Large Pistol Magnum primers for .45 Colt

rufrdr

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I load pretty mild loads for .45 Colt, usually unique or trailboss. I'm out of trailboss and was also out of LPP but I found some magnum primers at the local Cabelas. I've never used magnum primers before. I'm loading a 250gr lead SWC bullet and Unique powder. I also have HP38 powder. My thoughts on the magnum primer in the Colt case is that the charge is so small and the case capacity so large that a magnum primer can only help to consistently ignite the powder (of course the powder will fire with a standard primer).

Your thoughts for this situation? The rounds are used in Italian SAA replicas. Are the magnum primers a mistake for this application or no issue?
 
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45 Colt is kind of a magnum-wannabe. It can handle it, but don't use a magnum primer with a full power load that calls for a standard primer.
 
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Magnum primers might have a thicker cup, to withstand the higher magnum pressures, so it may be possible that a gun with a light hammer spring will have problems setting off the primer. Other than that, I would not hesitate using magnum primers, but start low and work up.
 
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Magnum primers might have a thicker cup, to withstand the higher magnum pressures, so it may be possible that a gun with a light hammer spring will have problems setting off the primer. Other than that, I would not hesitate using magnum primers, but start low and work up.

Thanks TR. They will be used in SAA revolvers that pretty mush smash the primers with the heavy hammer fall so setting them off won't be a problem! I only load .45 Colt loads at the bottom end anyway so I imagine I'll be ok. I had a bolt .223 that wouldn't reliably touch off CCI41s which I understand are essentially magnum primers so I can see the effect of the harder cup.
 
We cowboy action shooters favor Federal primers since so many match guns have lightened springs. Federal small pistol primers got really scarce a few years ago but Federal small magnum pistol Primers were available. Lots of shooters began using them. They don’t seem to be “harder” than Federal standard primers. Some folks think they give better ignition in cold weather, or with light loads. Some folks consider them interchangeable with standards. Keep in mind that cowboy shooters are not loading near the top of the chart.
 
Like I said, 45 Colt is kind of a magnum-wannabe... it has surprised many people!
My Pard @Michael458 has loaded some 45 Colt ammo that will make you throw a 44 Magnum away. He shoots them in a 5 1/2 inch Redhawk, an Anaconda and a Dan Wesson. They will "keeeel". And permanently hurt your hand.
 
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