Primer substitution question

[skyfire1]

Hello all,

I have a quick question if I may. Can I subsitute regular small pistol primers for small pistal magnum primers in a middle of the road 9mm or 38 special load?

reason I ask is there seems to be a good deal on SP mag primers that I was looking at.

Thanks

 

[grubbylabs]

You can use them I use magnums in my 45 auto, but you should lower your charge and work back up just to make sure.

 

[MrOldLude]

My understanding is that magnum primers offer a fractionally longer ignition burn, (and maybe a hotter flame possibly). So a mid-range load, yeah, you're probably okay.

But naturally, for new loads, check for signs of overpressure and grab chrono data if you can.

 

[skyfire1]

I was actually going to start from scratch (starting load) again and work up back to my medium range load. I primarily like to punch paper with LRN or plated 9 and 38 sp. Figured since the price was fantastic for the SP mag primers why not try them.

 

[JimKirk]

Can I substitute regular small pistol primers for small pistol magnum primers

You can substitute Standard SP in place of SP Magnum primers without any concern, but if you substitute SP Magnum primer in the place of Regular Standard primers... then you should rework your loads.

Jimmy K

 

[skyfire1]

Thank you all. I will be starting up a new load development cycle until I reach a mid or mild load.