| Posted: Sat Nov 21st, 2009 04:09 AM |
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Dragon88
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Guys, I collected some data recently on small pistol primers while searching for a 357 load. Some of us are having to use magnum primers right now for standard loads, and it's not always clear what effect these are having. I have a small amount of data here that I thought I would share. Two different powders were tried with standard and magnum CCI SP primers. All other components were kept constant.
Bullet: 158gr LSWC Hunter's Supply
Case: G.F.L. 2x fire
Moderate roll crimp
COAL 1.610"
AA #7 9.6 gr / CCI 500 Small Pistol
Average Velocity: 1099 fps
Extreme Spread: 114fps
SD: 44.5
AA #7 9.6 gr / CCI 550 Small Pistol Magnum
Average Velocity: 1082 fps
Extreme Spread: 69 fps
SD: 29.5
General notes on AA#7: Lots of smoke, not very clean, recoil/report is a dull thud.
Unique 5.8 gr / CCI 500 Small Pistol
Average Velocity: 1035 fps
Extreme Spread: 19 fps
SD: 7.6
Unique 5.8 gr / CCI 550 Small Pistol Magnum
Average Velocity: 1048 fps
Extreme Spread: 50 fps
SD: 18.7
General notes on Unique: Less smoke, cleaner, recoil/report is a sharper crack.
It's interesting to note that AA#7 had a very inconsistent velocity spread for me, even though accuracy with it and with all loads tested was good. Avg. velocity actually decreased slightly with the magnum primer for AA#7, where as Unique had a very predictable slight increase with the magnum. Unique with the standard primer gave a very consistent velocity spread and good accuracy; this will be the load I go with. I need to do more testing with AA#7.
As for the primers, it's seems that using a magnum small pistol primer where one is unnecessary is certainly a viable option, and in some cases may have little measurable effect. As always, work up and be safe. Also, certain powders require a magnum primer and very careful adherence to min/max loads, such as H110/W296.
That's it. Thanks for reading.
Dan
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| Posted: Sat Nov 21st, 2009 01:09 PM |
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frankmako
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i got some data from some loads that i have done with mag and standard primers using aa#5. i will post them later tonight. but what i can remember the mag primers only increase the fps to about 35 fps more over the standard primers.
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| Posted: Sun Jan 31st, 2010 11:08 PM |
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Draciron
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Interesting. I've put loads of H110 and Alliant 2400 using same bullet, same amount of powder, same brand of primer but found about 40-50 FPS more out of magnum primers. Might have to try that with Lil Gun and other powders now. You show AA #7 with LESS velocity using magnum primers.
I used to worry quite a bit about mixing up primers, between magnum and standard primers. For my 125 gn loads I don't diferentiate. I keep a box of primers I've found on the table or floor or pulled from loads and am not %100 certain whether they are magnum or normal primers and use them for 125 gn practice loads.
I did find a difference in pressure using cast semi-wadcutters. Magnum primers showed pressure much sooner and my load for them is 3/10ths lighter than for standard primers. Other than cast bullets I'm almost to the point where I'm indifferent to magnum vs standard for practice loads and use magnum primers almost exclusively now for .357 loads.
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| Posted: Sun Jan 31st, 2010 11:23 PM |
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Dragon88
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I think different powders respond to magnum primers differently. A magnum should help H110/W296 burn, for example, so you should get the expected increase in velocity. With some it may increase pressure a little but not give anything back in velocity. And so far AA#7 in this test, and more recently Trail Boss, have shown reduced velocity for me with a magnum primer. For both of those the extreme spread tightened up but at a lower average. Internal ballistics really causes you to  sometimes.
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