Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
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  1. #1
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    Default Magnum primers vrs small pistol primers in .357

    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?

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Magnum primers vrs small pistol primers in .357

    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.
    Ron USAF Ret E-8 FFL01/SOT3 NRA Benefactor Member

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Magnum primers vrs small pistol primers in .357

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

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Magnum primers vrs small pistol primers in .357

    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
    Last edited by Pete D.; January 8th, 2009 at 08:49 AM.
    “Auto racing, bull fighting, and mountain climbing are the only real sports ... all others are games.”Hemingway ...

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Magnum primers vrs small pistol primers in .357

    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.

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Magnum primers vrs small pistol primers in .357

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

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Magnum primers vrs small pistol primers in .357

    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.

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