Primers, primer?

[PonchoTA]

Hey guys,

Just starting into the whole reloading thing, getting more info, but have a quick question that I haven't found an answer for:

Regarding primers, how can I tell, by measuring, or using Mk I, Mod 0 Eyeball, or just by virtue of the application, which size primer is what?

I've heard of rifle and pistol primers, and large and small primers for both IIRC, and wonder what I should start accumulating in stock before starting up? without this turning into an exercise of futility!

I have 4 calibers that I'm going to reload, 2 higher priority being .40S&W and .223. I also plan to start 9mm later, then finally the 7.62 x 39mm.

Is there a standard that I should be aware of? I know there's a fit difference between the 2 sizes, but what fits what?

Thanks for any help! I appreciate it!


Paul

.

[ke6guj]

.40 and 9 would normally use small pistol.
.223 would use small rifle.
7.62x39 would use large rifle.

It would be a good idea to pick up a reloading manual, which will list each cartridge, along with the primer and powder requirements.

[Para45]

.40S&W and 9mm = Small Pistol Primer
.223 = Small Rifle Primer
7.62x39mm = Both Small & Large (more common, cheaper brass) Rifle Primers

[PonchoTA]

.40 and 9 would normally use small pistol.
.223 would use small rifle.
7.62x39 would use large rifle.

It would be a good idea to pick up a reloading manual, which will list each cartridge, along with the primer and powder requirements.

.40S&W and 9mm = Small Pistol Primer
.223 = Small Rifle Primer
7.62x39mm = Both Small & Large (more common, cheaper brass) Rifle Primers

Thanks guys! I am looking for a reloading manual, just haven't gotten that far yet! Any recommendations?
Preferably free and downloadable?

.

[buffybuster]

There's

Small Pistol Primers (Standard and Magnum)
Small Rifle Primers (Standard and Magnum)

Large Pistol Primers (Standard and Magnum)
Large Rifle Primers (Standard and Magnum)

Small Rifle and Small Pistol are dimensionally identical, but are NOT INTERCHANGEABLE in application.

Large Pistol and Large Rifle are the same diameter but have different heights and are NOT dimensionally interchangeable and NOT interchangeable in application.

Rifle primers have thicker cups to contain the high chamber pressures of rifles. Rifle primers also may/do contain more compound to ignite larger amount of powder.

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE LOADING MANUAL REGARDING PRIMER TYPE FOR A GIVEN LOAD.

All powder manufacturers/suppliers have online reloading data.

[rjf]

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

The Hornady #7 hard cover book has the latest comprehensive reloading data. Hodgdon also publishes a limited, free, reloading pamphlet. I picked one up at Camarillo shooters supply.

[cjskalka]

How interchangeable are the standard large rifle primers such as the CCI #200's, Remington 9 1/2's, Winchester WLR, and Wolf Large Rifle. I was under the impression that these were all pretty much identical. I have load data for all different primers but assumed they were so similar that one could start at the minimal load and work up from there?

[spareparts]

Thanks guys! I am looking for a reloading manual, just haven't gotten that far yet! Any recommendations?
Preferably free and downloadable?

There's alot of free info on the web...but...you need to read an actual manual first. Most of the free info assumes that you already know how to reload or is posted by someone who may assist you in doing something that is unwise. It's necessary to see the whole picture and get all the safety tips first before you actually sit down at the bench.

Once you get the basics down, many of the bullet and powder manufacturers publish their own data. Much of which is free on their sites.

[buffybuster]

How interchangeable are the standard large rifle primers such as the CCI #200's, Remington 9 1/2's, Winchester WLR, and Wolf Large Rifle. I was under the impression that these were all pretty much identical. I have load data for all different primers but assumed they were so similar that one could start at the minimal load and work up from there?

If you are at Starting Load data, then any of the Standard Large Rifle primers would be OK to use. If you have already developed a load using one type of primer and then later decide to change, then it's advisable to drop the load about 5% and work up from there.

[jacques]

Paul,

I have the 'ABC's of reloading'. You can borrow it. No problem.

Like people on here say, read the book first. Then buy equipment. The book will help you decide what kind of reloading you are going to do.

Reloading data is a whole different story and is what you will need when you need recipes on how to put together your loads.

What you will more than likely run into, is you will buy primers, powder, bullets and brass and there will be no load data available for the combination of components you have.

That is when you will have to work up your load from some minimum recommended powder charge toward the max. Looking for signs of pressure and looking at how your groups are.

But first, read the manual.

Jacques.

[rksimple]

Pay the money and get a good reloading manual. Lyman is a good start. Read it twice.