Smyth Busters: Can You Interchange Rifle & Pistol Primers?

Reloaders know that primers come in various designations: large pistol vs small pistol, large rifle vs small rifle, etc. So what's the difference? Can you interchange some of these different primers? The answer from Brownells Gun Techs Caleb Savant and Steve Ostrem is, "Sometimes." Some interchangeability is possible, but you really, really have to be careful. Just because one type of primer will physically fit in the pocket of a case doesn't mean you should use it. Some handgun cartridges actually do use Small Rifle primers (e.g., .454 Casull) and other high-pressure cartridges CAN use Small Rifle primers (e.g., .38 Super). Since the rifle primer is hotter, you'll need to reduce your load and work it back up to make sure it doesn't exceed maximum pressure. Rifle primers have thicker cups, so they can handle the pressure of pistol cartridges, but pistol primer cups are not built to handle the higher pressures of rifle cartridges. A Large Rifle primer is usually too tall to fit in the primer pocket of a pistol case. It'll sit proud of the case head and potentially tie up the rotation of your revolver cylinder or cause a slam fire in your semi-auto pistol. Best advice is to use the primer specified in your loading manual. Otherwise, do a LOT of research with credible reloading sources before you substitute primers.

[@CompletePandemonium]

Lol. "Murkey" is a great way to describe this. For new fellas coming into loading I tell them to stick with only the primers specified

[@tapantera]

Really appreciate these short info packed shorts. Thank you.

[@zivendine]

Back in the mid 70’s I had a Dakota 41 Mag revolver. The hammer mounted firing pin was penetrating the primers. On my loading bench I used rifle primers and the penetrating problem was fixed.

[@jsmunitions1471]

I once spoke with a CCI tech on this very topic. I was told that their specs showed small pistol and rifle primers being identical; same cup material and thickness, the same primer compound, and the same amount of said compound. Of course, this probably varies depending on the primer manufacture.

[@spyderxtra777]

CCi told me that their standard small rifle primers were identical to their small pistol MAGNUM primers. Standard small pistol Primers have less compound than the small rifle/pistol magnum. small rifle magnum primers have more compound than both. I don’t think it’s safe to say that all cci small pistol and rifle primers are the same.

[@pacman10182]

after measuring a ton of small rifle and pistol primer cups they're the same .015" thick brass other brands are the same as far as I've seen cci 5.56 primers are the same too

[@jsmunitions1471]

@@spyderxtra777 That's correct. Forgot to mention that only applies to their small pistol magnum and small rifle primers.

[@blackhawk7r221]

True. All primer sheet metal across the board is .0150 thickness. And small rifle is the same as small pistol magnum. Now large rifle primers are .006 taller than large pistol.

[@blackhawk7r221]

Correction to my post about what CCI told me. I just measured my different CCI primers are there are absolutely differences in primer sheet metal thickness. Sorry, but I have to trust my instruments. From .01161 with SP to .01262 with LR

[@dbldblu]

Remington used to label their small primers as suitable for pistol or rifle, I have examples of such.

[@CalebSavant]

I would love to see them! Do you have a photo by chance?

[@arlissyoung8899]

Klem Kadidlehopper I found an old box of primers the other day that said that.

[@dbldblu]

@@CalebSavant I have a picture, can't figure out how to post it here. Try this: facebook.com/photo/?fbid=3828513243837734&set=a.243806402308454

[@farmerwayne1404]

Red Skelton

[@keithlucas6260]

@@farmerwayne1404 saw that too....sure miss his show....always at the end he said, "good night and God bless."

[@WiCKeD_TuRKeY]

I’ve been reloading for only about 9 years now. I’m probably going to catch a lot of crap for this comment, but has anyone actually measured the thickness difference between small pistol and small rifle primers? I did and they measured the exact same thickness. I wouldn’t recommend this in normal conditions, but with the primer shortage I had to give it a try. Me and a friend loaded small pistol primers into some .223 loads. I brought out my lab radar just to check consistency. We worked up our loads from less than the recommended starting load using CFE223 and worked our way up to our standard load of 27 grains. To my surprise, no split or flattened primers. No slam fires either. They held consistent at around 3000 FPS from a 20” barrel. They worked beautifully. I’m not recommending everyone go out and do this but keep in mind, if the shortage lasts too much longer, you gotta do what’s necessary. And before the safety nazi’s chime in, I’m aware that this is not best practice

[@hardball107]

Many manufactures will tell you that their small pistol magnum and small rifle primers are the same thing but it varies. I was told that CCI are the same.

[@roger7857]

Doing the same thing in 3 files. There is a .003 difference between pistol and rifle primes in depth so have to check rifle firing pin strike. Works great in my rifles

[@ChristianGrest]

Really good info. I know a lot of folks are desperate for reloading components and ammo so they can shoot. Of course, desperation is a potential recipe for disaster in the case of reloading. Great video fellas!

[@jukeboxhero1649]

Desperation makes getting laid sooo much easier.🍆🍑🤸😖😩🤤😞

[@alaskanalain]

Wear eye protection, if the gun blows up it doesn't really matter (as long as you don't get hurt) guns are useless without ammo anyway. If mine goes tough luck, I'm going to die of old age owning a gun without any ammo. I Live in a land locked part of Alaska where almost everything is legal but nothing is available.

[@artemas9336]

So pretty much "you can, but our lawyers say don't"

[@calangel]

Yep. Super Vel tested 9mm cartridges loaded with pistol and rifle primers and they saw no huge differences in the pressure gauge or with velocity. It depends on the cartridge as well. I mainly load 22 Hornet, and both pistol and rifle primers are appropriate with just about all the powders used. Currently, I have a Lil'gun load that uses Fed 205M srp, and an H110 load that is in the last legs of testing between using Fed 100M spp and Fed 200M spm.

[@jimvac77]

You can, but the graybeards say not to or you can blow yourself up. Even though you won't.

[@wisewhiterabbit]

Yep, pay attention, and rifle/magnum primer cups are mildly harder to get a good primer strike.

[@johntandycrabtree392]

For loads in calibers like, say, .22 Hornet and 300blk which utilize magnum pistol powders in many loads, a magnum pistol primer is a solid choice.

[@roger7857]

@@wisewhiterabbit Same if using pistol magnum primers used in rifle as they seat .003 shallower just have to check each rifle if firing pin will strike primers hard enough to ignite. Works in 3 rifles and no telltale pressure or velocity change

[@badmoon7549]

Personally I'm going back to Matchlock.

[@cincinnatifunk]

I'm getting the flintlock ready.

[@phprofYT]

Personally I'm working on a Captain Kirk special for that day a super being drops me on a planet with Gorn.

[@f5tornadeau]

@@phprofYT lol.

[@moosemaimer]

I still have my wrist rocket in a drawer...

[@poundsand1119]

@vettelover2009 not in my realm but maybe try misting the exposed side with silicon lube.

[@thomasloks]

If you can find them, stick to the load data.

[@festerallday]

People put up vids pressure testing the different types. The ONLY difference is in cup thickness to help contain higher pressures of the powder.

[@thomasloks]

@@festerallday I completely understand, but desperate people might cram what they can and let it fly. The safety of all, is our primary concern. As responsible loaders.

[@festerallday]

Well you Mr thomasloks are completely correct. Ughhhh responsibilities.

[@TexasTrained]

Exactly...wishy washy answers

[@pcobra5427]

You two always have the best answers and don’t take all day long to give the right answer

[@Bert2368]

The one case where I DO routinely use small pistol primers in a rifle case is .22 Hornet. For ALL "book" loads. Pressure is low enough for SP cups and accuracy improves noticeably compared to same loads with an SR. You can even find this suggestion in some re loading manuals. There, adding to the murk!

[@jesusisalive3227]

I was thinking about doing the same with my 17 hornet. I am thinking that small powder charge might benefit from a less energetic primer. I do wonder however if it would ignite H110/W296?

[@Bert2368]

@@jesusisalive3227 My go to Hornet load is 10gr. W296, .224 45gr. Winchester HP Hornet bullet and a CCI small pistol primer, load in neck sized only cases. Shoots MOA from CZ 527.

[@pastordoogie8438]

Really honest video-very refreshing in a culture of “be dumb first and sue somebody second.”

[@shaverlocal]

You are obviously not a reloader. I have done a lot of primer switching just as my own test bed. I have every type of primer available in abundance. A smart reloader will start at a low recommended charge and chrono their way up.

[@pastordoogie8438]

@@shaverlocal ...well the 400-500 rounds I loaded today would say otherwise, but I certainly don’t know everything, and maybe there’s something you know that’s worth learning?

[@shaverlocal]

@@pastordoogie8438 believe it was your comment "be dumb first" that caught my attention. Most of us that like to consider ourselves serious reloaders as that is my pastime,look at you as a novice.

[@pastordoogie8438]

@@shaverlocal I reload handgun calibers on a progressive press mainly for ammo shortages and lower costs. Did I correctly imagine you as more of a rifle caliber reloader? In our brief exchange you do strike me as the kind of reloader who would experiment, but not someone who would blame someone else if something bad happened-which was more the intent of my comment, but sorry if I came off that way.

[@shaverlocal]

@@pastordoogie8438 I reload 8 calibers on 4 presses. yea, One is a Dillon, an 8 station Lyman, An RCBS A2, and an arber press for my Wilson dies. I have three Dillon powder drops + Two Neil Jones measures (look it up) a Redding BR3 +a pistol insert and a couple of grand of misc equipment. I have loaded 11,000 tounds of 9mm , 2500 of 45ACP, and several thousand rounds of 223 in the last 8-9 month's. It is what I do. I was in a bad motorcycle wreck that put me in the hospital for months and I have been reloading again since I can walk. I have loaded thousands of rounds without 1 hickup.

[@rwt8851]

I have been making my own primers for 8 years now i use real btw primer compound. all the stuff is easy to get. also on a side note when i say make i mean make from scratch, i bought used surplus stamp presses and made dies. all the cup material for primers is 0.015 thick across all primers. i only make 2 primers large and small for every thing. for example large pistol mag and large pistol non mag are the same height cups both at .119". where a problem can crop up is in example large pistol is .119" height and large rifle is .125 so a over all thickness difference of .006 thou. this is where cases come into play i have some where they don't work but for the most part i don't have any issues. some cases have to have the primer pocket depth cut .006 deeper so the primer is not proud of the case. a little extra time but when there done there done. i cut them with a little end mill on a drill with a home made drill stop and a jig i built.

[@bilbo_gamers6417]

Wow, you make your own primers with dies too? I just finished manufacturing my own primer anvil stamping punches and dies today. Where do you get your punch materials from? Edit : I am a member of a group chat of a couple of machinists if you are interested in talking about this in further depth

[@scottgorman7166]

I have been reloading for 40 years but after reading your comment on primers you sir ARE a reloaded. Hats off to you. Talk about getting into it@

[@igoranisimov6549]

@@scottgorman7166 with that current situation we should start making our own powder soon

[@amycoffman2092]

May I ask where you can get the compound, I've tried the stuff you get from the 22 reloaded and it's too dirty.

[@rwt8851]

@@amycoffman2092 you have to make it. Go look at aardvarkreloading he has a primer reloading course updated June of last year. that rabbit hole got me started a long time ago. i use h-48 compound. and no it is not measurably corrosive. For anyone that cleans their stuff on a regular basis. And with anything else like this make small batches at a time, for immediate use. Don't store big batches of it.

[@2clicksup910]

Excellent information and enough for me to say to my Father “I was right all along.” He and I have had this ongoing discussion for years, and I caught him doing it (pistol primers in rifle loads) a number of times. He got away with it, but it doesn’t t happen any more, as I’m in charge of all the reloading now.

[@OreWaSpencer]

Good to hear I can finally put my Remington 6.5 primers to use in some pistol loads.

[@mrcrackernuts]

A guy gave me 1000 rem 6.5 primers saying he couldn’t load the for his ar. After researching this particular primer, it looks like they make it for rifles like the 22 hornet. I have been wanting to load them for 9 mm but was not real sure about it. How did they work out for you?

[@bad74maverick1]

This is the year I spend all my time on the muzzle loader range. It's cheaper and I can still get supplies for not ridiculous prices. Plus antique flintlocks are awesome to shoot not just to own.

[@jerryking3208]

Agree. I’ve even gone to shooting high power PCP air rifles. A lot of fun for not much money when it comes to ammo.

[@bust3dstr8]

@@jerryking3208 Same here, I love that my Texan can shoot the same .358 bullets I feed my SP101 and Big Boy.

[@bad74maverick1]

@@jerryking3208 I've just recently gotten into air rifles. I just have a .22 one but my friend let me shoot his .357 rifle and I fell in love with it. He also has a .50 caliber one he has hunted bear with but it was like a 4,000 dollar air rifle or some such.

[@acidtreat101]

Like you say, I have used Small Rifle primers in loading 9mm. However, that is the only example I have personally tried and can vouch for.

[@zh3401]

The manual is there for a reason, the safety for self and others in shooting sports. Timely video given I have not been able to find small pistol primers for sale.

[@zerpblerd5966]

know a place that says they're getting some 9mm primers soon, and they recently got 9mm projectiles - keep an eye out

[@jimvac77]

Tell that to all the USPSA shooters who have been loading 9mm and 38 Super with rifle primers for years.

[@dexm2010]

@@jimvac77 Keeping it really simple, do those USPSA shooters use small rifle primers when they load 9mm? I'm asking because I honestly don't know.

[@jimvac77]

@@dexm2010 Yes, they do. They're a requirement for those who load 9mm Major.

[@dexm2010]

@@jimvac77 Thank you sir!

[@FlamingRobzilla]

This was surprisingly informative given how short a video it was. It pretty much answered my question about interchangeability. Small rifle primers are generally good in pistol rounds as long as the striker is powerful enough to deal with the thicker cup, but not the other way around as you may get a slam fire using a thinner pistol primer in a rifle cartridge. It's why the firing pin in an AR-9 is spring loaded, to prevent the firing pin from igniting the primer when it goes into battery. But the AR-15 has no need of a firing pin spring because the small rifle primer walls are thicker. It's good to know this stuff. Thanks for the video.

[@Alen725]

Nonsense. You will never get slamfire just because you changed primers unless there is something wrong with a gun.

[@MrTackdriver243]

Thank you for this video, had this same question very recently. I am getting low on large rifle primers (cci #200) and recently purchased new brass for my .243, and changed from 100gr BTSP to a 90gr eldx. I wanted to once fire my brass before working up a new load for this new round with new bullets. Not wanting to use up a pack of my cci 200, and having a few packs of large pistol primers, I thought this may be a solution. Using a starting charge of my favorite powder and the old 100grain bullets with the new brass and found the large pistol primers fit, but were recessed about .002. I fired then immediately inspected the case. Seemed to work just fine. Caution is the name of the game when changing components.

[@jasonsimone3523]

Yeah, the large pistol magnum primers seem to have a thicker cup and work pretty well so far.

[@jimbrock8310]

I have loaded Shotgun Pistol and Rifle for better than 40 years! I have used every primer interchange possible and the only problem I have ever had is occasionally using a pistol primer in a rifle case it will seat to deep and you get a mis fire but even that is rare. Back before the load data was all lawyered up I would back off a bit and work them up but nowadays the load data that is published in not even close to max loads. If you are going to work a load up go a quarter grain at a time and as soon as you see bulged primers back it off 10% and you should be just fine. (that is only in modern firearms in good condition) The only primers I have completely blown out was in 22-250 shooting magnum pistol primers at above max data. Stay with mid range loads and you will be just fine. Sure as hell beats throwing a rock since primers are like gold now days!

[@arthurdevain754]

I have been reloading for just about fifty years now, and I'd like to think I've gotten pretty good at it over the decades. My very first reloading manual (Lyman 44th Edition - 1967) does not tell me that exchanging "rifle" and "pistol" primers is an OK thing, so I never did. I always figured that there was a reason for the difference, and probably a good one.

[@000Mazno000]

As far as I understand it, rifle primers often have a tighter fit and a thicker cup, but dimensionally they often are super close to pistol. You can load rifle primers in pistol rounds, if the dimensions are right and your hammer/striker hits hard enough, but you definitely shouldn't load pistol primers in rifle rounds.

[@realtruenorth]

That question was never an issue until the pistol primers started disappearing. That's why everyone started pondering this question. I have been able to shoot for over a year because lack if ammo, primers. But I have thousands of small rifle primers. My wife and i used to shoot 500 rounds a month of 9mm before covid. It's a real downer, we just don't have ammo.

[@realtruenorth]

Some small primers say "for rifle or pistol" on the box.

[@jaberie308]

Like you can find primers anywhere right now.

[@BacklTrack]

I found 1k small rifle primers a few months ago. Took a lot of effort

[@ytafshin]

Great information and advice. One thing you didn't address that is very relevant these days is interchangeability of regular and magnum primers. Based on another video I saw comparing actual pressures, they are quite interchangeable and the pressure difference was extremely small if any at all and the bullet speeds were almost identical as well. Of course, your advice still stands, if you use magnum primers instead of regular, you should go back to the minimum powder load and work your way back up just to be on the safe side.

[@SixOFord]

I had a good load in a 300winmag once that I tried every primer I had. I used cci 250/200, br2, cci no.34, fed.210match, fed.215m, rem.9½ and 9½m. Of all of them the cci no.34 was the hottest. Makes sense as it is a military primer. It was good for about 30fps over the hottest of the others. Some of the magnum primers were not as hot as some of the standard primers. Don't have that data any more. Wish I still did. If you're new to reloading the best advice I can give is follow the book to the letter. As you gain experience you begin to research a little outside the lines as you learn the warning signs to look for. I had an old Speer manual that was 6gr hotter on a max load in my winmag with 4831 Than all of the newer manuals so there seems to be a safety factor built in. But if you're new to it, follow the book.

[@Ding55]

I saw an old gunsmith due to scarcity of 9mm and 45 ACP ammo cut down a .308 to produce a 45 round, he lessened the charge and just handloaded it and it worked

[@ChucksSEADnDEAD]

@vettelover2009 Going deep with a tapered reamer, maybe?

[@Ding55]

@vettelover2009 well I saw him carefully reamed out the interior of the case just enough for a cast lead to be seated

[@Ding55]

Also, I clearly saw that the original rifle primer was still present at that time, essentially the old gunsmith was making 45 ACP ammo from 7.62mm rounds, making use of a cut down and reamed case and a reduced original rifle powder, the only thing he supplied was a cast lead bullet

[@5roundsrapid263]

Same case head diameter. 10mm originally used 300 Savage cases cut down.

[@raymondmccomas3710]

Smugglers need to get into primers ! Prices right up there with dope !! Maybe higher !!

[@mustangfan3295]

Excellent advice to all the “been there, I know it all Reloader’s”, especially on The Handloader’s Bench Forum!

[@nsob8897]

I'm happy to see people addressing these conversations in the shooting world. You guys are good to take the time to go over these things for us new guys. Also Brownells is great..especially since I live so close to them it only takes a day or two for my packages to arrive...very nice..haha

[@meekrayzor2615]

Me over here thinking, there is nothing that would make this man laugh, great content guys👍

[@michaeldoe4805]

327 Federal Magnum is recommended to be loaded with small rifle primers. But then again, that cartridge has an unusually high pressure amongst handgun cartridges. Pretty much a modern 30 carbine. Easier to load since it is not tapered...

[@jasonc8058]

I was expecting full derp and received credible info. Correct, if it seats and you work up a load go for it, but don't ever just interchange them. Impressed with your open and honest response.

[@dbldblu]

I use LP primers in rifle cartridges for cast bullet shooting, others do too. We are talking 20k to 30k pressure, works fine. The .010" difference in height has not been a problem in any rifle I have tried this in.

[@handlebullshit]

Have used SR in 9mm, no problem but common sense load developement should always be used. Do not just substitute components, start low and work up.

[@daveyelverton6287]

I have had zero issues using CCI 400 small rifle primers in 9mm 115 grain FMJ competition loads in my Glock 17 and 34. I reduced the charges and worked up from a low base. With SP primers in such short supply this workaround has served me well. If you choose this path start with a low charge and be careful! BTW, I loaded primers only into empty cases to check whether my lighter springs would do the job. Fortunately, they do.

[@OnePointLander]

What did the charge adjustment ended up being?

[@daveyelverton6287]

I never did an A/B comparison. Just started low and worked up. @@OnePointLander

[@normvw4053]

The reloading manuals that I have used, all of them strongly discurage using rifle primers in pistol cartridges. They also state that pistol primers ARE NOT to be used in rifle cartridges. One should heed the information presented with great care and respect.

[@hardball107]

Of course you wouldn't use a small pistol primer in a rifle cartridge, your just asking for trouble but lots of pistol calibers recommend small rifle primers instead of small pistol, depends on the pressure range of the caliber. 327 Fed Mag, 357, top 9mm, Super 38, 9x23Win, 357 SIG just to name a few with some loads and most manufactures will admit that small pistol magnum primers contain the same amount of compound as small rifle primers with the cups being the only difference, CCI comes to mind. Some will tell you, like Winchester, that it's OK to use SR in place of SP. Higher pressure loads for T/C Contender/Encore and Ruger handguns have their own sections in a lot of manuals and most loads use SR primers. I have been substituting SR for SP for 2 years now because I have a source for them and I run through 2k rounds a year on average. So far, no problems except for FTF in a S&W 642 and a Ruger GP100 I had lite springs in, switching to a 2lb heavier spring fixed that. No problems with stock handguns and velocity's have been the same with no pressure signs. And again, when making any changes in loads always work up charges slowly to ensure safety.

[@bluebanana6753]

Fun fact cci have the same spec for sr and spm. They have officially said that before. So they can be interchanged.

[@KathrynLiz1]

Yes...there are some substitutions that can be dangerous. Pistol primers in rifle rounds for example, unless they are for very low velocity loads.

[@nk-dw2hm]

*low pressure. A low velocity round can still be high pressure

[@robertjensen1094]

I have used large mag pistol primers for 45 colt for years. But only in new manufactured firearms. Always lower the powder charge and work your way back up to the original load. Slowly.

[@KR-go4yx]

have u ever used LMP on 45acp?

[@christophermckay9863]

I haven't used rifle to pistol primers however magnum to standard without issue at all, no velocity changes or pressure signs. I stumbled onto this since Remington and Winchester have labeled their primers for standard or magnum loads. Certainly need to back off the powder charge and verify the load when doing so but I have had no ill effects.

[@kauboy9816]

A freeze-frame of 0:59 at just the right moment when he says "powder and case" would make a fantastic meme template

[@LTTUSA]

These are some of the best educational videos on YT

[@helidude3502]

Speer makes plastic training bullets for revolvers that use only a primer and plastic case. Great for garage plinking. Still capable of injuries. I expanded on this. Use hot glue to make bullets instead of lead. Use whatever primer fits the hole in the case of my choosing. The larger the case, and longer the barrel, the less power the round has after leaving the barrel. Of course none cycle semiauto. But it’s fun plinking and was good use for primers that weren’t stored properly. 209 primers have nice oomph in a muzzle loader using the glue bullets or crayola erasers without a powder charge. Caps only tend to leave the bullet stuck in the barrel using the hot glue or wax bullets. Not a bad activity I’ve you have a nice location, but can’t get to the range. Great for plinking empty soda cans. Most only dent the can, but some penetrate. Still capable of damaging your drywall. I did try one out of a Glock 35 at the range. I didn’t feel a breeze, but at 15yards I was able to watch the bullet curve away and miss the entire target by 4 feet 🤪

[@dannie3117]

The problem is you can’t get primers and as you said pressures don’t change that much. People are reusing primers out of necessity which is sad because Canada has plenty

[@travissobeck4939]

@@rubenpicon9541 I wonder if they'll drop'm off by a tree near the border .. lol

[@308ranger8]

Should ship ours back we won’t have anything to use them in at this rate

[@lapinebob]

Locally in Central Oregon there hasn't been any rifle powder for months. And lately even handgun powder isn't available.

[@dannie3117]

@@lapinebob I feel your pain. I am running low on everything except casings and there is nothing in the stores here in Florida

[@Cautionary_Tale_Harris]

@@dannie3117 I managed to snag 1,000 small pistol primers from BassProShops website in January 6. Since then, the listings for all their primers and all their powder say, "This product is not available online." Also, I haven't seen small rifle primers anywhere since August.

[@1BXB]

Very timely advice because I want to load 5.56 but I only have small pistol primers. I've wondered about using them. The web advice has been the same as you have provided here. I sure hope to find some small rifle primers one of these days. Bullets are available and powder is if you keep looking but I've had no success sourcing primers. Hope you get some soon!!!

[@zerpblerd5966]

looking like a place I know is going to be getting 9mm primers (they have HP projects atm) soon - I don't load or know anyone who does though : |

[@glockparaastra]

Ye rather be safe. 5.56 has some serious pressure. You wouldn’t want to risk a primer failing. Good luck. Plenty of SRP here in South Africa. You want CCI or Federal? I’ll send you some 😂 Just send us some again when things are back to normal there! All the best!

[@rbm6184]

1Eagle Don't do it. As stated in the video description, "Rifle primers have thicker cups, so they can handle the pressure of pistol cartridges, but pistol primer cups are not built to handle the higher pressures of rifle cartridges."

[@DeeMoback]

1Eagle ...... depends largely on your powder charge..... if you are loading subsonic for instance ..... but I am not a professional so-and-so..... I am just an old man

[@Cautionary_Tale_Harris]

I've been testing Small Pistol primers in .223 Remington cartridges. Currently, I've been testing with the little Nosler "Varmageddon" Ballistic Tip 40gr bullets. According to Hodgdon's Reloading website, IMR 4895 powder at the Starting Load weight of 24.9 grains produces 35,200psi. That pressure is on par with mid-range .357SIG pistol cartridges and only 4% higher than my .40 Smiff & Wessun loads, both of which use Small Pistol primers. I made 20 cartridges with a powder charge at -15% of the Starting Load, 20 more at -10%, then -5% and finally 20 at the Starting Load. All of them fired, although I did have to adjust my gas block initially. (They fired but didn't cycle the action on that gas block setting.) Under the magnifying glass, everything looks fine. With that being said, I'm specifically wanting to make cartridges for training on targets within 40 yards, so I don't need the same velocity as someone trying to shoot 500+ yards.

[@rossdonaghy1748]

I have in my hand right now, a box of S&B 4,4 SP boxer on which is written: "For rifle, pistol or revolver cartidges." Earlier today i chrono'd a batch of CCI 550 small pistol magnum vs a batch loaded identiacally with the exception of using a Vihtavuori small pistol primer with no "magnum" designation. The spread factored between 126 and 135 with no discernable difference between the batches. In the comments there are testimonials for CCI using the same specs for pistol and rifle. I'd say as far as small primers are concerned this is clearly not a myth and that you can easily interchange with no consequence.

[@sig7798]

I agree stay with what the primer was designed for. Unfortunately a company called Super Vel" put out a video that promotes the use of primer interchangeability. Enter at your own risk.

[@calangel]

They don't promote it, they just demonstrate that it can be done if you work the load properly. As a 22 hornet loader, we've understood this for a while that they can swapped just fine as long as small adjustments in the load are made.

[@tomdixon2959]

Super Vel has a video out showing the interchangeability with small pistol, small rifle and small pistol magnum primers. They showed pressure test and chronograph of the same load rotating the primers with no significant differences. They too suggested working up the load when substituting.

[@peteralexben]

a rifle primer in a pistol load gets a weak hit because of the low firingpin energy. the firing flame depends on the strike of the surface and force .. in small cases like 9 mm you can get much higher pressures if the rifle primer is going of like in a rifle. test the primer in a speer plastic case and bullet .there you see the amount of mixture and force of a primer. v0 it on a chrony

[@99pppo]

Reading the manufacturers specifications can clear up a lot of things in many cases. For example S&B recommends the use of their Small Pistol Magnum primers for .22 Hornet, .222 Rem. and 5,6×50 R, which are small rifle cartridges.

[@BarattaFamily]

Like how real Americans say to Nike, “just don’t do it.”

[@raddasawaddasa7598]

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[@raddasawaddasa7598]

New Factory ammunition available in stock 9mm,5.56,223,300blackouts,6.5creed,308, 380,40-70 and many others. And many others Due to ammo shortages we sale at affordable prices and offer fast delivery all over US and worldwide with certified ffl You can contact us at [phone] Website: kyz-ammunitions.com

[@louispaull6657]

@@raddasawaddasa7598 it’s a scam for anybody wondering^

[@barnabywild2215]

I've been using small rifle primers in small pistol rounds for my lever action rifle due to the current shortage. Zero issues. I experimented with large rifle primers in large pistol cartridges for lever action guns. Some makes seated flush - good to go. Some were slightly proud. We're talking barely perceptable. I shot those in tube mag lever actions using lead flat nose hollow points just fine. Wouldn't recommend it with regular flat nose bullets as there's a slim chance the negligible recoil of a 45 Volt round could set off a chain fire in the mag, I suppose.

[@merrilllewis3926]

Been loading 240 grain lswc with large rifle primers for years. No problem.

[@cbroz7492]

Thanx.. I had that question until last week...I thought I was out of small pistol primers...until I found about 4K hidden away and forgotten...niw I can reload the approximately 6 lbs of nickel-plated 9mm brass and approximately 7 lbs if .357 brass...also long forgotten...and found when I rediscovered those small pistol primers...

[@txdocprich_8404]

Did my own personal experiment when primers weren’t available. I’ve seen some people test a full load. Personally, I only did primer and empty shell for testing. If it ignited, then I worked on a load. Was a little concerned with pressure and so I did shoot some reduced loads before discovering there’s little to no change in fps.

[@jonathanrogers9961]

I tested a G19 and a Ruger LC9S with starting loads and Wincehster and CCI small rifle primers prior to working up. Guns set off the primers no problem, and cycled normally. As stated, whenever you change a component you MUST work your load up again and make sure it is safe in your firearm. In my case they performed identically to their pistol counterparts during workup, your results may vary.

[@donr416]

I have used small pistol magnum primers for 233. I developed the load with those primers- did not substitute into an existing SR load.

[@jesusisalive3227]

What difference did it make in powder charge? Did you end up using more or less?

[@ReloadingRADIO]

I would agree about not mixed matching. But in times like these gotta do, what you gotta do. But use some caution

[@moushunter]

I found a large rifle primer in 44 special and 44 magnum shooting very light cast bullets out of a lever rifle gives much better complete burn of the powder than the large pistol primers. I use small pistol magnum primers in 38 special cases for a rat shot load for the same reason. Out of a 4 inch revolver barrel the 4 grains of flake shotgun powder burns better. The rat shot I load uses a cardboard card pressed down over the powder, the case filled with #8 shot to 1/8" below the case edge, another cardboard card over the shot and a heavy roll crimp finished with a small amount of Elmers glue painted around the top card to seal it. It is a fun load and kills rats out to at least 10 yards.

[@keithfreeman5204]

I load and shoot 357 mag. Sidearm, 4",SS, 5 shot, rifle, 22 inch barrel, single shot , break action, 3x9x40 scope. I load for both but different loadings for each. Pistol normal loadings from Hornady manual. SPP's used. For the rifle I do use SRP with a reduction of 12%- 15%. Sample load for the rifle using the Small Rifle Primers is, 158 grain XTP, 14 gns of Little Gun. This load is accurate, at 50 yards, 3 shot groups, all holes touching dead center of the bulls eye.

[@jonme5652]

I have 9mm ar rifle and ar pistols that have no problem taking small rifle primers in the ammo, just make sure there seated properly and the loads are worked up from the bottom like any other load, Do NOT use them as a substitute without knowing the difference, or working up the load.

[@jmfa57]

Yeah, I mistook large pistol primers for large rifle primers when reloading some 7x57 Mauser loads. This was a mistake due to not fully reading the labels on the primer container; all I saw was "Large." I mostly got away with it, but I had a few of the primers punctured by the firing pin. I was very lucky. Thankfully the gases didn't shoot back into my face. The punctured primers clued me into checking the component packaging when I got home from the range, and lo and behold, I had mixed the primers up. I count myself lucky... and chastened. Don't do this!

[@OSOFLHP]

It’s been a very long time since I’ve been able to find any srp , must admit I’ve been eyeing those pistol primers,

[@cleetismcdougall5425]

Out of primers....I’ve just been using cannon fuse or replace your firing pin with a sparkler. 🎇

[@docaylsw]

i'v had dropped primers on the floor and workbench that I had not clue whether they were rifle or pistol, and a tube of small primers that wasn't marked, so I just used them on 9mm. Never had a problem.

[@markabercrombie9155]

Federal put out a.45 acp cartridge with small pistol primers, I ran them and saved them separately. Today primers aren't a problem.

[@Colt-ly7op]

So does Blazer, it's quite a pain in the butt. If one sneaks in while you're using a progressive press it can make an impressive boom! Now I have to triple check all my 45 acp before reloading them.

[@Quentin217]

Back in the '70's I once bought a flat of large pistol primers by mistake. I tried using them in some 300 Weatherby cartridges containing DuPont IMR 4831. I consistent got hangfires. Click - BOOM! i just threw the rest of them away.

[@blackhawk7r221]

I hear ya. It’s hard to light off those big slow burning mag particles.

[@roul3688]

I was just looking this up. Supposedly CCI small rifle primers work as small pistol magnum. Those are the only interchangeable primers that I’ve heard of, use at your own risk.

[@MrSaerrock]

FWI, I use small rifle primers in 357 magnum loads for my lever action. But these are loaded with rifle powder & only used in said rifle

[@bpow1983]

WTH is FYI?

[@davidmessinger2784]

I watched a guy blow up his new M! Garand. He had a few large pistol primers left in his Dillon and didn't see why he couldn't use them in his rifle. What he didn't realize is that the M1 has a floating firing pin. When he inserted a round directly into the chamber (also a no no), and released the retracted bolt, the round went off due to not being fully seated under the extractor and fully chambered. Luckily nobody was seriously injured. He sent the rifle back to Springfield Armory and they would not attempt a repair.

[@fastvega]

Did not know Springfield Armory makes an M1 Garand, which is .30-06. Maybe an M1A, in .308?

[@pacman10182]

@@fastvega to my knowledge, nobody makes new m1 Garands

[@richardbrown5135]

I have used small mag pistol primers in 223 with starting loads without any problems with the primers or with the case. This was with a bolt action savage 111 with a very strong receiver and it seemed to work well. I DON'T think I would try it with regular small pistol primers. I never tried it on an AR . I did with a starting load in a solid receiver to see if I could do it .It worked in a pinch but if you can get the small rifle primers I would stick with them. I tried to make sure it was as safe as possible.

[@glockparaastra]

I’ve been forced to use SRP in my 357Mag (Rossi Lever Action) as no SPMP are available in my country. I started with lower loads. Works fine. I tested Remington SRP and found them to be too soft. Even had a punctured primer. CCI SRP worked best (better than Federal SRP) with Viht N-110 and H100.

[@hardball107]

Honestly guy's if proper reloading practices are followed there is no problem IMHO. Small Rifle and Small Pistol primers are the exact same size but Small Rifle do have thicker cups. I shoot a lot of 9x23 Winchester in a 1911 and use small Rifle primers. Now with the shortage I have been substituting small rifle primers in my handgun ammo for 9mm, 38 Special and 357 Mag without a problem, I had a bunch of SR. I just backed off my loads and worked up carefully and I don't use them in maximum pressure loads, practice ammo only. I did notice greater velocity spread similar to Small Pistol Magnum primers but generally the velocity was within 1%-2% and you need to check that your handgun will ignite the SR primers reliably.

[@bobkohl6779]

Thanks guys, there's an astonishing amount of bad "advice" on this one no matter how you try to tell them otherwise

[@stephentrindall8484]

And this video is a perfect example of the bad advice.

[@billskinner623]

I used cut down .454 cases for heavy .45 Long Colt in a M1894 Winchester rifle. I used rifle primers, even though the loads called for Large Pistol primers. That was because my 1873 Peacemaker did not have a strong enough hammer spring to fire the primer. So, if I screwed up and put one of those loads in my Colt, I didn't damage the gun or me by firing something rated for a Ruger Blackhawk or the Winchester but probably twice the PSI as a Colt was rated for. My Ruger's would also fire those primers, btw. Coil over leaf spring, I suppose.

[@scottrussell6717]

Yep... do it all the time and I have been reloading for 25 years

[@robertpagel8951]

Years back when I started reloading, Remington small primers were labeled for pistol and rifle.

[@richpeters4705]

I have interchanged small rifle and small pistol primers in my .22 hornet loads for years

[@keyfitter]

Benn reloading for almost 50 years now. I'm good with sticking with whatever the loading data is without substituting anything.

[@chapiit08]

Just in case, save your used primers and start looking around for strike anywhere matches. The future is uncertain.

[@trumpybare7329]

I hope your wrong on this but have to agree about the future of our republic?

[@oldscratch3535]

You can successfully reused primers, but I wouldn't do it more than once. The cup is liable to get work hardened where the firing pin hits it and it will eventually blow out. I've always saved my old primer cups and anvils specifically for the kinds of situations were in now.

[@rwt8851]

Don't use matches look up h48.

[@haroldhenderson2824]

Do they still sell "strike anywhere" matches? I haven't seen any for over a decade.

[@rwt8851]

@@haroldhenderson2824 you can get them on like ebay some dollars stores carry the diamond brand. also might want to look up prime all, or look up h48. the last 2 are primer compounds so more reliable. 8 years of using h48 only 2 didn't go bang cause i put the anvil in upside down. early on now i have machines do it so don't have that anymore.

[@josephlicata4304]

Thanks guys. Appreciate the info👍

[@Levenbravo89]

I’ve used small rifle primers In my 38spc +p for over 5k rounds now and they seem to be a proven standard for my loads with 6.5grns of hogdon longshot

[@rayc.1396]

I load LP primers in my 1874 Sharps .45-70 with a charge of black powder with great result except the primers are extremely dented. I use LR primers for my smokeless loads in the same rifle, those primer fair much better.

[@shooter964]

Thank for answering my question

[@CenlaSelfDefenseConcepts]

Thanks guys I had a recent mix up with a couple dillon primer tubes loaded 200 rounds of 9mm with small rifle primers luckily I'm running a stock striker spring

[@CumberlandForge]

This is something timely for me as I am about to invest in a loading set up, primarily for 44 Special and 44 Magnum.

[@Cautionary_Tale_Harris]

Honestly, get the primers you'll need first. I haven't seen any Large Pistol primers in a store or online in 6 months.

[@curtolmscheid1661]

I’ve had no problem using Magnum primers in place of standard. I back off the load and use a chrono to verify my results.

[@keithlucas6260]

I've heard that too.....thicker wall though for the higher pressures.

[@scottgorman7166]

As you stated "follow your loading manual" these guys spend a lot of time and money developing the statistics. Its prudent to follow it as a general rule. Now if your a wildcatter different story altogether. Just be safe everyone!

[@cz-bundy6896]

How about you guys just interchange some primers in stock on your website.😁

[@davidunderwood3605]

As always make sure each time you change lot #s to do some load testing before relying on what you believe to be fact. I've got a few small rifle primers ( CCI, Remington and Winchester ) that come out of lots over 20years old. They seem to be hotter and when used in loading pistol cartridges with them, I've had to reduce powder charges by 1 to 2 grains as compared to using CCI and Winchester small rifle primers of later lots of 10 years or newer in the same loading using the same powders and projectiles. This is backed up by both visual and chronograph data and a few very flat primers. Other than that so far CCI and Winchester small rifle primers have worked in all pistol loading from 32acp ( this cartridge loading should be checked thoroughly before using load data with any substitutes) to 7.62x25 , 9mm and 40s&w without a hick up. I still reduce the loads a touch out of an abundance of precautions. As for getting primers, I don't know what planet you two are on but they are basically non existent for most of us. We don't have the obvious connections you two have and myself, I don't have the resources to spend 24/7 scouring the country to find them. And if they do magically appear someplace they are gone faster than Big Daddy on sunny day at the Strip.

[@dennistaylor6486]

Its best to use the proper primer especially if you're new to reloading BUT I have done it before and you can get away with it to a point so with the primer shortages we have been having primer substituting is bound to happen so just be careful. The guy in the vid did and excellent job of explaining ' I did do something that I would never do and that is I saved the large rifle primers that I punched out of some cases that were not sized right saved them and put them in a box of 270 cases with a full powder charge and shot some of the tightest groups of my entire life and not a single one was a dud so don't throw away those unfired primers that have to come out.

[@jaycousland9835]

I load large pistol primers in black powder 45-70 w/cast bullets.Works fine for me in the BFR and CVA Scout.

[@dreed7312]

The 45acp is a cut down 7x57, '06, 308 case. Are you saying they then changed the primer pocket to use a pistol primer?

[@OTG414]

The cup diameter and thickness are the only differences between primers. Multiple tests have shown no difference in pressures regardless of load. The priming compound is the same. There is really no danger in interchanging small rifle and small pistol primers, or large rifle and large pistol primers. In theory, it may affect reliability in some pistols when using thicker rifle primers; but I’ve never experienced any issues.

[@kathyarmstrong649]

For what it's worth I load .30 carbine with either small pistol or small rifle primers as I use the same loads interchangeably in a M1carbine and a Ruger Blackhawk pistol. I DID experience trouble with Small Pistol Magnum primers in a Charter Arms snub nose .38spl Light hammer strike misfires. Have since replaced the Hammer spring but untested as I used up that batch in a Taurus. 357. I also had trouble with PMC Green Primers. They would "fire" but not with enough energy to reliably ignite the powder charge resulting in several squibs. A quick Google search of gun forums confirmed that PMC Green primers are junk! I don't think they have been produced in quite awhile but if you have any Toss Them Out. I burned a whole brick of them.

[@renehernandez9207]

As soon as you make them available for sale ill start using the primer the manual calls for, mean time ill continue to use SRF for all my 9 357 223.

[@jackhanson8467]

I'll sometimes use large pistol in rifle cartridges. Only when using light cast bullet loads though. Works well. And CCI says that their small pistol magnum & their small rifle primers are the same, no cup differences.

[@sxsboy2253]

How about a different kind of primer question. I just acquired 3000 primers, 1K small pistol, 1K lrg zrifle, 1K lrg zmag rifle. The question is they were stored in the original packaging inside of a cigar box and inside of a dresser drawer in an unopened upstairs bedroom for 25 -30 years. The bed room was heated in the winter but not cooled in the summer and most likely got into the upper 90’s during the summer. Are they still safe to use? How dependable might they be? As always… thanks for the information. Joe

[@SamiRayes]

How about small magnum pistol primers used in place of small pistol primers?

[@Cautionary_Tale_Harris]

I'd do it in a heartbeat.

[@bertchampion6287]

Due to the shortage of small pistol primers. I have used small rifle and small pistol magnum primers in my 9mm loads. No noticeable change in pressure or velocity.

[@JBJHonez]

a youtuber actually did a test regarding small primer vs small pistol and slam fires. all went well, no issues