Home Forums Reloading Handgun Reloading CCI 500 Primers - 357 Mag Brass

I have had an edition of a Speer Reloading Manual since I started reloading 25+ years ago.

And what I have noticed is that Speer is the only manual I have had that gives load data using non magnum - CCI500 primers - with 357 Mag.

Looking at their data, the only time they use Magnum primers is with the slowest burning powders like 296 and H110.

In fact, with the loads that they use non magnum primers, they list higher charge weights than say Hornady does in the same bullet weight.

This seems like a contradiction. One would think that more powder mean a hotter (magnum) primer.

So, here's the question. The Hogdon website list a load for Hornady 125 XTP behind a charge of 5.0 grs. of 700-X. BUT they use a Winchester Small Pistol Magnum primer.

I think a Magnum primer is not necessary for 5.0 grs. of such a fast burning powder like 700-X. I want to substitute CCI500 primers. I don't see an issue.

What do you guys think?

GB

Wouldn't think twice about it. Go with the 500's.

I currently use CCI 500 and 800-X under 125 gr JHP bullet with great accuracy.

I don’t load 110/296 in anything but I don’t use magnum primers in any handgun cartridge. I’ve never had erratic ignition or any problem using 700x, Bullseye, 231, RedDot, Unique, Bluedot, PowerPistol, or Lilgun.

The powder you are using is the most important factor. Ball powder always needs a magnum primer.
Hasbeen

Speer used to use a magnum primer for all ball powder loads. I don't see that as necessary with small capacity pistol rounds. My all time .357 load is the CCI 500 with 13.5 grains of 2400 and a 158 or 150 grain cast bullet. That was Skeeter Skelton's load, but he used .38 Special cases and a Lyman cast bullet with two crimp grooves.

That’s because RedDot and 700X are faster than Bullseye. In fact 700X was IMR’s answer to bullseye. Now to OP, in 40 years I have never used a Magnum primer with any flake powder in 357 as they are extremely easy to ignite. 700X, 800X, AA5,7, and 9 or Unique.

Recently did a test with std vs magnum primers in lighter loads in.357 brass.Essentially 38 Sp data.Using a S&W, 6",686.

I found a powder with magnum primers gave better accuracy than flake an another powder gave better accuracy with a flake powder.

In the 4.6 gr loading for both,158 gr SWC cast or 158 gr RN cast I used W231, std primers and Universal Clays, magnum primers. Each gave the same accuracy as well as I could shoot. Not so though if I switched the primers to the opposite powder.

Universal Clays as described is not a ball or spherical powder, but is a finer cut than W231. Many reloaders call it a ball or spherical powder.

Not scientific data, only what worked for me.

Ive read that Alliant 2400 gives more consistent ingnition pressures with standard primers. Yet I have Oregon Trail data that calls for magnum primers in 357 mag. In my case I went with the magnum primers because of how many I had, and the intended use of the ammo. But I load this powder in 44mag with standard primers for the same reasons.

Depending on someone's intentions. We can likely always use as much information as we can get. Its not always needed or super important though.

Same reason I did the test.I have about 3000 Mag primers that have been sitting around 20 years or so. I have used 13 -13&1/2 gr of 2400 in .357 loads in more years than that and have always used std primers.

With this shortage and all the post lately of Magnum Small Pistol primers being the same as Small Rifle primers, I might even load them in my AR if I can ever find powder

Thanks for all the replies guys.

I have the opposite situation than some of you. I have plenty of CCI500s - but - down to just a few hundred Magnum primers. Who knows when primers will be back on the shelf.

My local gun store says the distributors just laugh when he asks about his powder and primer orders.

Glad the two of you made mention of specific powders - and provided logical rational. Unique, 700-X, and AA No.7 are powders I try to always have on hand. They are very versatile powders.

I don't push the limits of the 357 Mag. Personally, I don't see the need. The load I mentioned, 5.0 grs of 700-X behind a Hornady 125 gr XTP is a wonderfully accurate load with mild recoil. It has less recoil that some 38+p rounds I have fired. I shoot it well - I shoot it often - therefore, I have no issues using it in a self defense situation.