Magnum Small Rifle Primers

[DEC]

I am looking for some small rifle primers. My gun store has none and doesn't know when he may be able to get more. The store has tons of CCI magnum small rifle primers. Can these magnum primers be safely used in loading .223 rounds in lieu of the standard primers?

Thanks,
Dan

 

[SmokinJoe]

YES

 

[K22]

The magnum primers will work well with ball powders such as H335 and BLC2, both powders are very suitable for the 223. Follow the normal precautions for load development.

 

[lpreddick]

i was told years ago a magnum primer adds the equivalent of 1 gr powder to the load as compared to same load with regular primer. true, not true?

 

[kelbro]

As with any component change, back off your load and work up again and you'll be fine.

 

[MrMajestic]

i was told years ago a magnum primer adds the equivalent of 1 gr powder to the load as compared to same load with regular primer. true, not true?

Quick Load has no provisions to set primer designation. We know they have an effect however that seems excessive and if true the S/W would/should have that as an option. Just one man's logic and humble opinion.

 

[A_Gamehog]

The magnum primer has a thicker cup, that is advantageous when shooting an AR-15.
When you use powders like Varget I prefer the CCI450's and it's more accurate with other powders as well.
Will it make for a "hotter load?" I have not found that to be true. It's recommended for Ball type powders.
I have had lower ES numbers using these primers with Varget.

 

[Mattm0812]

Reason I used them over regular small rifle primers is because my local reloading shop sold magnums for 32 a box and 48 for regulars.

 

[bozo699]

The magnum primer has a thicker cup, that is advantageous when shooting an AR-15.
When you use powders like Varget I prefer the CCI450's and it's more accurate with other powders as well.
Will it make for a "hotter load?" I have not found that to be true. It's recommended for Ball type powders.
I have had lower ES numbers using these primers with Varget.

The Varget definitely works better with the 450's, there are other things different then just the cup thickness but I am not at liberty to say,...however to say that 450's works best with all powders is an inaccurate statement IMHO, for instance I have found 400's work much better with H-4895. To the op's original question YES you can use the magnum primers but back off a grain or two and work back up for desired velocity and or accuracy as needed,..best of luck to you and buy all you can because because of this election and the last school shooting there is a nation wide shortage and it will get worse on all firearm related items.
Wayne.

 

[dooley]

I personally do not believe that small rifle magnum primers give any more velocity than standard small rifle primers, according to my chronograph, will do another test soon, I use the magnums solely because of the thicker cup in my 6.5x47. dooley

 

[bozo699]

dooley,
I believe my findings when working a load for my 6brx were the same as yours but in my .300wm there was quite a bit of velocity difference between 210's and 215 primers so it is always wise to back off a little anyway when changing any component.
Wayne.