Small pistol or small magnum pistol primers

[gilcarleton]

I have a new to me a 40 S&W. I thought they used a small pistol primer but now I see that Federal offers a Small Magnum Pistol Primer. I wonder if it would be a better primer. Anyone had any experience with these?

 

[watercam]

If you are igniting copious charges of slow powder (a la .357 Mag.) then a magnum primer is usually specified. If you are using a slow powder for the .40 (Blue Dot, 3N-38, etc.) it would be worth a try but, obviously, start low and work up as per normal. You can also try a firmer crimp to help with more uniform burn of slow powder.

 

[CatShooter]

I have a new to me a 40 S&W. I thought they used a small pistol primer but now I see that Federal offers a Small Magnum Pistol Primer. I wonder if it would be a better primer. Anyone had any experience with these?

A magnum is not required, but either will work with any powder you use. IT is one of thise "Not important" things.

 

[gilcarleton]

Thanks for the help. I thought the regular primers would work fine but I wondered if the mag would work better. Guess I will stick to either if I can find them.

 

[Bayou]

Thanks for the help. I thought the regular primers would work fine but I wondered if the mag would work better. Guess I will stick to either if I can find them.

I would use whichever is called for in your reloading manual.