500 S&W primers

[mickbr]

Not that I have one myself but was discussing with a friend who does, the issue of primers. I had thought they changed this case from using Large pistol primers to large rifle primers in the day. I notice Hodgon reloading still has LPP and LRP loads for most bullet weights. So Large pistol primers must be okay to use?

[Bill in Oregon]

Pretty sure I used LR when I owned one for a while some years ago, but I had only put a few hundred rounds through it when I realized it was almost as big and heavy as a typewriter and it found a new home.

[earlmck]

Anything that accepts the Large Rifle primer will also accept the Large pistol primer -- the pistol primer would just seat a little extra deep. Most of my 45/70 loads I use the Large Pistol primer. What you'd want to pay attention to is the need for Large Pistol Magnum, which would kick in if you are using full-power loads with a ball powder such as H110.

I'd guess standard Large Rifle and Magnum Large Pistol have about the same "fire power" and in normal times the Large Rifle primer would be sold a scosh cheaper than the Large Pistol Magnum. These days -- good luck at finding either.

[AJMD429]

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Didn't the 454 Casull change primers at some point...?

[earlmck]

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Didn't the 454 Casull change primers at some point...?

Yes, the Casull uses small primers. Small Rifle Magnum for loads using H110 or similar.

Since the 500 S&W is operating at magnum rifle type pressures I could imagine a pistol primer, especially a soft one like the Federal, could be vulnerable to piercing at full power loads. Rifle primers would not be amiss.

[LeverGunner]

Smith & Wesson and Corbon changed their specifications from LPP to LRP in 2003. Any data that called for pistol primers will be reduced pressure to be within the capabilities of the primers.

[mickbr]

Smith & Wesson and Corbon changed their specifications from LPP to LRP in 2003. Any data that called for pistol primers will be reduced pressure to be within the capabilities of the primers.

Well in Hodgons data there is no pressure correlation between rifle and win large pistol primers. The hottest pressures it lists for 500S&W are three loads pushing 57,000 PSI and states with winchester large pistol primers. Also it lists winchester large pistol for the heaviest load aka 500 grain jacketed bullets.

I know the case can go higher pressure but I cant find data on that