use rifle primers in target loads for .38 Spl. and .44 Mag. Thnak's in advance.
Amici
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We've discussed this, but it is worth reviewing.
YES, you can use SMALL rifle primers in handguns. The exterior dimensions are the same.
You can NOT use LARGE rifle primers in handguns safely because rifle primers are taller. Use of LR primers in handguns invites jams and/or hangfires.
I've used SR primers in my handgun loads for years.
YES, you can use SMALL rifle primers in handguns. The exterior dimensions are the same.
You can NOT use LARGE rifle primers in handguns safely because rifle primers are taller. Use of LR primers in handguns invites jams and/or hangfires.
I've used SR primers in my handgun loads for years.
Skip Sackett
US Veteran
Larry,
First off I see you only have a few posts, so let me be one of the first to welcome you to a fine forum. This section rocks because MOST of the folks are here to help one another. Some just beat their chest and make you feel like a dolt. It won't take you long to figure out who is who, or whom is......whatever!
As to your question. Rifle primers in handguns. The will work. I have even used LR in some of my older 45ACP brass and they seem to seat OK.
That being said there is one caution. If you are at maximum on your loads PLEASE reduce your charges and work back up with the new components. Rifle primers are hotter, they are also harder. If you have a load that is near maximum, switch to rifle primers, you may not get any over pressure symptoms because they are harder.
Be careful and use some common sense. Reduce your loads back to starting levels and run them over the chronograph. When velocity get to the point you used to get, stop. It may be, and if I was a gambling man I'd bet you, you will get there with less powder.
I hope this helps.
One other suggestion. Use the "search" function, since there is nothing new under the sun, your question may have already been asked.
You can limit it to the reloading section when you search.
Be safe and have fun!
First off I see you only have a few posts, so let me be one of the first to welcome you to a fine forum. This section rocks because MOST of the folks are here to help one another. Some just beat their chest and make you feel like a dolt. It won't take you long to figure out who is who, or whom is......whatever!
As to your question. Rifle primers in handguns. The will work. I have even used LR in some of my older 45ACP brass and they seem to seat OK.
That being said there is one caution. If you are at maximum on your loads PLEASE reduce your charges and work back up with the new components. Rifle primers are hotter, they are also harder. If you have a load that is near maximum, switch to rifle primers, you may not get any over pressure symptoms because they are harder.
Be careful and use some common sense. Reduce your loads back to starting levels and run them over the chronograph. When velocity get to the point you used to get, stop. It may be, and if I was a gambling man I'd bet you, you will get there with less powder.
I hope this helps.
One other suggestion. Use the "search" function, since there is nothing new under the sun, your question may have already been asked.
You can limit it to the reloading section when you search.
Be safe and have fun!
roger460xvr
Member
THE 460xvr ----large rifle magnum primers
Dale53
Member
.454 Casull - small rifle primers.
However, the suggestion to work up the loads again with the use of the chronograph is excellent advice.
Dale53
However, the suggestion to work up the loads again with the use of the chronograph is excellent advice.
Dale53
Thank You! I will use the search in the future.Originally posted by smith crazy:
Larry,
First off I see you only have a few posts, so let me be one of the first to welcome you to a fine forum. This section rocks because MOST of the folks are here to help one another. Some just beat their chest and make you feel like a dolt. It won't take you long to figure out who is who, or whom is......whatever!
As to your question. Rifle primers in handguns. The will work. I have even used LR in some of my older 45ACP brass and they seem to seat OK.
That being said there is one caution. If you are at maximum on your loads PLEASE reduce your charges and work back up with the new components. Rifle primers are hotter, they are also harder. If you have a load that is near maximum, switch to rifle primers, you may not get any over pressure symptoms because they are harder.
Be careful and use some common sense. Reduce your loads back to starting levels and run them over the chronograph. When velocity get to the point you used to get, stop. It may be, and if I was a gambling man I'd bet you, you will get there with less powder.
I hope this helps.
One other suggestion. Use the "search" function, since there is nothing new under the sun, your question may have already been asked.
You can limit it to the reloading section when you search.
Be safe and have fun!
Skip Sackett
US Veteran
I'm an idiot too. Forgot about the 500S&W Magnum. There are cases both ways. Large pistol and large rifle. The ones for the large rifle are marked "LR" I think.
The cases for the 500 that use the large rifle primer are marked "R".
Here is a pic of a 44mag next to the 500 S&W.
Here is a pic of a 44mag next to the 500 S&W.
Skip Sackett
US Veteran
I got one kind of similar to that too!
357Mag, 44Mag, 500S&W Mag!
357Mag, 44Mag, 500S&W Mag!
