Magnum vs. Standard pistol primer test with 45 ACP

[fortyshooter]

These days with primer shortages you may have to use what you can find. So this test was to see if there was any difference in bullet speed or accuracy using the CCI 350 Magnum primers vs my standard Winchester WLP primers. I was able to find a 1000 of the CCI 350 primers about a month ago since the LGS was out of the others.
So the test was based on my 6.0 gr.Unique 45 ACP load using a plated 230 Xtreme bullet. Also it was test time for my new Magneto Speed Chrono.

Let me say I now highly recommend the basic Magneto Speed Sporter unit as it worked perfectly every time! First shot showed no reading and as the tech had told me to bump up the sensitivity one level it worked from then on. The unit has 3 levels of sensitivity for different type and speed of bullets. Very easy unit to scroll thru and review data and no worry of what the sky conditions are or to be precise with your aim across the old style optic sensors. https://youtu.be/YdPHtH7qtRs
From the results today I can say the use of CCI Magnum primers gave same results as the Winchester WLP primers with no signs of higher pressures.
Now the Techs at Alliant Powder will tell you not to do so but the speeds and deviation were the same range as with the standard primers. No sticky case extraction or flattened primers. Accuracy was much the same with similar shot groups of of my Ruger Bisley.
Target distance was 18 yds, and shooting from sitting position off my table.
Average FPS with 6.0 gr of Unique and WLP primers was 874 and with CCI 350 Mag primers 866 FPS. Speed deviation was 16 with WLP and 17 with CCI 350 primers. The lighter 5.5 Unique load with CCI 350 primers was slower at an average 816 FPS as it should be.
So I expect the same result with .45 Colt loads using Unique and the CCI primers if there is a need to use them. Shot the different loads in my HiPoint Carbine and accuracy was the same also.

I still have some of the WLP primers left and will save those and use the CCI 350 when needed.

[BigAl52]

Good info Forty thanks for the report.

[Headhog]

This is good to have info in times when primer choices are limited. I suspect we will all be looking for components soon as I don't see a quick end to these shortages.Thanks for your effort.

Paul

[Rifletom]

Forty, that was very good report! Nice info to know and have on hand. I have found( last Fri in the desert), that the .45 acp out of a revolver has more " omphh" than from a 1911. And accurate as the dickens. Thanks for the test results, especially thru the Bisley.

[fortyshooter]

Thanks for the Replies and glad the info can be of some help! It was one of those things I had wanted to do to find my own answers and a good excuse for me to buy a new chrono since my other one failed. It was great to not have to worry about sky conditions to get some data!
I need to load up a bit more 45 ACP too.