Magnum primers vrs small pistol primers in .357

[Iron Sights]

I've read some older reloading manuals and they don't mention that magnum primers are required when loading the .357 magnum. To keep things simple, when loading .357, do I need magnum primers all the time or could I make a reduced loads and use small pistol primers. I would only be using the rounds for paper targets. If so, what powder would your suggest for a 158 grain lead bullet?

[Xringshooter]

Be safe, go by what the manual says. Some powders require magnum primers and others don't. Magnum primers typically fire hotter for better ignition of some powders. Loading with magnum primers where not required can cause higher pressures also so just be careful.

[Iron Sights]

Thank you for the information. Does anyone suggest any good sites to get reloading specs?

[Pete D.]

Try this: http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp
Info for Hodgdon, IMR, Winchester. Alliant also has online data.
In addition, buy a manual or pick up one of the freebies at a gunshop.
For lighter loads, I use Unique and a small pistol primer for all bullet weights.
Pete

[QuakertownRich]

In the short time I've been reloading, the only time I've used magnum primers is when I loaded with H110. Haven't seen any other powder with them specified. I was told by an anonymous source that he has used them on non-specified magnum primer loads w/o noticeable difference.

[Iron Sights]

Thank you Pete D. That a lot of good info.

[Plain Old Bill]

With 158 -grainers, if you're using small charges of Bullseye or 231, it's fine to use mag primers. Just take your normal REDUCED charge and take it down a half grain or so.
Do NOT, however, try this with max or heavy loads.