primer substitution

[hessian]

I loaded some 38's and 357's before noticing the 357's require a mag primer. Do not have any, store have none and I do not care enough to pay for mail order. I'm only doing a couple hundred. BUT, a few 357's failed to fire in double action. Lotsa reasons possible for that, but I was wondering if I might sub small rifle for the small pistol mag with acceptable results. Anybody do that? Opinions? Thanks

 

[Adam B]

I have loaded 10's of thousands of rounds of 9mm and 40 S&W using small rifle primers, there is no issue doing this other than you will need a stronger firing pin spring and that is more than likely the reason you had your issue

 

[bruddah]

I have loaded 10's of thousands of rounds of 9mm and 40 S&W using small rifle primers, there is no issue doing this other than you will need a stronger firing pin spring and that is more than likely the reason you had your issue

I'm surprised this wouldn't increase pressure of the round.

 

[Adam B]

from what I have found, the only difference is the cup hardness

 

[bruddah]

from what I have found, the only difference is the cup hardness

Interesting. I would have thought there would be a larger, stronger flame front from the rifle primers as they are required to burn more powder. I.E., more poop to them.

 

[dttheliman]

by the same token then what would the effect be in Large Rifle v.s. LR Magnum primers in a bolt gun ? anyone tried this ?

 

[former naval person]

LR and LR mag...1.5 grains of powder difference in velocity in my .308.

 

[Joe Perlo]

I just reloaded 300 rounds of .357 with standard small pistol primers (Winchester) and had no problems out of three different revolvers. Used 4227 IMR powder. Joe