22.01.2024 | Hints from the experts
Test of primers in 9 mm Luger with RS12
Dear reloaders,
There has been a shortage of primers for reloading for some time now. For this reason, other types of primers than those recommended are loaded. Instead of the usual Small Pistol primers, Small Pistol Magnum or Small Rifle primers are also used in 9 mm Luger. Is this dangerous? How do the firing results change with other primer types?
The RS team has tested the different primer types with our popular RS12 powder for you. The goal was a light "target load" / IPSC Minor load. The firing configuration can be found in the table:
|
Calibre |
9 mm Luger |
|---|---|
|
Load |
RS12 4.1 gr |
|
Filling level |
69 % |
|
Barrel |
Length 150 mm, twist 250 mm |
|
Case |
Geco |
|
Bullet |
9 mm CAMPRO RN FCP 124 gr |
|
Cartridge length |
29.2 mm |
|
Temperature |
21 °C |
|
Shots per group |
5 |
The firing results are constant. The V5 mean values are 324 m/s to 331 m/s, the Pmax mean values are 2077 bar to 2349 bar (CIP limit is 2350 bar). This corresponds to a small difference. A good (or at least acceptable) V5 dispersion can be achieved with all primer types (SD = standard deviation):
|
Primer |
V5 (m/s) |
SD |
Extreme spread |
Pmax (bar) |
SD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
SP S&B |
324 |
2.7 |
7 |
2077 |
58 |
|
SP RWS 4031 |
326 |
1.5 |
4 |
2154 |
120 |
|
SR Federal No.205 |
326 |
2.9 |
8 |
2269 |
136 |
|
SR S&B |
327 |
2.2 |
6 |
2256 |
97 |
|
SP Federal No.100 |
327 |
2.2 |
6 |
2270 |
64 |
|
SRM CCI No.450 |
327 |
2.3 |
5 |
2307 |
24 |
|
SPM Federal No.200 |
329 |
3.0 |
8 |
2343 |
122 |
|
SR RWS 4033 |
330 |
3.6 |
9 |
2301 |
126 |
|
SPM RWS 4047 |
331 |
5.2 |
13 |
2349 |
64 |
Conclusion
- The primer type has no significant influence on the firing results. To be on the safe side, the RS12 load can be reduced by 0.1 gr when using Magnum or Small Rifle primers.
- Note: not all 9 mm Luger calibre weapons are capable of activating the Small Rifle primers. These primers are usually made of thicker sheet metal.
Jan Krcmar
January 2024