small rifle vs small pistol primers

[Bassics]

So what really is the difference? I've always thought SR primers had a slightly thicker shell plate, no?

[CJ]

You can use small rifle primers in pistol rounds, but not the other way around. Rifle primers have a harder cup. Some subgun guys use rifle primers in their pistol loads to prevent slam fire.

[Bassics]

okay, that goes along with what I know.

[bottlerocket]

So is there any advantage in using pistol primers? Any reason not to just stock up on small rifle primers and use them in anything requiring a small non-magnum primer?

[Bassics]

I've always used small rifle in my 454, that is generally recommended. I have always assumed that their construction enabled them to handle higher pressures.

I considered large rifle in some 45WM one time based on some work a shooter had done, but found CCI LP to work best.

[jtm98snake]

I've used small rifle primers to load pistol for years. The need mainly came from shooting high pressure 38 super loads mainly to prevent primer flow. Now I use small rifle to load everything.

[Bassics]

So do you feel the cups are thicker/harder or something? That has always been my asumption across the board and the reason to use them for high pressures, like you say.

[CJ]

So do you feel the cups are thicker/harder or something? That has always been my asumption across the board and the reason to use them for high pressures, like you say.

they are thicker.

[Bassics]

Thanks cj

[CJ]

Thanks cj

knock the retainer and material out and use your caliper and measure, it should be thicker.

[Bassics]

LOL! I still have a scar from jacking with some primers a long time ago...