Reloading 44 Magnum with Standard Primers

[igot105]

I want to start reloading 44 magnum and noticed most recipes suggest using large "magnum" primers ( .... which I don't have at this time). I want to load lighter loads and plan on using Trail Boss for my initial batch. Question ..... is there a downside or concerns with using "standard" primers. Hope you guys can help clarify this for me. Thanks

['ol shooter]

For light loads I use Titegroup with standard LP primers, been loading these for a least ten years and they light every time. Trail Boss is good to go with standard LP.

[robert101]

Yea, I'm not shooting competition so I don't worry about primers that much. I just enjoy shooting mostly light reloads in 44 Mag.

[flyer898]

In my experience loading .44 magnum, the only time magnum primers are necessary is when loading heavy charges of ball powders such as WW296.

[Red9]

I want to start reloading 44 magnum and noticed most recipes suggest using large "magnum" primers ( .... which I don't have at this time). I want to load lighter loads and plan on using Trail Boss for my initial batch. Question ..... is there a downside or concerns with using "standard" primers. Hope you guys can help clarify this for me. Thanks

I use Winchester, not sure but the box is marked lpp and magnum? I just follow the recipes. If it calls for mag, I run mag. Never tried standard.
H110 not sure if I'd trust standards. Jmho maybe others have tried mag loads with standard primers?

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[sghart]

The type of primer depends on the powder used, not the name on the ammo box.

For many years before the invention of magnum primers old timers launched millions of rounds of 357 magnum and 44 magnum rounds down range with standard primers.

With the increase in popularity of ball powders like W296 and H110, many folks found ignition problems cropping up, especially in cold weather.

The use of magnum primers was encouraged to overcome stubborn ignition.

357 magnum and 44 magnum are two of my favories and I load a lot of each. My go to powder is 2400 which works fine with standard primers.

I also use W296 and I use magnum primers just because my reloads sit on the shelf for a while and it may be winter time before I get around to shooting them. But I have also used standard primers with ball powders with no problems ever.

The ignition problems in cold weather don't crop up until around freezing and below. And while we see temperatures like that here in California I am usually at home with a hot cup of coffee, not out at the range.


Steve in N CA

[hermosabeach]

Funny I was just going to mention 2400

I was told that the magnum if for the larger volume of powder....

38 special might use 4 grains of some powders...

44 mag might be 19-23 grains of 2400
(my memory sucks)

If you are not loading powder coated hard cast towards the high end, I would try a few with standard primers and go from there.... If you have an 8" barrel you might not notice as much as with a 3" barrel. The 8" gives you a lot more time to burn in the barrel

[JagerDog]

Driven by powder choice.

FWIW, I don't load 44 mag, but do load hopped up 45 Colt. I use Win primers rated for standard & magnum. Win doesn't have magnum LPP .

[Abenaki]

The type of primer depends on the powder used, not the name on the ammo box.

For many years before the invention of magnum primers old timers launched millions of rounds of 357 magnum and 44 magnum rounds down range with standard primers.

With the increase in popularity of ball powders like W296 and H110, many folks found ignition problems cropping up, especially in cold weather.

The use of magnum primers was encouraged to overcome stubborn ignition.

357 magnum and 44 magnum are two of my favories and I load a lot of each. My go to powder is 2400 which works fine with standard primers.

I also use W296 and I use magnum primers just because my reloads sit on the shelf for a while and it may be winter time before I get around to shooting them. But I have also used standard primers with ball powders with no problems ever.

The ignition problems in cold weather don't crop up until around freezing and below. And while we see temperatures like that here in California I am usually at home with a hot cup of coffee, not out at the range.


Steve in N CA

^^^^This^^^

Or you could just use mag primers for every thing.
Just work up your loads using mag primers. I don't. I use standard primers for most loads.

Take care
Abenaki

[kenworth1114]

loaded 44 mag using H110 and 296 with standard primers and never had a issue

[mtndragon]

My light load is Unique and CCI magnum primers. I shoot often in freezing temperatures. There is some research out there that indicates that in addition to better success in freezing temperatures, magnum primers decrease velocity deviations.

[Divernhunter]

I use mag primers for all loads and never had a problem. This is for all rifle and pistol loads in all cartridges. I have gotten better accuracy in some loads with mag primers. I have never had accuracy be worse with mag primers. I have not had pressure problems using mag primers.

My 2 Cents

[RiskyBusiness]

I run standards and have had no issues with soft or full power loads in a wheel gun or a DE, unique/h110

[flyer898]

In my experience loading .44 magnum, the only time magnum primers are necessary is when loading heavy charges of ball powders such as WW296.

Upon some reflection, I think I need to clarify: I always used magnum primers with WW296 and I got excellent results, but I do not know how well standard primers might have worked because I never tried them; the manuals I was using recommended magnum primers with that powder.

[zouaveherb]

I use Winchester WLP primers for my .44 mag loads. The Winchester package states it's for both standard and magnum loads.