Hello to all HHM Forum members. I'm a new forum member - long time lurker - and this is my first post. I'm in the process of putting a 445SM together on a T/C Encore frame. . .LOVE .44 caliber! I have a question in regards to primers. I have read the use of large pistol, mag large pistol and large rifle primers, what do you guys use or think about what the right primer is and why? I have all my components on my bench ready to assemble as soon as my barrel arrives and I plan on starting with AA1680 and VV N120 powders under 300 grain pills. My brass is Starline and I know the primer pockets ARE NOT milled for large rifle primers, but one swipe on a primer pocket swager tool and all is good to go. . .I've tested several cases. I would like to hear any PRO's/CON's on reloading this cartridge and performance on critters. There is a little info on the web about the 445SM, but not as much as what I would think. I've also tried the "search" function on this forum and I'm not having any success - it is not like others I have used??? Thanks for reading and I'm looking forward to your replies.

All my data I have here calls for large pistol primer. I may be a bit conservative, but I stick to the recipe.. D

I use CCI Large Pistol Magnum primers in both my 240gr XTP and 325gr WFN-GC loads.

Pleasing results.

My loads use Magnum large pistol primers. I see that Hodgdons list their data with rifle primers. I don't know if that is an error or if they are concerned about pistol primer caps holding the pressures. Perhaps an Email to them would shed some light.
Good luck on your project.

N-Frame; From what I have read, the original 445SM brass put out for the Dan Wesson pistol was made with large rifle primers. This could be where Hodgdons came up with their use of the rifle primer?

Dino; Those 44 cal 300gr. Furry's are calling my name! I've been reading alot about Furry Bullets on different shooting forums and they are a crowd pleaser. I also shoot .44 cal in a sabot out of my muzzleloader. . .another reason of my interest!!! Is there a .44 bullet with a wide metplat available?

Zee; I think I'm going to start out in your direction with the mag pistol primer. I feel there is a good bit of powder in this case and it will need the hotter primer, plus it is the middle of the road and as I play with loads I can go up or down till I find it's sweet spot.


Thanks for the reply's fellas.

I have a 44 cal with a .310 metplat. Also have a short spitzer for the smoke pole .. D

I have two 445 SM's, 14 inch SSK Contender barrel and a 24 inch Encore from MGM. You have to be careful with using larger rifle primers because they are thicker (taller) than larger pistol primers. I use large rifle primers and I used a Sinclair large rifle primer pocket uniformer primer pockets to large rifle depth.