magnum primers

[PJM]

Previously used H110 in my magnums which called for magnum primers. Now am out of large magnum rifle primers. Anybody have experience substituting large rifle or small pistol primers? I hear there may be cold weather issues.

[Shakey Jake]

From: https://ballistictools.com/articles/pri ... ameter.php
Here is a table of the minimum and maximum primer pocket and primer dimensions. Surprisingly this data isn't too easy to find, so I have done the research for you. Dimensions in inches.

Primer pocket dimensions and tolerances
Pocket Type Depth Min Depth Max Diameter Min Diameter Max
Small Rifle/Pistol 0.1170 0.1230 0.1730 0.1745
Large Rifle 0.1250 0.1320 0.2085 0.2100
Large Pistol 0.1170 0.1230 0.2085 0.2100
Primer dimensions and tolerances
Primer Type Height Min Height Max Diameter Min Diameter Max
Small Rifle/Pistol 0.1150 0.1260 0.1745 0.1765
Large Rifle 0.1230 0.1360 0.2105 0.2130
Large Pistol 0.1150 0.1260 0.2100 0.2120

It's interesting to note that while small pistol and small rifle primers are exactly the same size, the same is not true of large pistol vs large rifle. I have heard of people substituting small pistol and small rifle primers during desperate times, but one should always be careful of pressure increases and the potential for pierced primers if one resorts to such extreme measures. It's always best to use components as they were intended.

Another notable fact is the overlap in tolerances. The largest primer is taller than the shallowest pocket, and the loosest in-spec pocket is the same size as the smallest in-spec primer. It's for these reasons that we sometimes run into so much frustration with certain brands of brass and primers.

[runnin n gunnin]

Wow Jake, you certainly did do some research. Thanks for the info !

[PJM]

Thanks for the info. I did not word my question very well. I was considering using large pistol primers in place of large pistol magnum primers and small pistol primers in lieu of small pistol magnum primers when I load with H110 powder.

[JEBar]

Thanks for the info. I did not word my question very well. I was considering using large pistol primers in place of large pistol magnum primers and small pistol primers in lieu of small pistol magnum primers when I load with H110 powder.

I've done it and not experienced any issues .... that most certainly doesn't mean its a good thing to do

[Vaquero]

I have used quite a bit of H110, and have Never used a mag primer.
I accidentally picked up a 1000 mag rifle primers last year, and I need to find a use for them.
Someone told me they work great with Bl c 2 in the 30-30, so I plan to experiment with it some here in the near future.

RP