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Small pistol vs small pistol magnum primers

Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2023 5:43 pm
by Grayling813
I was given a medicine bottle that has a mixture of CCI small pistol and small pistol magnum primers in it. Is there any way to tell the difference?

If not, would the safe approach to using them be to load a few grains less powder?

If I'm loading .38 Special to shoot in a .357 Magnum revolver and a .357 lever action rifle does it matter since the weapons should be able to handle the slight additional pressure of a magnum primer?

Re: Small pistol vs small pistol magnum primers

Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2023 6:29 pm
by AF-Odin
If loading .38 cases to fire in a .357 I would not see an issue. I have loaded quite a few .38s with magnum primers and really did not notice any difference. YMMV.

Re: Small pistol vs small pistol magnum primers

Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2023 6:48 pm
by Tex1961
Here’s a good discussion about this.
https://www.defensivecarry.com/threads/ ... nce.77799/

Re: Small pistol vs small pistol magnum primers

Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2023 10:21 am
by Grayling813
Thank you. Good information.

Re: Small pistol vs small pistol magnum primers

Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2023 1:07 pm
by Tex1961
Grayling813 wrote: Fri Dec 15, 2023 10:21 am Thank you. Good information.
Welcome. Just getting into reloading myself and I’ve had the same question. I am inclined to be in agreement with you as far as just load a few grain shy and you’ll most likely be OK.