Let's talk primers

[Scottmisfits]

I have been using the blue box Federal 210's. I still have a few hundred of them. I also had one box of Federal 210M's. I had 30 empty cases to load up so I did 15 in 210's and 15 in 210M's. Will I notice any difference?

Has anyone noticed much of a difference going from Federal to CCI, or something else? More consistent velocity? Different powder charge? Consistently better group sizes?

[Quest206]

Just a couple of weeks ago I fired the exact same loads through my chrony to check velocity difference between Winchester and CCI primers as I have always used Winchester.
There was an average of 12.5 fps more velocity from the Winchester but my groups tightened up with the CCI. I have now switched to CCI. This may not be the same for your rifle and caliber but it was an interesting test for my rifle.

Lakelander 375
22" Heavy barrel 6.5x55
140 gr Nosler Custom Competition
39 gr. IMR 4350
OAL 3.11"

Win. Primers 2477 fps
CCI primers 2464.5 fps

[Salavee]

Originally Posted by Quest206

Just a couple of weeks ago I fired the exact same loads through my chrony to check velocity difference between Winchester and CCI primers as I have always used Winchester.
There was an average of 12.5 fps more velocity from the Winchester but my groups tightened up with the CCI. I have now switched to CCI. This may not be the same for your rifle and caliber but it was an interesting test for my rifle.

Lakelander 375
22" Heavy barrel 6.5x55
140 gr Nosler Custom Competition
39 gr. IMR 4350
OAL 3.11"

Win. Primers 2477 fps
CCI primers 2464.5 fps

A lot depends on the powder you're using at any particular temperature.
For the most part I find that with powder charges <60-65 gr, the CCI 200 ignition works well with most powders, including ball powder . Much over 65 gr and at lower temps( below freezing) I switch to 250's. I've never had an issue with any CCI primer and use them exclusively.

[stob]

They are all different. I cannot find it right now, but there is a site that shows the crosponding flashes of all primers. I typically build my loads off of rem 9.5 and then find what primer the load likes best. I have expanded or reduced 5 shot groups by up to 3/8ths of an inch with different primers

[Smokinyotes]

Primers can make a huge difference in accuracy. My custom 7LRM went from 1-1/2” groups with fed 215’s to less than 1/2” with Rem 9.5. Same with my 300wm, I could not get a decent group with fed 215’s. As soon as I switched to Rem 9.5 they tightened right up.

[Salavee]

Originally Posted by Smokinyotes

Primers can make a huge difference in accuracy. My custom 7LRM went from 1-1/2” groups with fed 215’s to less than 1/2” with Rem 9.5. Same with my 300wm, I could not get a decent group with fed 215’s. As soon as I switched to Rem 9.5 they tightened right up.

I totally agree that primers can make a difference. The same difference,with almost any cartridge, can be made with a powder change, with load density or with COAL. Change any one and the results will differ... some by a lot and others not so much. Thats why I found it best to stay with one brand of primer, then search for the best powder and load density etc to work with that primer, cartridge and bullet weight. Really, it's six of one and a half dozen of the other but I strongly feel there is only one "magic" combination of all components for any particular rifle,cartridge and bulletweight. The brand of primer I found to make the least difference of all, but that's just me.

[6.5 shooter]

Originally Posted by Salavee

I totally agree that primers can make a difference. The same difference,with almost any cartridge, can be made with a powder change, with load density or with COAL. Change any one and the results will differ... some by a lot and others not so much. Thats why I found it best to stay with one brand of primer, then search for the best powder and load density etc to work with that primer, cartridge and bullet weight. Really, it's six of one and a half dozen of the other but I strongly feel there is only one "magic" combination of all components for any particular rifle,cartridge and bulletweight. The brand of primer I found to make the least difference of all, but that's just me.

I agree with most of your post but I did find primers make an accuracy difference in small cases eg: .204 or smaller from inch groups to 3/8" but like others have stated in most larger cartridges with bigger powder charges they are the last thing I change. CCI has always treated me well.

[elkhunter11]

I rarely find it necessary to change primers, I typically use federal 215s in the large capacity magnums, 210s in the medium capacity cartridges, and 205s for small rifle primers. I do switch to Remington for the very small capacity cases like the Hornets. I use the M series primers when I can find them, but in all honesty, I don't see much difference with the match primers.

[Salavee]

Originally Posted by 6.5 shooter

I agree with most of your post but I did find primers make an accuracy difference in small cases eg: .204 or smaller from inch groups to 3/8" but like others have stated in most larger cartridges with bigger powder charges they are the last thing I change. CCI has always treated me well.

I agree . For my .20 Tac I switch to CCI BR 4. I have never had a hint of an issue with CCI primers. Thats not to say another brand wouldn't do slightly better with any particular load combination, but for simplicity sake I choose to stay with CCI for all cartridges.

[DireWolf]

Originally Posted by Scottmisfits

I have been using the blue box Federal 210's. I still have a few hundred of them. I also had one box of Federal 210M's. I had 30 empty cases to load up so I did 15 in 210's and 15 in 210M's. Will I notice any difference?

Has anyone noticed much of a difference going from Federal to CCI, or something else? More consistent velocity? Different powder charge? Consistently better group sizes?

I mean. No.200 thus far. I did just have two duds with them through last weekend with my No.4.

[6.5 shooter]

Originally Posted by DireWolf

I mean. No.200 thus far. I did just have two duds with them through last weekend with my No.4.

CCI primers have a thicker cup and require more striker force then some other primers.
Your #4 MAY ?????? have a weak firing pin spring...or not, just a thought.

I have fired thousands of CCI 200 primers they were all I ever used for the longest time, never had a dud.. JM2cents

[32-40win]

I remember hearing tales of people, told by a friend who used to work there, in the CIL/IVI plant in Quebec wandering around with buckets full of primers. Apparently that didn't always end well.