Large rifle primers in large pistol cases?

[bibbyman]

I've got a good bit of old-stock primers but I'm using up LP a lot faster than anything else and it's the lowest inventory.  I know a LR primer is a little taller than LP but it looks like the pockets could be deepened to use the LR primers.  

I know the best idea would be to trade the LR for LP but my primers are at least 20 years.  I know they are good but I wouldn't expect anyone else to want to buy or trade them. 

[Deleted]

Wouldn't cutting the primer pockets deeper potentially weaken the brass, plus make it unsuitable for use with std large pistol primers again? Also, there's no telling how your loads will react with a much hotter primer, higher pressures will certainly result. The potential cost id too high, I'd just buy the necessary primers and find another use for the LRPs.

Now, the next post will probably be by someone who does this all the time...

[bibbyman]

I just measured a Winchester standard or magnum large pistol at .117. My Winchester standard large rifle primer measures .127. Obviously they can't be used without deepening the pockets.

Also I just pulled the last box of 100 LP primers!

I got an e-blast from MidwayUSA a couple of days ago announcing the had CCI primers in stock. Gone now.

[steve]

I had the same idea for my 500 max since I have a bunch of LR primers on hand. I asked Jack Huntington about it, and he said don't do it. He said the pressure could spike as much as 10,000 psi and you won't gain much if any velocity. It's not worth it.

[bibbyman]

Well, I can sleep easier tonight. I went back to the big gunshop and picked up 1, 000 Federal match large pistol primers. I just corked of 50 rounds of 45 Colt. I had used up the last of the Unique in the small can and went to my stash for the 8lb canister. I knew it was nearly full from handling it recently. I was pleased to find it was unopened. I have enough primers, powder and bullets to last the winter anyway.