Magnum Pistol Primers-.45ACP

**ettorment1916** · March 31st, 2013, 11:42 AM

I've always used large pistol primers when reloading for my .45ACP. I was unable to find any recently, but I was able to get some Magnum Pistol Primers at a very good price.

After some internet research, it seems like a number of people are fine with using magnum primers for .45ACP reloads, provided that the load is no where near max. I never create hot or near-max loads anyway...

So, my question: Does anyone have any first-hand experience(s) good or bad in using magnum pistol primers for their .45ACP reloads?

Many thanks for any help or advice.

**Brick** · March 31st, 2013, 05:38 PM

Not first hand, but from reliable sources. Drop your charge weight by 0.1 or 0.2 gr. unless you're at the minimum charge to begin with. Or drop down to starting charge weight and work up to get the perfromance you want. But, stay below maximum.

**jack76590** · March 31st, 2013, 05:45 PM

I had an email exchange with Federal about this subject. Basically, magnum primers are sturdier/beefed up to contain the higher pressures of magnum loads, the primers do not create the higher pressure.

Problem arises in that sturdier primers can be harder to ignite. But if your pistol is not highly tuned this should not be a problem.

Most cartridge companies have contact info on their websites, so you might want to touch base with whatever company makes the primers in question.

That said I have yet to use my magnum primers in 45 acp loads.

**ettorment1916** · March 31st, 2013, 05:59 PM

Thanks to both Brick and Jack for your comments.

Originally Posted by jack76590

Problem arises in that sturdier primers can be harder to ignite. But if your pistol is not highly tuned this should not be a problem.

jack: what do you mean by "highly tuned"?

Note: My .45 is a Kimber Crimson Carry II (Govt.)

**jack76590** · March 31st, 2013, 06:07 PM

Originally Posted by ettorment1916

Thanks to both Brick and Jack for your comments.

jack: what do you mean by "highly tuned"?

Note: My .45 is a Kimber Crimson Carry II (Govt.)

Light primer strike resulting from tuning trigger for light pull, for example reducing power of mainspring. Again I recommend you do search for website of company that makes primers and give them a call. And when you change any component of load, it is always good to start with low charge and look for signs of pressure. Good luck.

**39flathead** · March 31st, 2013, 06:13 PM

Originally Posted by ettorment1916

Thanks to both Brick and Jack for your comments.

jack: what do you mean by "highly tuned"?

Note: My .45 is a Kimber Crimson Carry II (Govt.)

He's probably referring to what most people call a race gun.
My old Para I used for USPSA had a hard time with certain brands of primers.

If your Kimber is stock, you should be fine.

**ettorment1916** · March 31st, 2013, 06:23 PM

The primers are Federal and my .45 is a stock Kimber with no modifications.

Thanks guys for the reassurance that using the Magnum Primers is workable just as long as proper adjustments and precautions are made.

I'll report back after I load and shoot some of these reloads.

**jack76590** · March 31st, 2013, 06:25 PM

Originally Posted by ettorment1916

The primers are Federal and my .45 is a stock Kimber with no modifications.

Thanks guys for the reassurance that using the Magnum Primers is workable just as long as proper adjustments and precautions are made.

I'll report back after I load and shoot some of these reloads.

I found the email from Federal, cut and paste below.

"You can use the 155 primer in your 45 if the pistol is highly tuned you may encounter misfires from time to time as the primer cup is slightly thicker that the 150 primer to hold higher pressures. Before loading all the 155 primers, load a small back to see how they work.

Thanks
Federal"

**cephas** · March 31st, 2013, 10:22 PM

Yes it can be done and these days with component shortages many are substituting primers. Mag primers are made to create a hotter flame with longer duration. As an example see features and benefits here: http://www.cci-ammunition.com/produc...ers.aspx?id=29
Pressure will be affected and the majority follow Bricks advice of starting over with loads. The pressure curves with fast powders should be the most affected.
However each load combination is unique unto itself. According to some you may not notice much difference. You won't really know until you try, so suggest you try safely. It wasn't that long ago it was recommended that any primer substitution with a known load should be started over and worked back up.
Have not done it in the .45 but did in a .38 special with a medium powder Unique. My notes show I ended up with a load .5 gr lower.