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Pistol Primers

All Primers are NOT created equal!

Primers vary in diameter and burn rate. Pistol primers are a Boxer or Berdan design. The Boxer includes a cup, ignition compound, and an anvil. The Berdan includes a cup and ignition compound. Both usually have a protective lacquer or paper cover on the opening. Primers are struck by the firing pin to detonate the ignition compound that ignites the propellent that discharges the projectile. It is DANGEROUS to mix Primer reloading data for one specific load with another.
  Small Large primer comparison Primer exploded view      
           
 
 
  Primer Size Type Diameter  
  Pistol Small Boxer .175"  
  Pistol Small Berdan .177"  
  Pistol Large Berdan .197"  
  Pistol Large Boxer .210"  
 
Primer Interchangeability
Supplier Small Pistol Small Pistol Magnum Large Pistol Large Pistol Magnum Type
Federal 100 200 150 155 Boxer
CCI 500 550 300 350 Boxer
Remington 1 1/2 5 1/2 2 1/2 - Boxer
Winchester 1 1/2-108 1 1/2M-108 7-111 7M-111F Boxer
RWS 4031 4047 5337 - Boxer
           
           
 
 
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