The CCI No. 350 Large Pistol Magnum is a specialized ignition component engineered specifically for high-pressure handgun cartridges and heavy charges of slow-burning spherical powders. Developed by Competition Chemicals Inc., the CCI No. 350 Large Pistol Magnum provides the increased heat and flame duration necessary to ensure consistent combustion in large-volume pistol cases where standard primers might falter. Within the reloading community, the CCI No. 350 Large Pistol Magnum is the definitive choice for hunters and target shooters utilizing magnum revolvers in extreme conditions or with specialized propellants.
- Primer Type: Large Pistol Magnum.
- Key Advantage: Enhanced brisance and flame duration for reliable ignition of dense, slow-burning pistol powders.
- Primary Match: Heavy magnum revolver cartridges and high-capacity automatic pistol rounds.
Best For: Handgun hunters and competitive shooters utilizing magnum-class revolvers and cartridges like the 44 Magnum or 454 Casull.
Technical Specifications
| Manufacturer | Size | Cup Material | Packaging | Intended Action |
| CCI (Competition Chemicals Inc.) | Large Pistol | Nickel-Plated Brass | 100-count sleeves / 1000-count bricks | Magnum Revolvers and High-Pressure Handguns |
Positioning in the Product Lineup
Within the CCI handgun primer family, the CCI No. 350 Large Pistol Magnum serves as the high-output counterpart to the CCI No. 300 Large Pistol. While the CCI No. 300 Large Pistol is designed for standard pressure cartridges like the 45 ACP, the CCI No. 350 Large Pistol Magnum is formulated to handle the tougher ignition requirements of magnum propellants. It sits alongside other specialized primers such as the CCI No. 550 Small Pistol Magnum, which serves similar roles in smaller diameter cases.
Compatibility and Safety Constraints
The CCI No. 350 Large Pistol Magnum features a robust cup designed to resist deformation and piercing under the high pressures associated with magnum revolver loads. Users should ensure their firearms possess sufficient firing pin energy, as the magnum cup is slightly more resistant to indentation than standard pistol primers.
Proper seating depth is essential for reliable function; the CCI No. 350 Large Pistol Magnum should be seated 0.003-0.005 inches below flush to properly set the anvil against the priming compound.
Safety Warning: Primer substitution requires a cautious approach. If a load was developed with standard primers, switching to the CCI No. 350 Large Pistol Magnum requires a 10% powder reduction to prevent dangerous overpressure conditions.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
The CCI No. 350 Large Pistol Magnum is recommended for cartridges with high case volumes or those utilized in sub-freezing temperatures where ignition reliability is paramount.
| Cartridge | Primary Application |
| 44 Magnum | Big game handgun hunting and silhouette shooting |
| 41 Magnum | Medium game hunting and personal defense |
| 45 Colt (High Pressure) | Modern heavy-frame revolver hunting loads |
| 454 Casull | Dangerous game protection and hunting |
| 10mm Auto | Hunting and high-performance semi-auto applications |
Powder Pairings
The CCI No. 350 Large Pistol Magnum is most effective when paired with slow-burning, high-density powders that require a concentrated flame for full combustion.
- Hodgdon H110: This powder virtually requires a magnum primer like the CCI No. 350 Large Pistol Magnum for consistent ignition.
- Winchester 296: A classic magnum propellant that performs best with the high heat output of the CCI No. 350 Large Pistol Magnum.
- Alliant 2400: While often used with standard primers, many reloaders prefer the CCI No. 350 Large Pistol Magnum for improved cold-weather performance.
- Accurate No. 9: A dense spherical powder that benefits from the increased brisance of the CCI No. 350 Large Pistol Magnum.
- Vihtavuori N110: The cleanest burning magnum powder, which achieves peak efficiency with the CCI No. 350 Large Pistol Magnum.
Comparison and Alternatives
When the CCI No. 350 Large Pistol Magnum is unavailable, these alternatives provide similar magnum-level performance:
- Federal 155: A match-grade magnum primer known for its high sensitivity.
- Winchester WLP: A unique primer designed for use in both standard and magnum Large Pistol applications.
- Remington 2-1-2: A reliable magnum primer often used in heavy 44 Magnum loads.
- Fiocchi Large Pistol Magnum: A consistent European alternative for magnum revolvers.
- Ginex Large Pistol Magnum: Features a hard cup ideal for high-pressure loads.
- CCI No. 300 Large Pistol: The standard alternative, though it may result in lower velocities or hang-fires with certain magnum powders.
- Federal 150: A standard Large Pistol primer that should only be substituted after significant load reduction.
FAQ
Can I use the CCI No. 350 Large Pistol Magnum in the 45 ACP?
It is generally not recommended for standard 45 ACP loads unless the powder charge is specifically reduced to accommodate the hotter ignition, as it can lead to erratic pressures in such a small case.
What makes the CCI No. 350 Large Pistol Magnum “Magnum”?
It contains a slightly larger and more energetic priming compound pellet compared to standard primers, producing a longer-lasting and hotter flame to penetrate dense powder columns.
Are these primers nickel-plated?
Yes, like most CCI primers, the CCI No. 350 Large Pistol Magnum uses nickel plating to improve corrosion resistance and enhance feeding in progressive presses.
Will the CCI No. 350 Large Pistol Magnum fix “hang-fires”?
If you are experiencing a delay between the trigger pull and ignition (hang-fire) with slow powders like H110, switching to the CCI No. 350 Large Pistol Magnum often resolves the issue.
Is the cup harder on the CCI No. 350 Large Pistol Magnum?
The cup is designed to handle higher pressures, which generally involves a slightly harder or thicker material than standard pistol primers to prevent “flowing” into the firing pin hole.
Conclusion & Expert Verdict
The CCI No. 350 Large Pistol Magnum remains an essential component for the magnum handgun enthusiast. Its specialized formulation bridges the gap between unreliable ignition and peak ballistic performance in heavy-hitting revolvers. For the reloader seeking maximum consistency and safety in high-pressure handgun applications, the CCI No. 350 Large Pistol Magnum provides the necessary thermal energy to get the job done right.
Expert Pro Tip: When loading with spherical magnum powders, ensure your primer pockets are uniform. The high-energy blast of the CCI No. 350 Large Pistol Magnum works best when the primer is seated perfectly square, ensuring the anvil is crushed uniformly for a consistent ignition pulse every time.
