Can I substitute Federal Magnum for Regular?

[TerryYu]

So the local Sportman's Warehouse always seems to have the magnum primers in stock and the regular ones are sold out. Are the magnum primers "harder" than the regular ones to ignite? If not, is it safe to substitute them for regular ones?

[atbarr]

I started reloading back in '08 when you couldn't find any 9 mm or .45 factory ammo. The only primers Powder Valley had was the magnum pistol primers. Once I did order regular primers, and there was almost no difference in the PF. Just to be safe, start at around a 5% reduction in powder.

So the local Sportman's Warehouse always seems to have the magnum primers in stock and the regular ones are sold out. Are the magnum primers "harder" than the regular ones to ignite? If not, is it safe to substitute them for regular ones?

Edited August 14, 2012 by atbarr

[Bubber]

So the local Sportman's Warehouse always seems to have the magnum primers in stock and the regular ones are sold out. Are the magnum primers "harder" than the regular ones to ignite? If not, is it safe to substitute them for regular ones?

They may be a little bit harder. You should get a slight increase in velocities also. I was experimenting using the 45 small pistol primers and found that the small magnum gave the same velocities as the large pistol primers. It should make little difference on igniting the primer unless you are using a lightened Revo trigger. Just my thoughts. Latr rdd

Edited to add I found to get the same velocites there was something like a 5% reduction in powder as atbarr mentions and I had no problems with excessive pressures with my loads.

Edited August 14, 2012 by Bubber

[gng4life]

I will also agree I didn't notice any difference in PF but the hardness is the topic of many discussions. Many claim, even manufacturers, that the magnum counterparts are the same hardness. Back in 08, I also purchased a ton of magnum primers. They worked in everything except my tuned revo. I had some that did not light up so I felt they may have been slightly harder or I just didn't crush them enough. Never went back to test it out but looks like I may soon.

[TerryYu]

I will also agree I didn't notice any difference in PF but the hardness is the topic of many discussions. Many claim, even manufacturers, that the magnum counterparts are the same hardness. Back in 08, I also purchased a ton of magnum primers. They worked in everything except my tuned revo. I had some that did not light up so I felt they may have been slightly harder or I just didn't crush them enough. Never went back to test it out but looks like I may soon.

Hi George, the other crazy thing was they actually had 4 pounds of N320 in stock! Snagged two pounds so I can start making fancy reloads.