How can one tell the difference between a large and a small pistol primer in .45 ACP brass? I have numerous different brands of brass. Is there some way to physically measure to make a determination?
I don't know other than trying a small primer in each one , if it drops in it's large. That would drive me nuts keeping those separated I try just to use large for no particular reason and when I come across small I put them in a sealed marked container and don't reload them. some day I might switch if I run out of reloadsHow can one tell the difference between a large and a small pistol primer in .45 ACP brass? I have numerous different brands of brass. Is there some way to physically measure to make a determination?
Well since I haven't been handloading at all is why I asked the question. The first 50 casings I looked at seemed to be the same but that really tells me nothing as they could all be large or they could all be small..Is there a dimension that can be physically measured?It should be visually obvious, it is to those who've been hand loading for any appreciable amount of time. But if it isn't to you, take a 9mm case & use it to compare to a .45 case. Looking at the head stamps of both, the 9mm uses a small pistol primer which will visually match in size to any other case using the same. You can measure the width of the primers if you want to, but once you get used to looking at .45 head stamps it becomes obvious when you're looking at one that uses a small primer.
Sure, get a case that only uses small primers, like a 9mm, .380, .38 or .357, .40 S&W, etc. & measure the width of the primer, then measure the .45 case you have. The ones using a small primer will have the same diameter than the .45 if it's using a small primer also. If the .45 primer width you have is larger than the 9mm, etc ...your .45 has large primers. You may be able to Google for the width dimensions for each type but I've never searched for that.Well since I haven't been handloading at all is why I asked the question. The first 50 casings I looked at seemed to be the same but that really tells me nothing as they could all be large or they could all be small..Is there a dimension that can be physically measured?
OK, one last goofy question (ya only get answers if you ask questions). Are small rifle primers the same size as small pistol primers? If so then I have something to compare as I have small rifle primers.I would measure actual spent primers to get correct measurements. Then compare that measurement to a box of new primers,, which will be marked either large or small.
Frank,, your question is valid. But as Ken said,, re-read posts 3 & 4. Once you get an example of a small primered .45 case,, you'll see it quite easily.
Yes, they are. Both small and large primers are the same diameter between rifle and pistol, large rifle primers are taller (deeper primer pockets) than large pistol primers.OK, one last goofy question (ya only get answers if you ask questions). Are small rifle primers the same size as small pistol primers? If so then I have something to compare as I have small rifle primers.
Nika, I read somewhere, that LARGE pistol and LARGE rifle are NOT the same size. (Don't recall if the difference in size was diameter or depth).Yes, they are. Both small and large primers are the same diameter between rifle and pistol, large rifle primers are taller (deeper primer pockets) than large pistol primers.
J., read my post. Diameter is the same, height is different.Nika, I read somewhere, that LARGE pistol and LARGE rifle are NOT the same size. (Don't recall if the difference in size was diameter or depth).
p.s. the source was one of the nationally known authors on reloading IIRC
J.