small rifle vs small pistol primer

[Former Cav]

diameters are the same.
rifle is .118 thick
pistol is .122 thick

anybody ever use a small rifle primer in a small pistol case such as a .357 magnum?

anybody know how the rifle primer compares to a magnum pistol primer?

[dogtag]

Yes I have. No problem.
Some time ago, I had run out of small pistol so I tried small rifle in my Python.
I've been using them since.
I don't use them in anything smaller than 357.

[da gimp]

hey cav...... as he said...generally there is no problem on them....... but....... still you might want to lower your near max & warmer loads & check them sir for signs of increased pressure as you increase them... then note that lot # of Small rifle primers & brand that it was okay. using which loads & cases., that way if the need arises, you have a record of what was safe with a given load of powder & bullet in a certain brand case.............used in a certain revolver or pistol........

On revolvers with very light single action hammer strikes, there might be some that need a double tap............and even a very few on double action..........There are some that say that I'm a very careful reloader.......... & to those I say thank you... it is a compliment.

[dogtag]

Good advice from gimp.
I never load maximum, and I use only my own cast bullets.

[Tuna]

There is a reason they make both small rifle and small pistol primers. If interchangeable then they would only make one type to fit all.
Standard small rifle primers have more brisance in them then do small pistol primers and that includes magnum pistol primers too. As Gimp said IF your going to use them then only for starting loads as they can increase pressures by as much as 15,000 psi so be careful.

[Former Cav]

Thanks Gimp.
I kind of figured the same thing. I have a notebook where I record the date, quantity, brass, powder, bullet, and which reload it is (on the label I write 2NWB3 which means 2nd firing, Next Will Be 3rd).
I'll be using the old disclaimer that I ALWAYS tell everyone "reduce loads 10 percent and work up from there, with MAGNUM primers (in this case rifle primers instead of pistol primers) reduce loads and ADDITIONAL 10 percent and work up from there. Your chamber, barrel, weapon is different then mine. All DISCLAIMERS apply".
That has served me well.
I'll be checking these with an Oehler 35P Chronograph as well.
BTW... BELOW, is some Chronograph reports for you. (rifles and pistols)

CRONOGRAPHED LOADS

1) with an M1A Springfield in 7.62 Nato.
ONce fired LC brass from scharch mfg.
Large rifle winchester brand primers (standard)
150 Hornady brand BTSP bullets
45.0 grains of varget brand powder
HIgh 2755, LOW 2710, AVG 2722 Spread 45 Std Dev 18
Very Accurate Load, tight groups, 1 in with IRON sights and 62 year old eyes!

2) Radway green 1985 same rifle 2699 (one round only)

3) Load as above ( in load number 1) but through a FAL SAR 48 Match rifle
High 2736, LOW 2696, AVG 2721 Spread 40 Std Dev 17

4) FAL SAR 48 Match rifle
Radway Green 1985
High 2824, Low 2786, AVG 2801, Spread 38 Std Dev 20
CAVIM 1990
High 2666, Low 2633, AVG 2645, Spread 33 Std Dev 13
These are both very accurate and are TIGHT groups. 1 in at 100 or less!!
Wish I had 100 cases of each!

5) M1A Springfield in 7.62 Nato
Remington Peters Nickel Brass (easier to find)
CCI # 34 (magnum rated) primers
44.5 Grains Varget
High 2761, Low 2742, AVG 2751 Spread 19 Std Dev 9

6) CAVIM 1990 dated
High 2716, Low 2699, AVG 2710, spread 17 Std Dev 9
Very accurate as above in the FAL

7) Bulgarian Makarov
Sellier and Bellot ammo
910 (one round with me only... too bad)

8) Wolf brand for above
High 1071 Low 1049, AVG 1057 Spread 22 Std Dev 11

9) Savage Rifle, bolt, 1 in 8 twist Kreiger SS barrel 6.5 x .284
Lapua Brass
Lg Rifle Winchester Brand standard primer
142 Sierra Match King MOLY coated
48.3 Grains Hodgdon 4831 SC
High 2735, LOW 2687, AVG 2716, Spread 48, Std Dev 25

10) Savage Rifle, Bolt, 1 in 9.25 savage barrel .243 winchester
R/P Nickel Brass
Standard Large Rifle Winchester Brand primers
75 Grain Hornady Brand VMAX MOLY coated
39.7 grains Varget
High 3308, Low 3212, AVG 3272, Spread 96 Std Dev 52

11) AK type 56 Poly tech 7.62 x 39
Chicom copper washed bullets 1967 dated
High 2374, Low 2345, Avg 2357, Spread 29, Std Dev 10

12) Savage Rifle, Bolt, 25-06 savage barrel (shot out in 750 rounds!!)
R/P Nickel Brass
Standard large rifle Winchester brand primers
117 grains Sierra BT MOLY coated
40.8 Varget
High 2747, Low 2734, AVG 2706 Spread 46, Std Dev 23
This was the most WORTHLESS caliber I have ever owned. It became the 6.5 x .284

13) YUGO M48 8 mm Mauser Bolt rifle.. from Ames for about $89 way back when
8MM Turk surplus ammo 1944 date brass case on stripper clips
Unassembled.. bullet weights 155.0, 154.9, 154.0, 154.0, and 153.9
Powder is flake type weighs 49.1, 48.9, 49.2, 49.1 and 49.1 (pretty consistent)
High 2836, Low 2800 AVG 2815 Spread 36, Std Dev 17

14) Romanian Ammo 1972 date, painted laquered green steel case
High 2621, Low 2602, AVG 2608, Spread 19, Std Dev 07

15) |AR 15 DPMS 1 in 8 twist “service rifle” for NRA highpower
LC Brass
Standard small rifle Winchester brand primers
77 grain sierra match king MOLY coated
24.5 grains Varget
High 2667, LOW 2600, AVG 2633, Spread 67 Std Dev 26

16) Colt Govt Model 1911 in 45
MIXED brass
Large Standard Pistol Winchester brand primers
200 grain semi wad cutter bevel based
5.7 grains of Winchester #231 powder
High 855, Low 827, Avg 845, Spread 28, Std Dev 10
Same pistol, PMC brand factory loads 230 BALL FMJ
High 826, Low 797, Avg 806, Spread 29, Std Dev 11

This is through a Oehler 35 P Chronograph and is about 8 years worth of data
Sadly, I’ve sold lots of these weapons. Just don’t have enough room for them.

[joem]

I once tried large rifle primers in a .44 mag super blackhawk. It didn't work as the large rifle primers are taller and there wasn't enough clearence between the flash sheild and primer. Cylinder could not be turned. As to why I tried this; there is a load calling for Trail Boss powder for cast lead but it specified LR primers.