45acp/lc with magnum primers?

[Infantry23]

Simple question... can i use large mag primers for 45acp / lc? I started reloading a few months ago and bought large and large mag primers too b/c i thought the mags would be ok. Am i right?

 

[j8064]

Personally I wouldn't do it. Mag primers are designed to set off powders used in mag loads. While I'm sure there will be plenty of replies that say it's fine, I'd stick with published recipies and the components they call for - especally as a beginning reloader.

 

[coopermania]

Use them, Go back to your starting loads and work up again to be safe.
A lot of Winchester Primers come marked Standard / Magnum.

 

[j8064]

Use them, Go back to your starting loads and work up again to be safe.
A lot of Winchester Primers come marked Standard / Magnum.

And Winchester also makes primers dedicated to standard and magnum loads. Those are not necessarily interchangeable.

BTW, there's no mention of the firearm the OP is building rounds for - or the projectile or powder. Those are ALL variables of concern!

 

[Sticky]

Primers are not really interchangeable, unless you have good load data to work off of for both types..

 

[Reloader]

Yes, I would stick with the primers used in the load data you are using for now. I wouldn't hesitate though to change brands, especially if your not using maximum charges of the prescribed powder.

 

[Infantry23]

OK, some more info...

I am loading 45acp for a RIA 1911. Using bullseye minimum charge with 230gr RN lead.

I will soon be loading 45lc for a Ruger Vaquero. Using bullseye for the minimum charge also with lead.

Also, if it helps... the magnum primers are Federal primers.

 

[august1410]

Just to settle this, I called Coy at CCI a few weeks ago to get the low down. I had seen many theories and ideas online and wanted a definitive answer.

Coy said "Absolutely not."

Good enough for me.

 

[Infantry23]

Thanks for the replies. Perhaps I should set them on the backburner until I actually have a use for the large mags.

 

[Sticky]

As a general rule, magnum primers are for magnum cartridges that use that primer, regular primers for the rest of the cartridges. I doubt that you will find too many loads that have data for both types of primers in the same cartridge. Brand is not really a big difference, style is. That said, some will use hotter than needed primers, but you have to be careful working the loads up and watch for pressure signs.

 

[Sticky]

I load regular large pistol primers for my 45acp, never had any issues..

 

[Reloader]

As a general rule, magnum primers are for magnum cartridges that use that primer, regular primers for the rest of the cartridges. I doubt that you will find too many loads that have data for both types of primers in the same cartridge. Brand is not really a big difference, style is. That said, some will use hotter than needed primers, but you have to be careful working the loads up and watch for pressure signs.

The 41 mag comes to mind as one of the cartridges that uses both primers regularly

 

[Sticky]

The 41 mag comes to mind as one of the cartridges that uses both primers regularly

There are a few crossovers, that is one.. I use magnums in the 44mag, but that has a lot more powder to burn up than the 45acp.

Never loaded for the 45lc, not sure what that calls for..

 

[Machodoc]

It's very simple ... you just have to buy something that shoots a magnum round with a large primer. Problem solved!

 

[Reloader]

It's very simple ... you just have to buy something that shoots a magnum round with a large primer. Problem solved!

I was thinking I would just get rid of all those useless mag primers for him

 

[coopermania]

Just to settle this, I called Coy at CCI a few weeks ago to get the low down. I had seen many theories and ideas online and wanted a definitive answer.

Coy said "Absolutely not."

Good enough for me.

LOL..... Guess I have been doing it all wrong for almost 40 years. Some of you guys need to step away from the internet.

 

[Biggfoot44]

The requirement for mag primers comes with the powder used, not the ctg per se. And even a few powders have data for both std and mag primers (2400 , 4227 ) . Bullseye in particular is very easy to ignite.
*a lot of the time* people get away with substituting mag primers , but a warm load with 2400, 4227 , AA9 , Blue Dot , etc worked up w/ std , would put you in danger zone with mags.

 

[Pinecone]

I would not use them, unless they were the only ones left.

But as with ANY change to a load, reduce the load to minimum and work back up again.

That said, for most of my pistol loads, I will substitute CCI/Winchester/Remington primers without concern. But none are anywhere near maximum.

Magnum primers are used with longer cases and using higher volumes of ball powder. Ball powder packes more tightly, so the flame from the primer does not move through the charge as well for even ignition. So the magnum primer helps.

I standardized my 5.56 load with a CCI magnum primer years ago and still use them there. I recently found that the CCI Military SR primer is pretty much the same as the SR Magnum primer.

 

[Deep Creek Rock]

Below is an intresting article about primers-Ive posted this before. Yes the data is for 45colt +P, but it makes a point.


Also if your are loading for a Ruger New Model Vaquero, do not use the heavy Ruger/+P loads found in manuals. They are a smaller frame, and are not rated to take heavy loads. Stick to the standard Colt SAA data.

 

[Infantry23]

Wow, that article brings up some good points. I'll just hold onto the mag primers until i buy a gun that will use them!