Large pistol primers in a 357 magnum

[sirius]

I was gifted 250 ,357 magnum cases. They are head stamped R_P 357 magnum .The primer pocket is for large pistol primers . I have not found any information on a load for the 357 using a large pistol primer . Any thoughts ?

Thanks

Bill H

 

[CJ6]

I use small pistol magnum in mine.

 

[PopCharlie]

Snagged from another forum:

Starline Brass had this to say about large primers and .357s on their web site:

"Many years ago, the 38 and 357 mag cases had large primers but someone realized that a small would work just fine. You will probably never encounter these cases but if you do make sure you reduce your load especially if it is a hot one."

PopCharlie

 

[markm87]

As posted, a reduced test load would be prudent. A lot of guys hate pistol brass that has both primer sizes, but I like it for matching availability when primers are scarce.

 

[K22]

Snagged from another forum:

Starline Brass had this to say about large primers and .357s on their web site:

"Many years ago, the 38 and 357 mag cases had large primers but someone realized that a small would work just fine. You will probably never encounter these cases but if you do make sure you reduce your load especially if it is a hot one."

PopCharlie

Wow! That's interesting, never heard of that before and I have been shooting those calibers for over 50 years.

 

[Rook 6]

Wow! That's interesting, never heard of that before and I have been shooting those calibers for over 50 years.

Same here!

 

[6BRA]

Seems to me, I ran across some cases , a bunch that were used in the steel industry...slipping my mind right now as for what. Had about 1000 of them. I threw them away.

 

[ebb]

There are several people at Cast Boolits that are opening up 38/357 brass cause they are out of small primers but have the large.

 

[DHD]

Never seen any myself either.

 

[MGYSGT]

There are several people at Cast Boolits that are opening up 38/357 brass cause they are out of small primers but have the large.

I know a few guys that are using small rifle. Sometimes the strike of the hammer is too weak for some pistols.

 

[Rsadams]

Anytime there's ANYTHING going on that makes you uneasy or you get that feeling in your gut then follow the rule of start low and work up checking anything and everything.... .357 cases are out there so if these make you uneasy then simply trash them.... Is it really worth getting hurt , blowing up a gun , both cost WAY more than 250 pieces of any brass.... My feelings are , ok these are old and how many reloads are on them already..??? Remember your the safety officer and responsibility of being safe is on you and you alone...

If you just need to load them reread the beginning of my post , start low and work up etc.... Just fyi I have been told that .45 went from large to small primer there's was hardly no difference but that's a completely different cartridge....

 

[Rsadams]

There are several people at Cast Boolits that are opening up 38/357 brass cause they are out of small primers but have the large.

Really , wow here in central Texas it's the other way around.... If it wasn't for me saving a box of 1000 I would have none to reload the 10mm I just bought... I have been purposely buying crap ammo off the shelves that have SPP because I have those because I sold off all my .45s and went strictly 9mm , less stuff to have to have on hand etc.... I have seen LRP , SRP , SPP and all magnum stuff but zero LPP... Funny how that works...

 

[CaptainMal]

Easy come...easy go. Throw those large primer pocket 357 cases out.

 

[big5ifty]

You can use regular large pistol primers in .357 mag loads instead of small pistol primers. Makes no difference.

You're supposed to use small pistol magnum primers for full power loads anyway.

I've been reloading .357 with regular small pistol primers, reduced and full power loads, same for .44 with regular large pistol primers.

You might find some difference if you really looked hard for it, but I doubt you'll notice any difference in how the revolver shoots.

 

[big5ifty]

.357 cases are out there so if these make you uneasy then simply trash them.... Is it really worth getting hurt , blowing up a gun , both cost WAY more than 250 pieces of any brass.... My feelings are , ok these are old and how many reloads are on them already..

All other factors equal, the large primer is not going to blow anything up.

Old means nothing. Revolver brass is good till the mouths crack.