Thread: Is it okay to use magnum small pistol primers in .223 reloads?

Is it okay to use magnum small pistol primers in .223 reloads?

Seeing how there's no small rifle primers anywhere, I'm wondering if anyone has ever used magnum small pistol primers in .223 reloads?

Hack

not me if you ck you will find the pistol primer is softer than the rifle.
In a gas gun you could get slam fire--out of battery . and that aint good

Thanks guys,

Get this - I just read where someone called Federal and was told that Fed Mag Sm Pistol Primers were the same primers as Sm Rifle, just packaged differently - I'm gonna call Federal and see if its true.

Hack

I just called Federal (1 800 322 2342, Option 4) and left a voicemail message, they're supposed to call me back.

Then I went online at
http://www.federalpremium.com/...pany/contact_us.aspx
And am awaiting their reply.

I'll let you all know when I know.

Hack

Okay, Gary from Federal called me back.

He said NO, I should not use anything in 223 reloads except small rifle or mag small rifle primers - and definitely not small pistol primers of any kind.

He said the risk of slam fires and/or the risk of piercing the thin skin of a small pistol primer is why.

So, like many of you told me, it's a resounding "NO" to using small magnum pistol primers in 223 reloads.

He didn't say anything about reduced loads and I didn't ask. If you want to pursue it, the Federal's phone number is above this reply.

Thought I'd let you all know.

Hack

reduced loads have no bearing on slam fires...

Originally Posted by DKing

reduced loads have no bearing on slam fires...

Exactly, its all about cup thickness and hardness.