Federal 215 primers or federal 215 match primers?

[Norwest Alta]

I've got both and wondering what the difference is?

[Dean2]

The theory is that match primers are made to tighter tolerances so that the flame and energy are the same. I am really surprised they even make that big mag primer in a Bench version. Only way to know if it makes a difference is to try them and see if your groups shrink. Since the 215 is made for the 378 and 460 Weatherby, 7 and 300 RUM, 338 Lapua etc, I doubt the bench version will show much difference under 500 yards but you might get tighter SDs for less vertical at long range.

[Norwest Alta]

Thanks Dean. I've been pretty much using them in everything. I bought a brick of the regular 215's because I couldn't find any 215 match.

[Dean2]

215 is an excellent primer, I use a lot of them in the big boomers. They make the 460 go off nice and smooth where any other mag primer except Winchester results in click booms or failure to fully ignite because they aren't hot enough or long enough burning for that much primer. The 215 was specifically designed for Roy Weatherby for the 378 and 460.

I also use CCI mag rifle primers in all of my non mag hunting cartridges and mag up to 300 Win Mag to ensure good ignition in cold weather.

The Match primers were probably an advantage in the smaller capacity charges. IF you find your groups opening up maybe try the softer CCI mag rifle to see if this closes them back down. The 215s have a LOT of Kapusta.

Ranked in order of power

Large Rifle = LR, Large Rifle Magnum = LRM, Large pistol =LP,

Brand/type Power Average Range Std. Dev

1 Fed Match GM215M 6.12 5.23-6.8 .351

2 Federal 215 LRM 5.69 5.2-6.5 .4437

3 CCI 250 LRM 5.66 4.5-7.4 .4832

4 Winchester WLRM 5.45 5.1-6.0 .2046

5 Remington 9 1/2 LRM 5.09 3.5-6.75 .6641

6 Winchester WLR 4.8 4.1-6.0 .4300

7 Remington 9 1/2 LR 4.75 3.7-6.25 .5679

8 Fed Match GM210M 4.64 4.0-5.6 .3296

9 Federal 210 LR 4.62 3.7-5.5 .3997

10 CCI BR2 4.37 4.0-5.0 .2460

11 CCI 200 LR 4.28 3.8-4.8 .3218

12 KVB 7 LR Russian 4.27 3.8-4.8 .2213

13 Rem 91/2 (30 yrs old) 4.16 3.8-4.8 .3427

Pistol primers

14 Rem LP 4.47 3.2-5.6 .5171

15 KVB 45 LP Russian 3.89 3.3-4.2 .2232

16 CCI 300 LP 3.18 2.7-3.5 .2406

17 Federal 150 LP 3.11 2.6-3.5 .2090

18 Fed Match GM150M 3.05 2.6-3.7 .2299

[Norwest Alta]

Awesome info Dean thanks. I'll have to do a little experimenting lol.

[elkhunter11]

I have used several thousands of the 215, and 215M, and I see no difference in velocity or accuracy.

[Ice Fishing Maniac]

I used Federal 215's in my 300WM, 270WSM reloads since back in 2005. I switched to the GM version as when I went to P & D to buy more reloading supplies along time ago (2007ish), they had no 215's in stock so I loaded up on the Gold Medal Match version. Still use them as I bought a LARGE supply back then.

As mentioned the GM's have tighter manufactured tolerances. Didn't really notice too much of a difference as my reloads shot really tight with the 215's.

[Smokinyotes]

If you ever have a rifle that will not shoot try a different primer. My 300wm and nephews 338wm would not shoot any better than about 1-1/2”. We switched from Fed 215 to Rem 91/2 and the groups tightened right up.

[Alta_Redneck]

I’ve read that at the factory the more experienced guys run the match line. Other then that they are the same formula and components. Not sure how true it is.