Small Pistol Primers vs. Small Rifle Primers?

[DaveTN]

I'm having trouble finding small pistol primers to get started reloading. I'm see people say that small rifle primers can be used in place of small pistol primers, some saying they are the same. What do you guys think about that? I'd be using them in .38 spl cowboy loads in revolvers and lever action rifle.

 

[fairchaser]

They are different Dave. Whether it's enough to be dangerous idk. There are a few YouTube episodes about the subject. I think the primary difference is the cap hardness. I don't have any first hand experience myself. I know you can interchange regular and magnum primers in certain applications. In my .308 you will get about 10 FPS more from magnum primers. I would suggest keeping an eye out for SPP. They can be had now for a price.

 

[nso123]

There are people who use small rifle primers in a pistol load when there are no small pistol primers. They are a little harder than small pistol primers, and you would need to work your load up again to watch for pressure. Just be sure to start toward the bottom of the published load data. I shoot Steel Challenge, and several of the shooters have been using small rifle primers in their 9mm loads.

 

[skipperbrown]

They have a thicker cup and require a harder strike. As noted, start over again with your load development as they may be hotter.

 

[backyardtndeer]

I am using standard small rifle primers, Remington 6 1/2, in my 9mm loads. Research I had done prior to using them said to start on the low end of your published loads. I have not had any problems with using the small rifle.

Small pistol primers drop every once in a while if you watch. Prices are ridiculous though. Prices have actually gone up in the past few months, manufacturers raised their prices.

 

[Deerhunter]

@DaveTN just sent you a PM. Midway has small pistol primers

CCI Small Pistol Primers #500 Box of 1000 (10 Trays of 100)

CCI Primers are continuously tested and improved. As a result today's CCI primers are more sensitive, easier to seat and more compatible with...

www.midwayusa.com

To add to the conversation, I was given some primed 9mm brass with what I believe were rifle primers. My G43 would only fire about 1 in 4 on the first try. The rest took multiple tries to fire and some I gave up on after several tries. They may have been #41's with harder primers than normal but dont know for sure. One of dads buddies bought them at a gun show. Very light firing pin mark's from a gun I've never had trouble with from factory loads or my handloads.

Large rifle, smallrifle and small pistol available at the moment

Primers for Sale: Rifle & Pistol Primers for Reloading | MidwayUSA

Reloading Primers for Reloading ammunition. Bullet Primers from all the top brands in the Reloading Industry. 1 Order, 1 Box, 1 HazMat fee. Only at MidwayUSA!

www.midwayusa.com

 

[DaveTN]

@DaveTN just sent you a PM. Midway has small pistol primers

Thanks for the heads up! Got them ordered.