Difference in primers, what is it?

[gvnwst]

I am new to reloading (really new actually, my stuff is still in the mail) and i have a question about primers. In small rifle primers, is there a real different between the makers and types of primers? I know match primers are more consistant, but i have been told that certain types won't work for certain powder...? For instance, I am starting to reload .223 (with H335), and like i said i don't have my load manual yet, and the store near me is going to get a shipment of primers in 3 days, are there any primers that i should/should not get? And about "magnum" primers...are these just hotter or something?
Thanks!

 

[loadedround]

Basically there are magnum and non magnum (standard)primers available for pistol and rifle. Usually magnum primers are used for the slower burning powders and the reloading manuals will advise you on which to use. Standard primers are again basically all the same. Some will say primer "A" is hader than primer "B" or primer "C" is hotter than primer "D". This is all true, however in most cases you may substitute standard(non magnum) primers, but it is both wise and safe to back off a load by at least 5% and work up to your original load. Your question is very appropriate in these times where your favorite brand of primers is not available and you must take what you can get.

 

[gvnwst]

Basically there are magnum and non magnum (standard)primers available for pistol and rifle. Usually magnum primers are used for the slower burning powders and the reloading manuals will advise you on which to use.

Got it.

Standard primers are again basically all the same. Some will say primer "A" is hader than primer "B" or primer "C" is hotter than primer "D". This is all true, however in most cases you may substitute standard(non magnum) primers, but it is both wise and safe to back off a load by at least 5% and work up to your original load.

Okay, so as long as i get a "standard" small rifle primer, i should be fine for .223?

 

[Walkalong]

Yes, although some ball powders like a mag primer better sometimes. Just have to experiment. For blasting/plinking ammo, no big deal. Load what you have, or can find these days.

I like H335 in the .223, but I mostly use some cheap surplus SRB-118 I bought for my blasting ammo. They both seem to like mag primers better, but with cheap bulk 55 Gr FMJBT bullets, it's hard to tell.

 

[gvnwst]

I am planning on picking up some hornady and berger match bullets also, to work up a match/lr plinking load or two as well. Using H335 powder, will this matter all that much?

 

[Walkalong]

Only your rifle can tell you.

 

[gvnwst]

Okay, cool. As long as it will reliabily set off the charge for now, i won't be testing the primers for difference in accuracy. I am not nearly good enough to tell the difference anyhow. Thanks for your help Walkalong.

 

[Doug b]

"will this matter all that much?"

I think it will, H335 really shines in .223 with a mag primer IMHO.I think if you start out with a standard primer & H335 you will probably wind up rejecting it and trying another powder.You are working up a load so why not work it up from start with both primers,after all this is a learning experience right.

 

[gvnwst]

Well, i am needing to stick with H355, as i have quite a bit of it. (some shooting friends moved and had to sell off some of their stuff, good deals those) Also, i don't have the funds to get multipule types of primers for now, as i need bullets... Should i ask him to layaway SR mag primers instead of standard SR ones?

 

[ants]

If you don't have a published book, get one.

Lyman, Hornady, Speer, Lee, Sierra, Nosler, or the ABC's of Reloading.
They all discuss primers. You'll get educated.

In today's climate, you're going to be lucky to find any primers at all. As a beginner, your biggest challenge is that you have a lot to learn about your craft. Especially when first starting out, the human is the biggest variable in the process, not the choice of primer.

CCI has a good primer on primers. Go to their website and click on Primers, also click on Education and read everything there, including the FAQ.

In fact, go to the web sites for Hornady, Speer, and lots of other manufacturers' sites. Nosler, Accurate, Alliant, Hodgdon, Sierra. And check out online videos that show presses in action.

 

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

I am planning on picking up some hornady and berger match bullets

i won't be testing the primers for difference in accuracy. I am not nearly good enough to tell the difference anyhow.

Then don't spend the money on Berger bullets just yet. Look around for Nosler seconds or Remington's in bulk bag or some off brand for your beginning reloading/shooting.

-Steve

 

[Walkalong]

Good advise J.O.A.T.M.A.N.

 

[gvnwst]

If you don't have a published book, get one.

It is in the amil, and the primers are going to get here/get gone before it arrives, i am sure.

Then don't spend the money on Berger bullets just yet. Look around for Nosler seconds or Remington's in bulk bag or some off brand for your beginning reloading/shooting.

-Steve

Thanks, i will do that. I was just going to grab some of those bullets while the limited stock Gales (my shop) stays.

Does anyone else agree with Doug b about needing mag primers for H335?

 

[RustyFN]

My two powders for 223 are H335 and W748. The Speer manual says to use mag primers with both powders. I use standard primers with both powders and am happy. I'm not shooting competition with these though.
Rusty

 

[edelbrock]

Does anyone else agree with Doug b about needing mag primers for H335?

You don't "need" mag primers with H335 in the .223. It just works better most of the time. You can use standard primers if you want.

 

[Martyk]

Until you get some experience in reloading and what to look for, it would be best to stick with information you can point to on a page in a book. Don't worry about "working up" loads or "Experimenting" Just follow the proven recipes and combinations in your reloading manual. There's no rush and always think safety first.