Standard large primers in a magnum?

[Beretta shooter]

As above can I use standard large rifle primers in a magnum? I’ve read about people using magnum primers where large rifle primers would normally be used but can I do it the other way round?

Cheers BS

 

[DavyG]

As above can I use standard large rifle primers in a magnum? I’ve read about people using magnum primers where large rifle primers would normally be used but can I do it the other way round?

Cheers BS

Some standard primers are hotter than others and if you’re loading say, sub 70gr loads of a single base powder then it’ll probably be fine. (Emphasis on “probably”)
On the other hand, if it’s double base or ball powder on a cold day…is it worth the dreaded click and a bullet lodged halfway up the barrel?
I’ll let you decide…
Regards,
DG

 

[paul o']

Used Fed LP in the 300 WM run out so moved to fed215m

 

[Beretta shooter]

I’ve been developing a load for my .300wm but it’s just not going as I’ve been hoping for and have been using federal large rifle magnum gold match primers. I feel they are very tight to seat but have some CCI LRP and also some CCI BR2 LRP and had thought about trying them but as DavyG says is it worth the risk…… not really so will try to pick up a tray of CCI magnum primers to try instead.

 

[enfieldspares]

If you change components you should always reduce the load by 5% and work back up.

 

[Smellydog]

A magnum primer isn't just for magnum named rounds and standard primers are not just for standard chamberings.
Go for it. But only if using extruded powders or compressed spherical powder charges.

 

[palmer_mike]

Yes you can, possibly, depending on how the load performs with the non standard primer.

I loaded some 425WR recently with large rifle primers and had very consistent results from them…..

 

[Namman]

Yes you can, possibly, depending on how the load performs with the non standard primer.

I loaded some 425WR recently with large rifle primers and had very consistent results from them…..

I've used standard (CCI 200) primers in .375 H&H and .458 Win Mag for years with no problems.
Both with extruded and ball powders.
However I have never used them in sub zero temperatures..

 

[LeftHandGuy]

I have used CCI LPP in 35 Remington in well below freezing and not had any issues.

I am pretty sure that a lot of "Magnum" rounds were developed before anyone thought of developing specific "Magnum" primers.

I have also seen it suggested (l am not for one moment claiming to "know") that the various "match" primers are like magnums hotter than their regular counterparts. Our man @Laurie is probably the chap to address this with something like authority!

 

[Laurie]

As above can I use standard large rifle primers in a magnum? I’ve read about people using magnum primers where large rifle primers would normally be used but can I do it the other way round?

Cheers BS

Yes, you often can, but ..............

What's the cartridge?
What's the powder?
What primer(s) do you have in mind?
What environment are you going to use the results in, especially as to likely temperatures?

 

[Foxyboy43]

Regarding the reverse of your question - loading magnum primers instead of standard - I was told many years ago not to replicate your powder load but instead drop 1.5 gns and work up slowly. In my .308 46gns of Viht N140 over a magnum primer is giving pretty much the same results as 47gns with standard - out to c. 200 yds. Longer distance of course may well make a difference……

 

[Sandyb]

But why would you? Are you struggling to source Magnum primers? I shoot 260 Remington, and 300 Win Mag, but use Remington Large and Remington Large Magnum primers respectively. Have I considered using Large rifle primers for both? No.

 

[25 Sharps]

I’ve been developing a load for my .300wm but it’s just not going as I’ve been hoping for and have been using federal large rifle magnum gold match primers. I feel they are very tight to seat but have some CCI LRP and also some CCI BR2 LRP and had thought about trying them but as DavyG says is it worth the risk…… not really so will try to pick up a tray of CCI magnum primers to try instead.

What powder are you using?

 

[25 Sharps]

But why would you? Are you struggling to source Magnum primers? I shoot 260 Remington, and 300 Win Mag, but use Remington Large and Remington Large Magnum primers respectively. Have I considered using Large rifle primers for both? No.

Because he’s not getting the accuracy he wants with the LRM so he’s asking for options.

People use small rifle primers in .308 and creedmoor, pistol primers in hornet etc. sometimes stepping away from the norm can have benefits, sometimes not. A good way of finding out is asking the experiences of others.

 

[JTO]

I thought someone once posted that the only, perhaps main, difference was that magnum primers were made with thicker walls to withstand higher pressure when the cartridge was fired. This could be why they are harder to seat!

 

[enfieldspares]

I thought someone once posted that the only, perhaps main, difference was that magnum primers were made with thicker walls to withstand higher pressure when the cartridge was fired. This could be why they are harder to seat!

Apparently the flame is longer and hotter to ignite the longer powder stack and those, supposedly, hard to ignite in any amount, ball powders.

 

[Smellydog]

I thought someone once posted that the only, perhaps main, difference was that magnum primers were made with thicker walls to withstand higher pressure when the cartridge was fired. This could be why they are harder to seat!

Whilst you may have a point it may be a mix up between pistol primers having a thinner cup over rifle primer cups.

 

[Beretta shooter]

Yes, you often can, but ..............

What's the cartridge?
What's the powder?
What primer(s) do you have in mind?
What environment are you going to use the results in, especially as to likely temperatures?

Cartridge is .300WM
Powder RS70
Primer wise I have been using federal match LRP magnums but I have some CCI LRP and CCI LRP BR-2 that I use with my .243.
Temperature would be anything from 0 degrees C to possibly 30 degrees C depending on how good the summer or how bad the winter is in central Scotland.

It was just a thought on primers as I have some, I also have a little N550 powder and some N160 powder or maybe I need to look at a different bullet currently been trying with the 200Gr ELD X

 

[Beretta shooter]

What powder are you using?

Currently RS70

 

[25 Sharps]

Currently RS70

So not a ball powder then, I would suggest you give it a go either the BR2 to see what results you get.