Large primer 357 magnum brass?

C

CCCLVII

New member
I was at the gun store last evening and they had a lot of sorted 1 time fired brass. I was looking at the 357 magnum brass when a few pieces caught my eye. They where set up for large primers. I did not buy them but now I am thinking I should just for the uniqueness of it.

Is there any load data out there for large pistol primers in 357 magnum? Id like to actually try to shoot a a few of them once or twice.
 
Starline Brass had this to say about large primers and .357s on their web site:

"Many years ago, the 38 and 357 mag cases had large primers but someone realized that a small would work just fine. You will probably never encounter these cases but if you do make sure you reduce your load especially if it is a hot one."
 
If you look at old reloading books 70's and back you see most 357 loads called for a mag primer with most powders.
I never used them because a std primer worked just fine.
 
I've used mag primers in pistols quite often, when primers were scarce.
Never had a problem.
But this was a question about large primers in .357s.
 
I was at the gun store last evening and they had a lot of sorted 1 time fired brass. I was looking at the 357 magnum brass when a few pieces caught my eye. They where set up for large primers. I did not buy them but now I am thinking I should just for the uniqueness of it.
Click to expand...

I have 38 Special cases with large primer pockets, I did not think they were unique, I sort by head stamps. My 38 Special cases with large primer pockets have Peters and S&W head stamps.

F. Guffey
 
First time I've ever heard of such a thing. Always have been small primers since I started shoot'n. Interesting ... Other than one or two for display, the rest would go in the round file.
 
Round File trash can.
Click to expand...

I knew what the round file was, I have the cases and the box they came in 70 + years ago. I have no reservations about loading the cases. I also have an R-P 270 Winchester case that uses a Berdan primer. Before hitting the round file I would put the case with other metal I plan to sell for recycling.

F. Guffey
 
I would have no reservations either on loading them either... but as cheap and available as 'normal' .357 cases are, there is no point. Same way I feel about the abnormal .45 ACP small primer cases. I just round file 'em if happen to show up. I don't bother to recyle them as it would take a long time to build up enough 'volume' to be worth it which then takes up space.
 
The way the primer situation is and has been recently, it might be worthwhile to keep the brass with the contrary primers.
Just in case the usual ones get scarce.
 
Large primed brass is normally quite old and valuable.

A piece of it goes for around $2 to $5 in decent shape at most collector's shows.

I have about 30 pieces now of 357 Large primed and around 60 of 38/44 large primed.

Definitely not trash can fodder.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top