Primers & Powder

Primers: Sizes, Types, and Selection

Primers come in four standard sizes determined by your cartridge — Small Pistol, Large Pistol, Small Rifle, and Large Rifle — with Magnum variants for high-powder-volume loads. The primer size is not a choice; it’s specified by the cartridge. 9mm and .223 use Small Pistol and Small Rifle primers respectively; .45 ACP and .308 use Large Pistol and Large Rifle. Always use the primer size and type (standard vs. magnum) specified in your load data — substituting without adjusting the charge weight can produce dangerous pressure variations. CCI and Federal are the two most recommended primer brands; CCI #500 Small Pistol and #200 Large Rifle cover the most common applications. Federal GM210M Large Rifle Match primers are the precision rifle benchmark.

Smokeless Powder: Burn Rate and Application

Powder selection is governed entirely by your reloading manual data — never use a powder not listed for your specific cartridge, bullet weight, and primer combination. Fast-burning powders (Hodgdon Titegroup, Winchester 231) are for pistol calibers; slow-burning powders (Hodgdon H4350, Varget) are for rifle calibers. Using the wrong burn rate produces dangerous pressure results. For 9mm, Hodgdon Titegroup and Winchester 231 are the most widely used. For 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 precision rifle, Hodgdon H4350 and Varget are the near-universal recommendations — both are temperature-insensitive Extreme series powders that maintain consistent velocity across seasons, which matters significantly for long-range shooting. Alliant Unique and Power Pistol cover a wide range of revolver and pistol applications.

Why We Don’t Ship Primers or Powder

Reloading primers are classified as explosive compounds (UN0044) and smokeless powder is classified as a flammable solid (UN0509) — both require hazmat handling under DOT regulations. Ground carriers including UPS and FedEx charge significant hazmat fees and impose quantity limits; many have discontinued residential hazmat delivery entirely. Air shipment of primers and powder is prohibited. Rather than pass hazmat fees to customers or limit quantities to what carriers will accept, Impact Guns sells primers and powder exclusively through our retail stores where you can purchase what you need without shipping surcharges or carrier restrictions.

Visiting Our Retail Locations

Both Impact Guns retail locations carry primers and powder in-store with knowledgeable staff to help you select the right components for your specific reloading application. If a specific powder or primer lot is not on the shelf, our staff can check availability and arrange an in-store order. Current primer and powder inventory varies with supply availability — calling ahead to confirm stock of specific items before making a trip is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions: Primers & Powder

Can I order primers and powder online for pickup?
Yes — contact either Impact Guns retail location to arrange an in-store order for specific primers or powder if the item is not currently on the shelf. Our staff can check distributor availability and hold items for you.

What primers do I need for 9mm?
9mm uses Small Pistol primers. CCI #500, Federal 100, and Winchester WSP are the standard choices and typically the most available. Most 9mm load data is developed with standard small pistol primers.

What powder should I use for 6.5 Creedmoor?
Hodgdon H4350 is the near-universal recommendation — temperature-insensitive, excellent velocity with 140-grain bullets, and widely available data. Varget is a viable alternative for lighter bullets. Always consult a current reloading manual for specific charge weights.

How much powder can I store at home?
Most fire codes limit residential smokeless powder storage to 20 pounds. Store in original containers in a cool, dry location away from heat, flames, and primers. Check your local fire code for specific limits.

See Also: Reloading Equipment • Reloading Dies & Presses • Brass • Ammunition