Primer size question

[drkphibr]

I have some .45 ACP brass that is using both large and small pistol primers. My question along similar lines, but with a different size cartridge.

Can I use CCI small RIFLE primers instead of small PISTOL primers in a .40 S&W with a 180 grain FMC bullet? Powder is Unique at 5.0 grains. Thoughts?

[MKE]

I've been encountering more and more of the small pistol primer .45 brass where I shoot. These are coming from the new lead-free Winchester bullets. They're becoming a pain as I have to sort them out before I throw them in my tumbler.

I personally haven't attempted to do this but I've read threads where folks are using rifle primers in pistol reloads with no problems. Then there are those guys who have indicated the primers are harder and may not ignite with light springs.

[Chief-7700]

I've been encountering more and more of the small pistol primer .45 brass where I shoot. These are coming from the new lead-free Winchester bullets. They're becoming a pain as I have to sort them out before I throw them in my tumbler.

I personally haven't attempted to do this but I've read threads where folks are using rifle primers in pistol reloads with no problems. Then there are those guys who have indicated the primers are harder and may not ignite with light springs.

It is not the Winchester lead free bullets! The small pistol primed brass uses a non-toxic priming compound for indoor ranges. You will find .45ACP brass with the the following headstamps:
Winchester NT
CCI
Federal
Blazer
and a few others
IMHO any small primed .45ACP brass that is found should be destroyed before it becomes the new Environmental Morons new tag line. " Small Pistol Primed .45ACP Lead free ammo have saved our beloved Condors"

[J-cat]

If you use SR primers in the 40, you will run higher pressures, so you should reduce the load and stay away from the faster burning powders.

[MKE]

It is not the Winchester lead free bullets! The small pistol primed brass uses a non-toxic priming compound for indoor ranges. You will find .45ACP brass with the the following headstamps:
Winchester NT
CCI
Federal
Blazer
and a few others
IMHO any small primed .45ACP brass that is found should be destroyed before it becomes the new Environmental Morons new tag line. " Small Pistol Primed .45ACP Lead free ammo have saved our beloved Condors"

Yeah...that's it - those lead-free primer bullets. I hate those brass as they can become a potential hazard when reloading.

[GeoffLinder]

As long as your firing pin or striker will set them off reliably, SR primers are fine in .40SW

And yes, SR primers will definitely raise pressure a tad, so drop charge weight at least 5% and work back up the velocity you were at.

[slopoke]

I found one in the cases of 45acp that I was reloading last night. I must have picked it up off of the range floor thinking it was one of mine. I was humming along using my hand priming tool when BAM, everything comes to a screeching halt! That will teach me to use my reading glasses when picking up my strays at the range.

[Cowboy T]

It is not the Winchester lead free bullets! The small pistol primed brass uses a non-toxic priming compound for indoor ranges. You will find .45ACP brass with the the following headstamps:
Winchester NT
CCI
Federal
Blazer
and a few others
IMHO any small primed .45ACP brass that is found should be destroyed before it becomes the new Environmental Morons new tag line. " Small Pistol Primed .45ACP Lead free ammo have saved our beloved Condors"

I've found some recently with Federal and Blazer headstamps. I'd imagine Fiocchi, who makes lead-free small pistol primers, would have ammo to match, too.

Since I'm now collecting .45 ACP brass, I sort out any SPP versions into a separate bucket. Fortunately, they're not too common just yet where I'm at.

[bohoki]

i hate them as they are almost always crimped as well and kind of make them confused as large pistol

its the new brass moocher's curse

ive chucked every one ive seen

[Don the savage]

I've found some recently with Federal and Blazer headstamps. I'd imagine Fiocchi, who makes lead-free small pistol primers, would have ammo to match, too.

Since I'm now collecting .45 ACP brass, I sort out any SPP versions into a separate bucket. Fortunately, they're not too common just yet where I'm at.

Fiocchi definitely makes the infernal spp 45. I have destroyed many a good primer on their evil brass.