Reloading Primers

Small pistol magnum primers are used in smaller handguns that utilize cartridges with large case capacity, or in any other situation in which ignition may be difficult. The primer is ultimately responsible for making the gun fire, and subsequently, an emphasis is placed on the efficacy and use of various primers.

The priming compound is contained in a cup, along with an anvil. The anvil lightly rests on the priming pellet, and the pellet is crushed between in the anvil and the firing pin to cause ignition of the gun powder.

There are two different kinds of primer, each classified into two different sizes. The standard primer sizes for centerfire cartridges are small and large. There are four primer types which are made in both small and large sizes – pistol, pistol magnum, rifle and rifle magnum. Small pistol magnum primers are commonly used in cartridges that use spherical gun powder, such as ball powder.

Small pistol magnum primers not only ignite gun powder, but they also create an initial boost in pressure that helps the powder reach a sustainable burn. The primer also seals the cartridge case to keep the hot gases that result from ignition near the bullet, instead of on the front of your face. Contrary to popular belief, small pistol magnum primer and small rifle primers actually have the same depth specifications, even though large rifle and large pistol primers don’t.

The main difference between a small pistol magnum primer and a regular small pistol primer is that the magnum primer creates a much hotter flame that burns longer. Thus, magnum primers are typically used in scenarios that require greater effort to initiate ignition within the cartridge. Examples of such scenarios include extremely cold temperatures, spherical gun powder, and/or cartridges with a larger case capacity. Regardless of the reason of use for your reloading supplies, it is always recommended that you refer to the reloading manual before using any primer in any cartridge.

Some of the most commonly used brands of small pistol magnum primer in the United States are CCI, Federal, Winchester, and Remington. All of these brands make primer for nearly every kind of cartridge in existence, and they are reputable in the firearm industry. For your reloading supplies, it is recommended that one purchase small pistol magnum primer form one of these reliable brands.

All primer compound should be kept separately within their own case, as these cases are designed to be safe from accidental ignition and explosion. Although every primer contains less than a single grain of primer compound, they are still flammable, and when stored improperly in large quantities, they can present dangerous situations.