About the 38 Special Cartridge

The 38 Special is a revolver round that was created by Smith & Wesson in 1898. It’s been used by law enforcement officials and civilians as a sidearm for concealed carry since then. It was designed to be an improved version of the earlier 38 Long Colt. The 38 Special is also known as the 38 S&W Special or simply the 38 Special. It also happens to be the first revolver that I owned.

The original intent behind the creation of the 38 Special was to create a cartridge that would provide a more effective self defense cartridge than what the original 38 Long Colt provided. This was achieved by using a heavier bullet and having it be propelled by more powerful powder charges.

What Size Primer Does the 38 Special Take?

The 38 Special cartridge takes a small pistol primer. We like to verify primer information and all other reloading data from multiple sources, so we recommend that you do this as well. We like to confirm with multiple published sources. We use reloading manuals from Hornady, Lee, Berger, and others.

Hornady Reloading Manual

Can you use small pistol magnum primers in 38 Special reloads?

Yes, you can usually get away with using small pistol magnum primers. 

Primers have a metal outside, called a cup, and the small explosive charge used to ignite the powder in a cartridge. The bigger the primer, the thicker the cup, and the more or different explosive material is in the primer. If you’re watching pressure, you can usually load a thicker primer, as long as your hammer and firing pin has the strength to ignite the primer. Most pistols do have the strength to ignite primers much stronger than just a small pistol primer.

I asked my personal gun smith, who also taught me to reload his opinion on small pistol vs small pistol magnum and this is what he said about it: “I’ve tried both. Small mag is if you want fast loads. You need to burn a lot of powder quickly. You can over pressure the case quick so be careful. In the end if you are following good reloading procedures, load light and build up to what you want with either one.”

Why use other sizes of primers other than what’s in load data?

Obviously, we recommend that you try to stick with accepted load data, however, not every gun is the same, and sometimes a gun responds better to one powder or primer better than another. In addition to that, there have been primer shortages, and ammo shortages. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do in order to just get by.

Can I use small rifle primers in 38 Special reloads?

Yes, usually you can use small rifle primers in most small pistol applications. They fit in the same size primer pocket, and we have found that most weapons have the power and ability to ignite these harder primers. Again, be sure to lighten your load to see how pressure will be affected by these stronger and hotter primers.

Can I use #41 small rifle primers in 38 Special reloads?

Maybe, but again, this is where things get tricky. The #41’s have a harder cup and are very popular for reloaders who shoot primarily out of an AR15 platform. The AR has a free float firing pin, and because of that, the pin strikes the cartridge lightly when reloading. It’s designed to not be ignited on these light strikes. If your firing pin and hammer can hit really hard, then you should be able to use these. Reduce your load, and try it with proper safety measures if you need to. 

Berger Bullets Reloading Manual

Can I use small pistol magnum primers in 38 Special?

We’ve also gotten reports that yes, you can also use small pistol magnum primers to develop your loads. We also read a report that said for one manufacturer, they’re identical to the regular small rifle primers. Specifically, the CCI 550 Small Pistol Magnum primers and the CCI 400 Small Rifle Primers are the same size, with the same cup thickness. They’re also made from the same material and use the same explosive.

As always, do your own testing to confirm using safe load development practices.

What Primers Do I Use?

I initially developed my 38 Special loads using regular small pistol primers. I tend to use either Federal or CCI primers. 

Other Frequently Asked Primer Questions:

Can you use CCI 450 Primers or other small rifle magnum primers for 38 Special reloads?

Again, maybe. Some guns may be capable of this and others may not. It is more determined by the gun rather than the caliber. Of course, these primers are hotter, so load lighter and do your own testing. 

Where can I find 38 Special primers for sale?

I buy from Sportsman’s warehouse and several local shops by where I live.

CCI primers for 38 Special

CCI 500 primers are the commonly used cci primers. Look at your specific load data and see what it specifies.

CCI 550 Primers for 38 Special

CCI 550 primers are a small pistol magnum primer. Most reloading data says to use regular small pistol primers, but many reloaders use the CCI 550s and do just fine. Be sure to do your own testing, and re-work up loads when you switch out a component.

What Winchester Primers should I use for 38 Special?

We recommend the WSP primer, or small pistol primers. 

Can you use CCI BR5 primers for 38 Special?

Yes. BR 5 primers are good to go. They’re a match grade primer, so they’re a more expensive option, especially if you’re just planning on using them for plinking, but they work. In fact, some prefer them for precision loads.

What Federal primers can I use for 38 Special?

• Federal 100
• Try other types of primers at your own risk, and please use safe reloading practices. 

Keep Learning

Prepping is an ongoing venture. Because of this, we recommend that you subscribe to our bimonthly newsletter to keep prepping, emergency preparedness, and self reliance on your mind. We promise, we’re not spammy, which is why we only email you twice per month. We hope you think about being prepared more than twice per month, but our newsletter is a valuable resource to help you learn new things, and just to keep prepping on your mind. Right now you can also sign up for free. You can also follow our Facebook Page for regular articles and resources.

The post Primers for 38 Special Reloading appeared first on Apocalyptic Prepping.

Lighters are useful devices that are very common, but they can be hazardous if not stored correctly. Lighters contain compressed gas and flammable liquids. The flame of a lighter is also hot enough to cause serious burns. To prevent injury, store your lighters safely away from children or pets.

In our daily life, we often need to use lighters in order to start a fire. Lighters are used to light candles, cigarettes, starting fires, or lighting a stove or grill.

Finding a place to store the lighter takes a little forethought. The lighter must be kept away from direct sunlight, so a drawer or closet could be an option, but you also need to keep all lighters away from children and pets. If you have children or pets, it is best to store fire-making devices in a locked location, or on a high shelf.

Storing Lighters in Your Pocket Safely

Lighters are most often stored in pockets or purses. If this is the case, consider storing it in a separate pocket from your phone. Pulling one thing out of your pocket can lead to other items in your pocket falling out as well. Losing your lighter around children could be a recipe for disaster.

If you want to store lighters safely, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. First of all, if you have children in your home, store them in a high place.

Try to find a place that is not out of the way but is also not too easy for children to reach. It should be an area that is easily accessible by adults but does not require any climbing. This will make it easier for them to get to the lighter if they need it.

Keeping Lighters Safe from Pets

If you have pets, then this is even more important. They may get into the lighter and try to play with it, which can cause injury. If you have children around, then this is also a good idea so that they do not get hurt if they decide to play with it.

Bulk Deal on Lighters

I don’t smoke, but I tend to have a ton of lighters around. I love these Bik lighters, and this is a fantastic bulk deal. It’s what I buy.

Where to Store Lighters

Store Lighters in High Places

The best location for storing your lighters is a high place where children cannot reach them. If you have young children or playful pets, store your lighters on the top shelf of a closet or in the highest drawer in the kitchen. These locations should be out of reach for most children and pets, but easily accessible for adults.

Make sure there isn’t anything flammable near the lighters. Keep lighters away from flammable materials, like paper or cloth. They can easily catch fire and cause an accident. Also keep them away from where flamable chemicals are stored, and try to keep lighters away from where aerosol chemicals are used.

How to Store BIC Lighters

Storing BIC lighters safely should be done as listed above. If you’re interested in longer term storage, check out our article on how to store BIC Lighters long term.

How to Dispose of BIC Lighters

When a BIC lighter runs out of fluid, you should replace it with a new one rather than trying to refill it yourself. To dispose of Bic lighters, you’ll want to take the metal part off of the lighter and empty the gas chamber. Next, throw away the plastic part in the trash. If you would like to recycle your old lighters, you can send them to TerraCycle.

How to Recycle Bic Lighters

If you have an old Bic lighter that still works and you want to recycle it, you can send your used lighters to TerraCycle for free. To do this, visit TerraCycle’s website and sign up for a free account. Next, go ahead and order a prepaid shipping label from TerraCycle so that you can send your old lighters in for recycling. When your package arrives at TerraCycle, they will make sure all of the materials are recycled properly.

How to Store Zippo Lighters

Storing a lighter safely isn’t just about keeping it from getting wet or dirty. It’s important to store it in a way that will help your lighter last as long as possible. This is particularly true if you have an old-fashioned, refillable lighter like a Zippo or Ronson.

Zippo lighters are prized by collectors and smokers alike, but they can be a little finicky when it comes to storage. If you want to keep your Zippo in tip-top shape, there are a few things you should know. Generally, the best way to store your lighter is in a cool place away from humidity. However, the exact best way to store your lighter will depend on what type of fuel you’re using.

If you’re using lighter fluid (naptha), then you should store your lighter in a cool, dry place. This will prevent it from evaporating, which can cause issues with ignition. You’ll also want to make sure that the flint is in good condition so that it strikes well.

Keep Learning

Prepping is an ongoing venture. Because of this, we recommend that you subscribe to our bimonthly newsletter to keep prepping, emergency preparedness, and self reliance on your mind. We promise, we’re not spammy, which is why we only email you twice per month. We hope you think about being prepared more than twice per month, but our newsletter is a valuable resource to help you learn new things, and just to keep prepping on your mind. Right now you can also sign up for free. You can also follow our Facebook Page for regular articles and resources.

The post How to Store Lighters Safely appeared first on Apocalyptic Prepping.

What is a Solar Flare?

A solar flare is a massive explosion on the surface of the sun that sends plasma, or superheated gas, into space. The massive surge of electromagnetic energy released as part of this explosion can do serious damage to Earth’s electronics, particularly satellites, power grids, and disrupt radio communications systems. A large flare could knock out power grids or GPS systems.

Have Solar Flares Hit Before?

Yes, the earth has been affected by solar flares many times. Some flares are small and harmless, but the biggest ones can wreak havoc on Earth. In 1989, a solar flare knocked out power across most of Quebec within 90 seconds — leaving six million people without electricity for nine hours. So, how can we prepare for a solar flare disaster?

The Carrington Event

In 1859, such an event happened in a phenomenon known as the “Carrington Event.” An enormous solar storm caused telegraph wires to spark. Telegraph operators were shocked by their equipment, and magnetic compasses went wild. The northern lights were seen as far south as Cuba and Hawaii.

The Carrington Event is still considered rare; however, it’s believed that there have been about three similar storms since then. There was one in 1921 and another in 1960 — so-called “solar superstorms.”

The difference between 1859 and today is that our society is now much more reliant on electricity. A similar event striking today would cause massive damage to our power grids. In fact, some scientists believe that such an event could take out most of Earth’s power for months or even years.

What to Do During a Solar Flare:

If you’re caught outside when a solar flare hits, try to find shelter as quickly as possible. Stay away from windows and doors, and avoid using electronics like cell phones and tablets. If you’re driving when the warning signal sounds, pull over immediately.

How to Prepare for a Solar Flare Disaster

The best way to prepare for a solar storm is to be ready for the worst-case scenario: at least a week with no electricity and no internet. To do this, you’ll need enough food, water, and other supplies to last at least that long. You should also have an emergency plan that includes ways to communicate with family members in case cell phone service goes down

In a solar flare disaster, you may be without electricity for days, weeks or perhaps even months. Some experts predict that a massive solar flare could wipe out the entire grid system and knock out all power for up to two years.

The good news is that there are steps you can take to prepare for such an event. These tips should help you get started:

Set Aside Some Electronics in a Faraday Cage or Bag

We like to keep a faraday bag in our storage with a basic ham radio, backup digital files, and an old cell phone. We also recommend that people with medical electronic devices keep backups in a faraday bag, box, or container of some kind. A Diabetic for instance may want to have a blood sugar meter and perhaps a spare pump in a faraday bag, just in case.

Faraday Bag

A Faraday bag is an electrostatic shield that blocks external static and non-static electric fields. It can block radio frequency signals and electromagnetic interference. Experts say using a faraday bag can help protect electronics from solar flares. Faraday bags are essentially pouches lined with a conductive metal material that blocks electromagnetic waves and protects devices inside them from interference or damage.

We really like the Faraday Defense multibag kit. These bags are advertised as being military grade. What we really like about them though is the ability to nest one inside the other, that way you have a few layers of defense against a solar flare.

Faraday Defense 15pc Faraday Bag Kit

Faraday Backpack

A Faraday Backpack will be able to hold multiple electronics, and even larger iPad, like the iPad Pro. We’re a big fan of the Barrier Bag. It’s a water resistant faraday backpack that was built with the idea of being a backpack and a faraday bag. That might sound obvious, but what I mean is that there are many “backpacks” that just have a couple of straps sewed onto a cheap bag. The Barrier Bag is a well made good backpack, that also is a faraday bag.

Barrier Bag 20 Liter Faraday Backpack

Faraday Cage

Faraday cage is kind of a generic term for most people. For the most part, they don’t actually look like cages, but some might. For more information, you can check out our article on Simple faraday cages. Most of the Faraday options I’ve mentioned, bags, backpacks, etc. are all faraday cages. Many people think of the faraday cage as being more of a box though. We like the Ticonn Faraday box, if that’s what you’re looking for. It’s probably the most popular faraday option on Amazon, and has really great reviews.

TICONN Faraday Box

A solar flare disaster could lead to a massive blackout lasting weeks, months or even years. It could destroy the power grid and our electric infrastructure, bringing us back to the dark ages.

So what do you need to survive a solar flare event?

Basic survival gear — food, water, first aid supplies and shelter — would help you ride out the storm in your home. In an emergency situation, the key is having enough food and water for you and your family to be self sufficient.

Planning ahead is essential. Here are some ways you can prepare for a solar flare disaster:

Buy extra food and water that does not require refrigeration or electricity for cooking. Canned goods are great for this purpose. Stock up on non-perishable items like rice, beans and dried pasta as well as canned meat (tuna, chicken or Spam), vegetables and fruit.

You may also want to get yourself some candles in case of emergency situations like these. A candle can last up to eight hours if lit correctly.

We also recommend connecting with prepping communities, like ours, so you can continue to learn and prepare. In a SHTF situation like this, the time of learning will be done, and it’ll be time for action and survival, or else. We hope this helps you know better how to prepare for a solar flare disaster.

Keep Learning

Prepping is an ongoing venture. Because of this, we recommend that you subscribe to our bimonthly newsletter to keep prepping, emergency preparedness, and self reliance on your mind. We promise, we’re not spammy, which is why we only email you twice per month. We hope you think about being prepared more than twice per month, but our newsletter is a valuable resource to help you learn new things, and just to keep prepping on your mind. Right now you can also sign up for free. You can also follow our Facebook Page for regular articles and resources.

The post How to Prepare for a Solar Flare Disaster appeared first on Apocalyptic Prepping.

Sizing Down 5.56 or .223 Brass

It can be really hard to find 300 blackout right now. During the Covid pandemic, I only found 2 boxes in the months I was looking for them. I bought them both, and I paid about $2 per round. It was all copper hunting rounds, so they were premium anyways, but that was all I saw at that time, and I go to 3-4 different gun stores about twice each week. Even now that they’re a little easier to find, if you’ve got primers, now is the time to be reloading. Reloading saves money, and it makes it possible to shoot when stores don’t have the ammo you need. Making your own brass is a great way to make yourself independent from these market fluctuations. According to my research, you can make 300 blackout brass from just about any cases derived from the parent .222 cartridge.

Which Brass I Use to Make 300 Blackout Cases

I haven’t noticed any difference between 5.56 or .223, and use both In fact, I’ve even used .204 cartridges as well. I try to identify .223 casings with imperfections that most would consider acceptable with form firing or just tossing. The dented cartridge below could probably be form fired, but why mess with that, especially for how plentiful .223 and 5.56 are? I’ve got a few thousand, and know several ranges I could go pick up more if I wanted. This type goes into the conversion bin to be made into 300 blackout.

My 300 blackout I load to primarily be used for close range situations. I don’t regularly shoot it over 100 yards. Because of this, I am not picky about identifying one specific cartridge brand to use. I haven’t noticed any significant accuracy differences, and my groupings are satisfactory. If you see more accuracy fall off you may want to consider using just one brand. One article we read said the writer only used Lake City 5.56 brass for consistency and quality. I’m not as particular. I haven’t had a brand or head stamp that hasn’t worked well for me in either 5.56, .223, or .204.

Size Without Decapping Pin

The first step is to remove the decapping AKA depriming and sizing rod from your die. Lube your cases and run them all through the die. We use One Shot case lube. It’s quick and easy. It’s often out of stock in my local Sportsman’s, but its generally similarly priced on Amazon.

One Shot Case Lube

Afterwards, your brass will look like this. I put it next to an unaltered 223 case for comparison. Some people skip this step, but this was the way I first learned. It also makes the amount you cut in the next step smaller, which I appreciate. Having them sized like this makes it easy to just eyeball gauge how the process is going and if you’re cutting off too much or too little in the rough cut stage of the process. I like to use an overabundance of caution when I’m doing any reloading, and sizing before rough cutting is just another way I try to incorporate safety when making 300 blackout cases.

Rough Cut

In the last couple of years I started to use a jig and and a cut off saw. I used to use my grinder, and do smaller batches, but this jig really takes my manufacturing to the next level. The cut off tool and jig are more precise and speeds up the next step. I actually compare the two methods of cutting 556 brass for forming 300 blackout in great detail in an article about My Setup for Cutting 223 to 300 blackout. The video below will also give you a quick look at the cut off saw method though. It’s not my video, but they walk through it really well.

Mini Miter Cut-Off Chop Saw

Jig from Zep Reloading

They have a jig specially made for this type of work. It’s available from Zep Reloading. They put out a quality product, and its not too expensive. I picked mine up from Amazon. It’s a really popular jig, so it comes in and out of stock. If you can’t find it on Amazon, you can try eBay.

Another Option: Trim your 223 case with a grinder

Before I bit the bullet and got the jig, I used to use a grinder to cut the cases. This works, but it leaves a lot more to trim off, and it takes a lot longer.

I drew a line on top of my vise and then stuck some rubbery foam pads to the vise to hold the case without disfiguring them. Make sure you wear safety glasses. I caught a brass flake in the eye once. You don’t want that. Trust me.

Trim

Next you trim just like you would with any other case. You should have more to trim than you normally would though. A drill attached case trimmer is easier here, but we feel this type is more precise, leading to more consistency and better precision.

Debur Inside and Outside

It’s now the right case length, but there usually a scrap brass bur both inside and outside the trimmed case mouth. I use the Lyman hand tool for this, but I take the tool head and attach that to my drill. It’s quick and easy. I want the nice electric case prep tool, but I also want the ability to do all reloading without power. I may get the electric case prep tool later, but it’s pretty quick in the drill. Debur the inside and outside.

Lube, Size/ De-prime

At this point you’ll need to remove the old primer. You could do this at the beginning with a .223 die, but it’s easier in the 300 die. I also have a lingering worry that the case size will change through all the trimming and work done. I haven’t seen any evidence this happens, but I feel better about it. Again, I like to double check and triple check my reloading work. Truth be told, I also usually only want to have one set of dies out at a time. I try to claim that this is for efficiency and being organized, but it could also be laziness.

Ream Primer Pocket

Again, I use the Lyman case prep tool. 5.56 and some .223 brass have a military crimp around the primer that needs to be removed before the primer is added.

Tumble

Yes, this is a second tumble. After all the cutting there is a lot of brass dust and brass flakes. I didn’t always tumble them a second time, but I had a jam and in taking it apart and cleaning it there was a lot of brass dust throughout. After tumbling a second time, I haven’t had any issues with that. As far as performance goes, I haven’t noticed any difference between the sized down and factory cases.

Conclusion

Converting .223/5.56 brass to .300 AAC Blackout is a smart way to stretch your ammunition budget and ensure a consistent supply of components. With a few essential tools, a methodical approach, and attention to safety, you can produce reliable, high-performing .300 BLK brass tailored to your specific shooting needs. This DIY process empowers reloaders to stay self-sufficient—an essential mindset for preppers and shooting enthusiasts alike. With a bit of practice, converting brass becomes a routine part of maintaining your ammo stockpile.

Lastly, I honestly don’t know what the norm is to say- is it 300 blk, 300 aac, 300 blackout? The whole 300 AAC Blackout? What’s your preference? Let us know in the comments below. We usually just say 300 blackout. Happy loading and shooting.

Keep Learning

Prepping is an ongoing venture. Because of this, we recommend that you subscribe to our bimonthly newsletter to keep prepping, emergency preparedness, and self reliance on your mind. We promise, we’re not spammy, which is why we only email you twice per month. We hope you think about being prepared more than twice per month, but our newsletter is a valuable resource to help you learn new things, and just to keep prepping on your mind. Right now you can also sign up for free. You can also follow our Facebook Page for regular articles and resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amazon does not sell firearms… sort of. It comes really close with some of these items. There are the most dangerous and lethal weapons I found available on amazon that anyone can purchase… READ MORE

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About the 450 Bushmaster Cartridge

The 450 Bushmaster is a straight walled hard hitting cartridge. It’s a favorite of deer hunters in the midwest and east, where some states have laws that only allow straight cased cartridges for hunting. This cartridge complies with those laws without sacrificing much power. 

What size primer does 450 Bushmaster take?

The 450 Bushmaster cartridge takes a small rifle primer. Some reloading manuals, like the Lee and Nosler handbooks, list regular small rifle primers in their load data, while others recommend either small rifle magnums, or the #41, which is a harder magnum small rifle primer with a thicker cup.

Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading

Can you use small rifle magnum primers in 450 Bushmaster reloads?

Yes, some reloading data are made with small rifle magnum primers. Hornady is one example of one that has their load data calculated with small rifle magnum primers, namely the Remington 7 1/2 primers. In theory, magnum primers are more efficient and require slightly less powder to get the same velocities and power. If they cost the same and your manual is calculated in magnum primers, I’d use magnums. The powder savings is only a couple tenths of a grain, but that can add up.

I asked my personal gun smith, who also taught me to reload his opinion on small rifle vs small rifle magnum and this is what he said about it: “I’ve tried both. Small mag is if you want fast loads. You need to burn a lot of powder quickly. You can over pressure the case quick so be careful. In the end if you are following good reloading procedures, load light and build up to what you want with either one.”

Can I use #41 small rifle primers in 450 Bushmaster reloads?

Yes. The #41’s have a harder cup and are very popular for reloaders who shoot primarily out of an AR15 platform. Most reloaders are able to use these interchangeably with the magnum small rifle primers without adjusting their load data, but you do your own testing if you choose to use the #41 small rifle primers in your 450 Bushmaster loads.

Berger Bullets Reloading Manual

Will small pistol primers work in 450 Bushmaster?

We have seen some reports that yes, many people have gotten small pistol primers to work in their 450 Bushmaster loads. Some report that they can even chronograph at faster speeds than with small rifle primers for that cartridge, though we haven’t verified this for ourselves yet. Your main problem with small pistol primers is the cup thickness and the free float firing pin in an AR style rifle. The free float firing pin makes contact with the next round’s primer when the new round is chambered. There isn’t enough force to set off a factory 450 Bushmaster round, but that may not be true if you have small pistol primers. Essentially, this could mean that you pull the trigger once and it could empty the whole magazine. At least that’s the theory. I’ve never actually seen it happen, though you can always get someone on a forum to claim that they’ve seen it happen. As with all reloading, if you decide to try this proceed with caution. Also, when test firing, load 1 in a magazine, then try with 2 in the magazine, then 4 or 5, before you try a full magazine. Every gun is different, so see how your gun will react before you just full send it with 450 Bushmaster reloads with small pistol primers.

Can I use small pistol magnum primers in 450 Bushmaster?

We’ve also gotten reports that yes, you can also use small pistol magnum primers to develop your loads in rifle cartridges that take a small rifle primer. We also read a report that said for one manufacturer, they’re identical to the regular small rifle primers. Specifically, the CCI 550 Small Pistol Magnum primers and the CCI 400 Small Rifle Primers are the same size, with the same cup thickness. They’re also made from the same material and use the same explosive.

As always, do your own testing to confirm using safe load development practices.

What Primers Do I Use?

I initially developed my 450 Bushmaster loads using regular small rifle primers. Now I either use #41 primers, or, more frequently, I just load all my .450 Bushmaster and 450 Bushmaster brass to .450 Bushmaster load levels.

Other Frequently Asked Primer Questions:

Will small rifle primers work in 450 Bushmaster reloads?

Yes, the 450 Bushmaster cartridge is made to take a small rifle primer. Some recommend an AR specific primer, with a thicker cup, but we haven’t ever had any issue with using regular small rifle primers in a 450 Bushmaster.

Can you use CCI 41 primers for 450 Bushmaster?

Yes. It loads about like a regular small rifle primer. It is a popular primer in AR type rifles. If you have light firing pin strikes, you may have problems with these, as they have a harder cup, but the 450 Bushmaster was originally designed to shoot this harder nato style primer.

Can you use CCI 450 Primers for 450 Bushmaster reloads?

Yes, you can. Small rifle magnum primers, like the CCI 450, will certainly work in the 450 Bushmaster cartridge. If you usually use a regular small rifle primer, we recommend not going straight to a max load after you make the switch. Work up loads safely like you otherwise would, but the magnum primer shouldn’t be an issue.

Where can I find 450 Bushmaster primers for sale?

I buy from Sportsman’s warehouse and several local shops by where I live.

CCI primers for 450 Bushmaster

CCI 450, 400, and 41 primers are all the commonly used cci primers used, and there is standard load data for each. Look at your specific load data and see if what it specifies.

What Winchester Primers should I use for 450 Bushmaster?

We recommend the WSR primer, or small rifle primers. They do have a thinner cup, at .020, so if you have a heavy striking free float firing pin, you may want to consider something like the CCI #41s.

Can you use CCI BR4 primers for 450 Bushmaster?

Yes. BR 4 primer are good to go. They’re a match grade primer, so they’re a more expensive option, especially if you’re just planning on using them for plinking, but they work. In fact, some prefer them for precision loads.

What Federal primers can I use for 450 Bushmaster?

• Federal 205
• Federal 205AR
• Federal 205M
• Federal small pistol and small pistol magnums at your discretion and at your own risk, but they fit and some have reported success.

Keep Learning

Prepping is an ongoing venture. Because of this, we recommend that you subscribe to our bimonthly newsletter to keep prepping, emergency preparedness, and self reliance on your mind. We promise, we’re not spammy, which is why we only email you twice per month. We hope you think about being prepared more than twice per month, but our newsletter is a valuable resource to help you learn new things, and just to keep prepping on your mind. Right now you can also sign up for free. You can also follow our Facebook Page for regular articles and resources.

The post 450 Bushmaster Primers appeared first on Apocalyptic Prepping.

What is Martial Law?

Martial law is a type of government rule in which the military is given control over the civilian government and society, typically in response to a emergency situation such as war, rebellion, or natural disaster. Under martial law, the military has the authority to make and enforce laws, and to suspend civil liberties such as the right to a fair trial and freedom of speech. It is usually imposed temporarily and lifted when the emergency situation is over.

Preppers, who are people who prepare for emergencies and disasters, may take various steps to prepare for a potential martial law scenario. Some possible actions include:

• Storing non-perishable food, water, and other supplies: Preppers may stockpile food and water, in case they are unable to purchase them during a martial law situation.
• Securing firearms and ammunition: Preppers may own firearms for self-defense and hunting, and they may want to make sure they have enough ammunition to last for a while.
• Building or fortifying a home: Preppers may want to make sure their home is secure and can withstand potential attacks or breaches. This could include adding locks, security cameras, and other protective measures.
• Building a network of contacts: Preppers may want to build a network of contacts who they can rely on during a martial law situation, including friends, family, and other preppers.
• Having a bug out location: Preppers may have a location outside of the city or area that they can retreat to in case of emergency, and have a plan to get there.

It’s worth noting that martial law can vary in its implementation, and it’s hard to predict exactly how it will play out in a given scenario. Preparing for martial law would be similar to preparing for any other type of emergency or disaster, with an emphasis on self-sufficiency, self-defense, and security.

Martial Law Being Declared Throughout History

martial law has been declared in various countries and regions throughout history. Some examples include:

• United States: Martial law has been declared several times in the US, including during the Civil War, World War II, and some consider the response to civil unrest and natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina as Martial Law as well.
• Philippines: Martial law was declared by President Ferdinand Marcos in 1972 and remained in effect until 1981.
• Egypt: Martial law was imposed in Egypt after the 2011 revolution and was lifted in 2012
• Poland: Martial law was declared in Poland in 1981 and was in effect until 1983.
• China: Martial law has been declared in several regions of China, including during the Chinese Civil War, the Cultural Revolution, and in response to the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989.

It’s worth noting that the term “martial law” can be used in different ways, and the specifics of how it is implemented can vary from country to country and from situation to situation.

Was Martial Law Really Declared During Hurricane Katrina?

Martial law was not declared during Hurricane Katrina in the United States, but the military was deployed to the affected areas to assist with relief efforts and maintain order.

In the aftermath of the storm, the governor of Louisiana, Kathleen Blanco, issued a state of emergency and requested assistance from the federal government. The President, George W. Bush, declared a state of emergency in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, which allowed for the deployment of federal resources and personnel to the affected areas. The Department of Defense, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Guard, provided assistance with search and rescue, evacuation, and the distribution of aid.

It’s worth noting that in the US, the term “martial law” is generally understood to mean that the military is given control over the civilian government and society, with the authority to make and enforce laws, and to suspend civil liberties. The military response to Hurricane Katrina did not involve the suspension of civil liberties or the military taking control of government and society.

Keep Learning

Prepping is an ongoing venture. Because of this, we recommend that you subscribe to our bimonthly newsletter to keep prepping, emergency preparedness, and self reliance on your mind. We promise, we’re not spammy, which is why we only email you twice per month. We hope you think about being prepared more than twice per month, but our newsletter is a valuable resource to help you learn new things, and just to keep prepping on your mind. Right now you can also sign up for free. You can also follow our Facebook Page for regular articles and resources.

The post Preparing for Martial Law appeared first on Apocalyptic Prepping.

About the .17 Remington Fireball Cartridge

The .17 Remington Fireball is a small, fast, flat shooting rifle cartridge developed by ArmaLite and Remington Arms. It is based on the .221 Remington Fireball case necked down to accept a .172 in diameter bullet. The cartridge is capable of propelling a 20 gr (1.3 g) bullet at 3,400 ft/s (1,040 m/s), generating muzzle energy of 575 ft·lbf (780 J). It has been chambered in rifles made by ArmaLite, Cooper Arms, and Savage Arms.

What size primer does .17 Remington Fireball take?

The .17 Remington Fireball cartridge takes a small rifle primer. Some reloading manuals, like the Lee and Nosler handbooks, list regular small rifle primers in their load data, while others recommend either small rifle magnums, or the #41, which is a harder magnum small rifle primer with a thicker cup.

Hornady Reloading Manual

Can you use small rifle magnum primers in .17 Remington Fireball reloads?

Yes, some reloading data are made with small rifle magnum primers. Hornady is one example of one that has their load data calculated with small rifle magnum primers, namely the Remington 7 1/2 primers. In theory, magnum primers are more efficient and require slightly less powder to get the same velocities and power. If they cost the same and your manual is calculated in magnum primers, I’d use magnums. The powder savings is only a couple tenths of a grain, but that can add up.

I asked my personal gun smith, who also taught me to reload his opinion on small rifle vs small rifle magnum and this is what he said about it: “I’ve tried both. Small mag is if you want fast loads. You need to burn a lot of powder quickly. You can over pressure the case quick so be careful. In the end if you are following good reloading procedures, load light and build up to what you want with either one.”

Can I use #41 small rifle primers in .17 Remington Fireball reloads?

Yes. The #41’s have a harder cup and are very popular for reloaders who shoot primarily out of an AR15 platform. Most reloaders are able to use these interchangeably with the magnum small rifle primers without adjusting their load data, but you do your own testing if you choose to use the #41 small rifle primers in your .17 Remington Fireball loads.

Berger Bullets Reloading Manual

Will small pistol primers work in .17 Remington Fireball?

We have seen some reports that yes, many people have gotten small pistol primers to work in their .17 Remington Fireball loads. Some report that they can even chronograph at faster speeds than with small rifle primers for that cartridge, though we haven’t verified this for ourselves yet. Your main problem with small pistol primers is the cup thickness and the free float firing pin in an AR style rifle. The free float firing pin makes contact with the next round’s primer when the new round is chambered. There isn’t enough force to set off a factory .17 Remington Fireball round, but that may not be true if you have small pistol primers.

Essentially, this could mean that you pull the trigger once and it could empty the whole magazine. At least that’s the theory. I’ve never actually seen it happen, though you can always get someone on a forum to claim that they’ve seen it happen. As with all reloading, if you decide to try this proceed with caution. Also, when test firing, load 1 in a magazine, then try with 2 in the magazine, then 4 or 5, before you try a full magazine. Every gun is different, so see how your gun will react before you just full send it with .17 Remington Fireball reloads with small pistol primers.

Can I use small pistol magnum primers in .17 Remington Fireball?

We’ve also gotten reports that yes, you can also use small pistol magnum primers to develop your loads. We also read a report that said for one manufacturer, they’re identical to the regular small rifle primers. Specifically, the CCI 550 Small Pistol Magnum primers and the CCI 400 Small Rifle Primers are the same size, with the same cup thickness. They’re also made from the same material and use the same explosive.

As always, do your own testing to confirm using safe load development practices.

What Primers Do I Use?

I initially developed my .17 Remington Fireball loads using regular small rifle primers. Now I either use #41 primers, or, more frequently, I just load all my ..17 Remington Fireball and .17 Remington Fireball brass to ..17 Remington Fireball load levels.

Other Frequently Asked Primer Questions:

Will small rifle primers work in .17 Remington Fireball?

Yes, the .17 Remington Fireball cartridge is made to take a small rifle primer. Some recommend an AR specific primer, with a thicker cup, but we haven’t ever had any issue with using regular small rifle primers in a .17 Remington Fireball.

Can you use CCI 41 primers for .17 Remington Fireball?

Yes. It loads about like a regular small rifle primer. It is a popular primer in AR type rifles. If you have light firing pin strikes, you may have problems with these, as they have a harder cup, but the .17 Remington Fireball was originally designed to shoot this harder nato style primer.

Can you use CCI 450 Primers for .17 Remington Fireball reloads?

Yes, you can. Small rifle magnum primers, like the CCI 450, will certainly work in the .17 Remington Fireball cartridge. If you usually use a regular small rifle primer, we recommend not going straight to a max load after you make the switch. Work up loads safely like you otherwise would, but the magnum primer shouldn’t be an issue.

Where can I find .17 Remington Fireball primers for sale?

I buy from Sportsman’s warehouse and several local shops by where I live.

CCI primers for .17 Remington Fireball

CCI 450, 400, and 41 primers are all the commonly used cci primers used, and there is standard load data for each. Look at your specific load data and see if what it specifies.

What Winchester Primers should I use for .17 Remington Fireball?

We recommend the WSR primer, or small rifle primers. They do have a thinner cup, at .020, so if you have a heavy striking free float firing pin, you may want to consider something like the CCI #41s.

Can you use CCI BR4 primers for .17 Remington Fireball?

Yes. BR 4 primer are good to go. They’re a match grade primer, so they’re a more expensive option, especially if you’re just planning on using them for plinking, but they work. In fact, some prefer them for precision loads.

What Federal primers can I use for .17 Remington Fireball?

• Federal 205
• Federal 205AR
• Federal 205M
• Federal small pistol and small pistol magnums at your discretion and at your own risk, but they fit and some have reported success.

Conclusion

The .17 Remington Fireball is a high-performance cartridge that rewards precision. As you’ve seen, primer selection plays a critical role in achieving consistent velocities, tight groupings, and safe pressure levels. Whether you’re experimenting with CCI 400s for mild loads, stepping up to magnum primers like the 450 or #41, or chasing extreme consistency with BR4 or Federal 205 Match, the key is testing and documenting your results. I strongly recommend starting a DOPE book. No single primer fits every rifle or load, but by understanding the characteristics of each, you can tailor your reloading process to get the most out of this speedy little round. Always prioritize safety, start low, and work your way up—because with the .17 Fireball, precision is everything.

Keep Learning

Prepping is an ongoing venture. Because of this, we recommend that you subscribe to our bimonthly newsletter to keep prepping, emergency preparedness, and self reliance on your mind. We promise, we’re not spammy, which is why we only email you twice per month. We hope you think about being prepared more than twice per month, but our newsletter is a valuable resource to help you learn new things, and just to keep prepping on your mind. Right now you can also sign up for free. You can also follow our Facebook Page for regular articles and resources.

About the Author

Lance is a seasoned backwoods reloader and lifelong varmint hunter who cut his teeth on wildcat cartridges and wilderness survival. With over 30 years spent living off-grid in the Montana highlands, Lance has a deep love for precision shooting, experimental ballistics, and the kind of gear you can trust when society takes a nosedive. When he’s not testing new primer loads or tweaking handloads in his solar-powered reloading shed, he’s mentoring young preppers on self-reliance and marksmanship. His writing combines deep technical know-how with a storyteller’s grit—because in Lance’s world, every cartridge tells a story and every challenge is an adventure.

The post .17 Remington Fireball Primers: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Apocalyptic Prepping.

About the .17 Mach IV Cartridge

The .17 Mach IV is a very efficient cartridge. Although lightweight, the 20 grain bullet has a high ballistic coefficient that combines with its velocity to make it shoot very flat and have a very high retained energy downrange that allows it to hit hard even out past 300 yards. If that’s too scientific for you, its light, its small, and its really fast, and because of that it doesn’t drop.

The .17 Mach IV was the world’s first commercially successful centerfire rim cartridge delivering the flat trajectory and high impact energy of small caliber bullets at a hyper-velocity (over 4,000 fps). The base case design is the same as the .22 Hornet except that it is slightly longer and has a smaller neck diameter in order to accommodate a smaller 17-caliber bullet.

What size primer does .17 Mach IV take?

The .17 Mach IV cartridge takes a small rifle primer. Some reloading manuals, like the Lee and Nosler handbooks, list regular small rifle primers in their load data, while others recommend either small rifle magnums, or the #41, which is a harder magnum small rifle primer with a thicker cup. With that said, you have a little room for experimentation to figure out what your gun likes best. When I’m getting into testing and load development, I like to look at resources from multiple different reloading manuals. Hornady puts out a great one, and its one I consult regularly.

Hornady Reloading Manual

Can you use small rifle magnum primers in .17 Mach IV reloads?

Yes, some reloading data are made with small rifle magnum primers. Hornady is one example of one that has their load data calculated with small rifle magnum primers, namely the Remington 7 1/2 primers. In theory, magnum primers are more efficient and require slightly less powder to get the same velocities and power. If they cost the same and your manual is calculated in magnum primers, I’d use magnums. The powder savings is only a couple tenths of a grain, but that can add up.

I asked my personal gun smith, who also taught me to reload his opinion on small rifle vs small rifle magnum and this is what he said about it: “I’ve tried both. Small mag is if you want fast loads. You need to burn a lot of powder quickly. You can over pressure the case quick so be careful. In the end if you are following good reloading procedures, load light and build up to what you want with either one.” Long story short, experiment (safely) and see what you like better.

Can I use #41 small rifle primers in .17 Mach IV reloads?

Yes. The #41’s have a harder cup and are very popular for reloaders who shoot primarily out of an AR15 platform. Most reloaders are able to use these interchangeably with the magnum small rifle primers without adjusting their load data, but you do your own testing if you choose to use the #41 small rifle primers in your .17 Mach IV loads.

Berger Bullets Reloading Manual

Will small pistol primers work in .17 Mach IV?

We have seen some reports that yes, many people have gotten small pistol primers to work in their .17 Mach IV loads. Some report that they can even chronograph at faster speeds than with small rifle primers for that cartridge, though we haven’t verified this for ourselves yet. Your main problem with small pistol primers is the cup thickness and the free float firing pin in an AR style rifle. The free float firing pin makes contact with the next round’s primer when the new round is chambered. There isn’t enough force to set off a factory .17 Mach IV round, but that may not be true if you have small pistol primers. Essentially, this could mean that you pull the trigger once and it could empty the whole magazine. At least that’s the theory. I’ve never actually seen it happen, though you can always get someone on a forum to claim that they’ve seen it happen. As with all reloading, if you decide to try this proceed with caution. Also, when test firing, load 1 in a magazine, then try with 2 in the magazine, then 4 or 5, before you try a full magazine. Every gun is different, so see how your gun will react before you just full send it with .17 Mach IV reloads with small pistol primers.

Can I use small pistol magnum primers in .17 Mach IV?

We’ve also gotten reports that yes, you can also use small pistol magnum primers to develop your loads. We also read a report that said for one manufacturer, they’re identical to the regular small rifle primers. Specifically, the CCI 550 Small Pistol Magnum primers and the CCI 400 Small Rifle Primers are the same size, with the same cup thickness. They’re also made from the same material and use the same explosive.

As always, do your own testing to confirm using safe load development practices.

What Primers Do I Use?

I initially developed my .17 Mach IV loads using regular small rifle primers. Now I either use #41 primers, or, more frequently, I just load all my ..17 Mach IV and .17 Mach IV brass to ..17 Mach IV load levels.

Other Frequently Asked Primer Questions:

Will small rifle primers work in .17 Mach IV reloads?

Yes, the .17 Mach IV cartridge is made to take a small rifle primer. Some recommend an AR specific primer, with a thicker cup, but we haven’t ever had any issue with using regular small rifle primers in a .17 Mach IV.

Can you use CCI 41 primers for .17 Mach IV?

Yes. It loads about like a regular small rifle primer. It is a popular primer in AR type rifles. If you have light firing pin strikes, you may have problems with these, as they have a harder cup, but the .17 Mach IV was originally designed to shoot this harder nato style primer.

Can you use CCI 450 Primers for .17 Mach IV reloads?

Yes, you can. Small rifle magnum primers, like the CCI 450, will certainly work in the .17 Mach IV cartridge. If you usually use a regular small rifle primer, we recommend not going straight to a max load after you make the switch. Work up loads safely like you otherwise would, but the magnum primer shouldn’t be an issue.

Where can I find .17 Mach IV primers for sale?

I buy from Sportsman’s warehouse and several local shops by where I live.

CCI primers for .17 Mach IV

CCI 450, 400, and 41 primers are all the commonly used cci primers used, and there is standard load data for each. Look at your specific load data and see if what it specifies.

What Winchester Primers should I use for .17 Mach IV?

We recommend the WSR primer, or small rifle primers. They do have a thinner cup, at .020, so if you have a heavy striking free float firing pin, you may want to consider something like the CCI #41s.

Can you use CCI BR4 primers for .17 Mach IV?

Yes. BR 4 primer are good to go. They’re a match grade primer, so they’re a more expensive option, especially if you’re just planning on using them for plinking, but they work. In fact, some prefer them for precision loads.

What Federal primers can I use for .17 Mach IV?

• Federal 205
• Federal 205AR
• Federal 205M
• Federal small pistol and small pistol magnums at your discretion and at your own risk, but they fit and some have reported success.

Conclusion

The .17 Mach IV (aka .17 Mach 4) remains a fascinating and potent wildcat cartridge for shooters who value blistering speed and pinpoint accuracy. While factory support is limited, handloaders have ample opportunity to experiment and optimize performance—especially when it comes to primer selection. Whether you’re leaning toward standard small rifle primers, magnums, or mil-spec #41s, the key is consistent load development and strict adherence to safety practices. This cartridge isn’t for beginners, but for the experienced reloader, it offers a rewarding challenge and a highly capable round for varmints and precision shooting alike. As always, start low, work up slowly, and respect the pressures this little speedster can generate.

Keep Learning

Prepping is an ongoing venture. Because of this, we recommend that you subscribe to our bimonthly newsletter to keep prepping, emergency preparedness, and self reliance on your mind. We promise, we’re not spammy, which is why we only email you twice per month. We hope you think about being prepared more than twice per month, but our newsletter is a valuable resource to help you learn new things, and just to keep prepping on your mind. Right now you can also sign up for free. You can also follow our Facebook Page for regular articles and resources.

About the Author

Lance is a seasoned backwoods reloader and lifelong varmint hunter who cut his teeth on wildcat cartridges and wilderness survival. With over 30 years spent living off-grid in the Montana highlands, Lance has a deep love for precision shooting, experimental ballistics, and the kind of gear you can trust when society takes a nosedive. When he’s not testing new primer loads or tweaking handloads in his solar-powered reloading shed, he’s mentoring young preppers on self-reliance and marksmanship. His writing combines deep technical know-how with a storyteller’s grit—because in Lance’s world, every cartridge tells a story.

The post .17 Mach IV Primers (AKA 17 Mach 4) Best Choices for Reloading Accuracy appeared first on Apocalyptic Prepping.

About the 41 Long Colt Cartridge

The 41 Long Colt is a cartridge that was created by the Colt company and released in 1877 for use with their new revolver. It is based on the old 44 rimfire cartridge. The 41 Long Colt was and is a very popular cartridge among collectors.

What size primer does the 41 Long Colt take?

The 41 Long Colt cartridge takes a small pistol primer. We like to verify primer information and all other reloading data from multiple sources, so we recommend that you do this as well. We like to confirm with multiple published sources. We use reloading manuals from Hornady, Lee, Berger, and others.

Hornady Reloading Manual

Can you use small pistol magnum primers in 41 Long Colt reloads?

Yes, you can usually get away with using small pistol magnum primers. 

Primers have a metal outside, called a cup, and the small explosive charge used to ignite the powder in a cartridge. The bigger the primer, the thicker the cup, and the more or different explosive material is in the primer. If you’re watching pressure, you can usually load a thicker primer, as long as your hammer and firing pin has the strength to ignite the primer. Most pistols do have the strength to ignite primers much stronger than just a small pistol primer.

I asked my personal gun smith, who also taught me to reload his opinion on small pistol vs small pistol magnum and this is what he said about it: “I’ve tried both. Small mag is if you want fast loads. You need to burn a lot of powder quickly. You can over pressure the case quick so be careful. In the end if you are following good reloading procedures, load light and build up to what you want with either one.”

Why use other sizes of primers other than what’s in load data?

Obviously, we recommend that you try to stick with accepted load data, however, not every gun is the same, and sometimes a gun responds better to one powder or primer better than another. In addition to that, there have been primer shortages, and ammo shortages. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do in order to just get by.

Can I use small rifle primers in 41 Long Colt reloads?

Yes, usually you can use small rifle primers in most small pistol applications. They fit in the same size primer pocket, and we have found that most weapons have the power and ability to ignite these harder primers. Again, be sure to lighten your load to see how pressure will be affected by these stronger and hotter primers.

Can I use #41 small rifle primers in 41 Long Colt reloads?

Maybe, but again, this is where things get tricky. The #41’s have a harder cup and are very popular for reloaders who shoot primarily out of an AR15 platform. The AR has a free float firing pin, and because of that, the pin strikes the cartridge lightly when reloading. It’s designed to not be ignited on these light strikes. If your firing pin and hammer can hit really hard, then you should be able to use these. Reduce your load, and try it with proper safety measures if you need to. 

Berger Bullets Reloading Manual

Can I use small pistol magnum primers in 41 Long Colt?

We’ve also gotten reports that yes, you can also use small pistol magnum primers to develop your loads. We also read a report that said for one manufacturer, they’re identical to the regular small rifle primers. Specifically, the CCI 550 Small Pistol Magnum primers and the CCI 400 Small Rifle Primers are the same size, with the same cup thickness. They’re also made from the same material and use the same explosive.

As always, do your own testing to confirm using safe load development practices.

What Primers Do I Use?

I initially developed my 41 Long Colt loads using regular small pistol primers. I tend to use either Federal or CCI primers. 

Other Frequently Asked Primer Questions:

Can you use CCI 450 Primers or other small rifle magnum primers for 41 Long Colt reloads?

Again, maybe. Some guns may be capable of this and others may not. It is more determined by the gun rather than the caliber. Of course, these primers are hotter, so load lighter and do your own testing. 

Where can I find 41 Long Colt primers for sale?

I buy from Sportsman’s warehouse and several local shops by where I live.

CCI primers for 41 Long Colt

CCI 500 primers are the commonly used cci primers. Look at your specific load data and see what it specifies.

CCI 550 Primers for 41 Long Colt

CCI 550 primers are a small pistol magnum primer. Most reloading data says to use regular small pistol primers, but many reloaders use the CCI 550s and do just fine. Be sure to do your own testing, and re-work up loads when you switch out a component.

What Winchester Primers should I use for 41 Long Colt?

We recommend the WSP primer, or small pistol primers. 

Can you use CCI BR5 primers for 41 Long Colt?

Yes. BR 5 primers are good to go. They’re a match grade primer, so they’re a more expensive option, especially if you’re just planning on using them for plinking, but they work. In fact, some prefer them for precision loads.

What Federal primers can I use for 41 Long Colt?

• Federal 100
• Try other types of primers at your own risk, and please use safe reloading practices. 

Keep Learning

Prepping is an ongoing venture. Because of this, we recommend that you subscribe to our bimonthly newsletter to keep prepping, emergency preparedness, and self reliance on your mind. We promise, we’re not spammy, which is why we only email you twice per month. We hope you think about being prepared more than twice per month, but our newsletter is a valuable resource to help you learn new things, and just to keep prepping on your mind. Right now you can also sign up for free. You can also follow our Facebook Page for regular articles and resources.

The post Primers for 41 Long Colt Reloading appeared first on Apocalyptic Prepping.

About the 9mm Cartridge

The 9mm cartridge, also called the 9mm Luger was created in 1902 by a German weapons manufacturer named Georg Luger. The cartridge was designed to be used in Luger’s new semi-automatic pistol. The gun was adopted by the German Navy, and soon became popular with militaries around the world.

The U.S. military switched from .45 caliber to the 9mm during World War II, but went back to the .45 after the war ended. In 1980, the Beretta M9, a 9mm handgun based on an old Italian military design, was adopted by the Army as its official sidearm. Since then, most police departments have switched over to 9mm handguns as well.

What size primer does the 9mm take?

The 9mm cartridge takes a small pistol primer. We like to verify primer information and all other reloading data from multiple sources, so we recommend that you do this as well. We like to confirm with multiple published sources. We use reloading manuals from Hornady, Lee, Berger, and others.

Hornady Reloading Manual

Can you use small pistol magnum primers in 9mm reloads?

Yes, you can usually get away with using small pistol magnum primers. 

Primers have a metal outside, called a cup, and the small explosive charge used to ignite the powder in a cartridge. The bigger the primer, the thicker the cup, and the more or different explosive material is in the primer. If you’re watching pressure, you can usually load a thicker primer, as long as your hammer and firing pin has the strength to ignite the primer. Most pistols do have the strength to ignite primers much stronger than just a small pistol primer.

I asked my personal gun smith, who also taught me to reload his opinion on small pistol vs small pistol magnum and this is what he said about it: “I’ve tried both. Small mag is if you want fast loads. You need to burn a lot of powder quickly. You can over pressure the case quick so be careful. In the end if you are following good reloading procedures, load light and build up to what you want with either one.”

Why use other sizes of primers other than what’s in load data?

Obviously, we recommend that you try to stick with accepted load data, however, not every gun is the same, and sometimes a gun responds better to one powder or primer better than another. In addition to that, there have been primer shortages, and ammo shortages. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do in order to just get by.

Can I use small rifle primers in 9mm reloads?

Yes, usually you can use small rifle primers in most small pistol applications. They fit in the same size primer pocket, and we have found that most weapons have the power and ability to ignite these harder primers. Again, be sure to lighten your load to see how pressure will be affected by these stronger and hotter primers.

Can I use #41 small rifle primers in 9mm reloads?

Maybe, but again, this is where things get tricky. The #41’s have a harder cup and are very popular for reloaders who shoot primarily out of an AR15 platform. The AR has a free float firing pin, and because of that, the pin strikes the cartridge lightly when reloading. It’s designed to not be ignited on these light strikes. If your firing pin and hammer can hit really hard, then you should be able to use these. Reduce your load, and try it with proper safety measures if you need to. 

Berger Bullets Reloading Manual

Can I use small pistol magnum primers in 9mm?

We’ve also gotten reports that yes, you can also use small pistol magnum primers to develop your loads. We also read a report that said for one manufacturer, they’re identical to the regular small rifle primers. Specifically, the CCI 550 Small Pistol Magnum primers and the CCI 400 Small Rifle Primers are the same size, with the same cup thickness. They’re also made from the same material and use the same explosive.

As always, do your own testing to confirm using safe load development practices.

What Primers Do I Use?

I initially developed my 9mm loads using regular small pistol primers. I tend to use either Federal or CCI primers. 

Other Frequently Asked Primer Questions:

Can you use CCI 450 Primers or other small rifle magnum primers for 9mm reloads?

Again, maybe. Some guns may be capable of this and others may not. It is more determined by the gun rather than the caliber. Of course, these primers are hotter, so load lighter and do your own testing. 

Where can I find 9mm primers for sale?

I buy from Sportsman’s warehouse and several local shops by where I live.

CCI primers for 9mm

CCI 500 primers are the commonly used cci primers. Look at your specific load data and see what it specifies.

CCI 550 Primers for 9mm

CCI 550 primers are a small pistol magnum primer. Most reloading data says to use regular small pistol primers, but many reloaders use the CCI 550s and do just fine. Be sure to do your own testing, and re-work up loads when you switch out a component.

What Winchester Primers should I use for 9mm?

We recommend the WSP primer, or small pistol primers. 

Can you use CCI BR5 primers for 9mm?

Yes. BR 5 primers are good to go. They’re a match grade primer, so they’re a more expensive option, especially if you’re just planning on using them for plinking, but they work. In fact, some prefer them for precision loads.

What Federal primers can I use for 9mm?

• Federal 100
• Try other types of primers at your own risk, and please use safe reloading practices. 

Keep Learning

Prepping is an ongoing venture. Because of this, we recommend that you subscribe to our bimonthly newsletter to keep prepping, emergency preparedness, and self reliance on your mind. We promise, we’re not spammy, which is why we only email you twice per month. We hope you think about being prepared more than twice per month, but our newsletter is a valuable resource to help you learn new things, and just to keep prepping on your mind. Right now you can also sign up for free. You can also follow our Facebook Page for regular articles and resources.

The post Primers for 9mm Reloading (AKA 9mm Parabellum, 9mm Luger) appeared first on Apocalyptic Prepping.