Small rifle primers in pistol?

[DRNewcomb]

Has anyone else used small rifle primers in pistol loads? About 20 years ago, in between some of the politically-induced component panics we've experienced, I decided to lay by a supply of primers. At the time, I tested a few WSR* primers in my pistols and found that all the reloads fired reliably, so I bought only WSRs for my stash of both small rifle and pistol primers. (I don't generally load a lot of pistol.) I have now worked through my supply of actual small pistol primers and am starting to look at my stash of now 20-year-old WSRs.

Does anyone else have experience using rifle primers in pistols? They are supposed to be "harder" to withstand higher pressures. In theory they require a stronger firing pin strike but the few dozen I've tested in my pistols seem to work just fine.

*At the time I had ready access to Winchester primers @ ~$10/M

 

[watercam]

I suppose since you are tailoring your loads for them and they are working for you, does not seem to be an issue. In theory they are supposed to be taller than small pistol as well as hotter but it seems you already have your answer.

 

[DRNewcomb]

I suppose since you are tailoring your loads for them and they are working for you, does not seem to be an issue. In theory they are supposed to be taller than small pistol as well as hotter but it seems you already have your answer.

At one point in time (~20 years ago) I checked the specs on primers and found that the small rifle and pistol primers were supposed to be the same size. The large rifle primers are "taller" that the large pistol primers. So, the large rifle primers don't fit in pistol brass.

 

[Max]

Has anyone else used small rifle primers in pistol loads? About 20 years ago, in between some of the politically-induced component panics we've experienced, I decided to lay by a supply of primers. At the time, I tested a few WSR* primers in my pistols and found that all the reloads fired reliably, so I bought only WSRs for my stash of both small rifle and pistol primers. (I don't generally load a lot of pistol.) I have now worked through my supply of actual small pistol primers and am starting to look at my stash of now 20-year-old WSRs.

Does anyone else have experience using rifle primers in pistols? They are supposed to be "harder" to withstand higher pressures. In theory they require a stronger firing pin strike but the few dozen I've tested in my pistols seem to work just fine.

*At the time I had ready access to Winchester primers @ ~$10/M

Sellier and Belot small rifle primers state that they can be used for pistols and revolvers on the package.

 

[Bamban]

What would the consequence be if pistol primers were to be used in rifles?

 

[boltfluter]

What would the consequence be if pistol primers were to be used in rifles?

Most likely a pierced primer or worst.

Paul

 

[DirtySteve]

I shot 100 9mm round loaded with rifle primers. My 1911 set them off fine. The S&W M&P would not function reliably with them, meaning light strikes. No problem with any pressure issues.

 

[DRNewcomb]

What would the consequence be if pistol primers were to be used in rifles?

In a .30 Carbine? Probably nothing. In a 6.5x47 Lapua. Virtually assured a pierced primer. Lots of excitement.

 

[DRNewcomb]

I shot 100 9mm round loaded with rifle primers. My 1911 set them off fine. The S&W M&P would not function reliably with them, meaning light strikes. No problem with any pressure issues.

One reason the whole issue came up is my new Beretta Nano. I've primed 30 cases with WSRs to re-validate my theory in various guns, including the Nano. It worked fine in my BDM & P35 when I originally tried it.

 

[TheOtherZilla]

I use small pistol primers in my 22 Hornet. I believe the book calls for em.

 

[T-shooter]

The small rifle and pistol primers are the same physical size. I don't know about the power.

 

[JRS]

What would the consequence be if pistol primers were to be used in rifles?

Small pistol primers won't handle that amount of pressure. At least not safely.

 

[noylj]

No problem using small rifle primers--except,
you will have a lot more failure to fire due to the harder cup
and
a lot less ability to read pressure as these primers don't show pressure signs until about 60+ ksi.

 

[IPSCNUT]

If you have a large quantity of old WWSR primers with a "silver" dome, as opposed to a "bronze" or yellow dome, I would be interested in buying some. Let me know via e-mail.
Paul

 

[gotcha]

[QUOTE="DRNewcomb, post: 37027864, member: 1287311"

Does anyone else have experience using rifle primers in pistols? They are supposed to be "harder" to withstand higher pressures. In theory they require a stronger firing pin strike but the few dozen I've tested in my pistols seem to work just fine.
[/QUOTE]
I used Fed. 205M's for several years in a T/C 10" chambered in .357 Max. ( IHMSA comps) The 205M's are actually softer and showed pressure signs well during load development. No problem with lightened Hammer spring either. Just my experience with a single shot....................... As a side note the softer 205M's allowed me to regulate powder charges for hot & cold weather by simply observing pressure signs.

 

[mongo chicago]

Always was told that even though they are the same size, the rifle primers are a lot hotter and the advice was not to use them in pistols.

 

[DRNewcomb]

Always was told that even though they are the same size, the rifle primers are a lot hotter and the advice was not to use them in pistols.

While this is common advice, I'm not sure it's a big deal if you aren't pushing the loads near max. Similar to using magnum primers rather than standard. If you back off 5% it shouldn't be an issue. I'm at least 10%-15% below standard published max, loading for pistols that are rated for +P.

 

[Richard Jones]

Lots of IPSC shooters use small rifle primers. I've used them in 40, 38 Super, 38TJ, 38SC, etc. A zillion of them, give or take a few.

 

[SheepDog]

Some of the smaller capacity rifle cases perform better with pistol primers because rifle primers cause double peak pressures when the bullet is pushed free of the case by the primer before good ignition begins. Some pistols need the rifle primers due to the powders used and the larger capacity. The 357 Maximum or super magnum is an example of a pistol cartridge that requires the use of a rifle primer.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I use small pistol primers in my 22 Hornet. I believe the book calls for em.

Agreed.

Using small pistol primers is a common practice in the 22 Hornet. If pressures are pushed for more speed, it is recommended to go to a SR primer. But if pushed too far, the necks will start cracking on the hornet cases cuz the brass is so thin. Within normal pressures, many people use the small pistol primer.

.................

On a side note: I have loaded Federal 100 small pistol and Federal 205 small rifle primers in a 22 hornet and 20 Ackley Hornet. If there's a difference in height, I sure as heck can't tell the difference. Both types seat just below the rim at what appears to be the same depth in uniformed primer pockets.