I use primarily Federal primers and I heard that you can use the small rifle primers as small pistol "MAGNUM" primers. Is this true?

jd_1 -

Federal lists a different primer for small pistol magnums than for small rifle standards (#200 vs #205). It is my understanding that the primer "cup" is harder for the rifle primer than it is for the pistol primer, which supposedly might cause some problems with misfires (pistols not having as heavy a firing pin striking force as rifles). Or, so goes the theory. I HAVE heard of doing what you propose in reverse - using a Rem. 11/2 in lieu of the 61/2 in a Hornet for better accuracy.

Go to http://www.realguns.com/loads/primertab.htm and check out the primer chart. I'd stick with what the mfr recommends.

Good luck,

R-WEST

PS - The above noted site has a bunch of other neat features, too.

[This message has been edited by R-WEST (edited 01-16-2002).]

jd_1,

I agree with R-WEST. It is the reason why for .454 Casull hot loads best primers are SR for a CUP between 45000 and 55000. For light loads in .454 Casull you can use SP Mag primers. That depends on powder used for these loads (fast burning powders or "slow burning powders"). Regarding "slow burning powders" for handguns mag loads, these burn faster that any rifle powders of course.

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BER007
Keep the faith in any circumstances
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BBER007@HOTMAIL.COM

jd-1, I have used small rifle primers in my
38 super race guns for years. I have had the best luck with Remington 7 1/2. These are hot loads and in my 1911 type pistols I would get some primer flow back into the pin hole with pistol primers. I went to an oversized titanium firing pin and Remington small rifle primers and have not had a problem in about 80 thousand rounds.
hope this helps, Ken