As a long time but still novice reloader I've always followed the instructions as to which primer type to use. However, I've seen recommendations (.44 Spl for instance) that use either std. or mag. primers with no mention of specific powders. The question is: can you go wrong by using mag primers even if the norm is standard? Small pistol mag in 38 spl for instance.
Second: from time to time some of my reloads show what I think is a lot of soot on the fired case. No specific pattern and not all the time. Is there some common cause of this. I was thinking about incomplete combustion for instance. I'm sure if it's something not normal it's a loading problem nothing mechanical.

Thanks

Slow burning powders usually need a mag primer for proper ignition, of course. Same goes for ball powders in most cases.

Know of a few folks that use mag primers for all loading, regardless of type of powder. They adjust their powder charges accordingly so as not ot over pressure the load.

Sooty cases normally indicate a low pressure load which does not sufficiently expand the case to properly fill out against the chamber wall. Might want to bump your load a tad and see if it goes away.

I've used mag primers for all cases that require larger rifle center fire primers for years. I just decided that I wasn't going to buy both mag and non-mag primers for so many different cases. I've always worked my loads up and haven't had any problems. Accuracy is excellent with all my loads, but I do enough testing on different powders and bullets to find what each rifle likes.

It's certainly up to each individual loader, but I sure like stocking only one primer instead of several.

Thanks for the info. The "one size fits all" idea is a good one. I try to test as best I can also but so far just limit it to keeping the loads below max and seeing how they shoot. I kinda thought the soot problem might be soft loads, also since that's what I have been loading recently. Guess it's up a tad for a while.
Again thanks for the replies!

Do you suggest mag primers for all ball powder rifle cartridges? I use ball in my 7mm-08. Should I use mag primers for this?

Several of the load manuals that I have recomend magnum primers with ball powder rifle loads. And I do use them when indicated. The stuff is just harder to light up because of how tightly packed the powder is around the flashhole. Less room between the kernals for the primer flare to migrate.

It is probably a good idea to pay attention to the folks that have lab facilities to study this stuff!

Cheezywan