Difference in primers

[Tim Galyean]

Can you guys that have more experience than me give me any pointers as far as the difference between primers. I had a load worked out that shot good and it was using a Winchester primer. The Winchester primers are difficlut to find, but the CCI seem to be in supply. I have not tried this load with a CCI primer yet. What if anyting should I think about changing in the load when switching primers, or should I just load them up and give it a try. The load that I would like to use is really close to a max load, that is why I am being a little cautious. The load is for 22-250 40gr. Nosler, 37gr. of H4895 Thanks in advance!

 

[K3]

CCI go bang. That I can say for sure. You won't be disappointed in them.

Edit: It's my understanding that CCI are one of the harder primers out there. Federal are probably the softest, though someone may check me on that.

As for ignition properties versus established load data, all I can say is drop back a little and work back up on your charges if you switch primers. Just to be safe.

 

[mc223]

The first link has primer cup dimensions.

http://njhighpower.com/

The next 2 are photos of primers.

http://www.bjonessights.com/Primerpix.html

http://usera.imagecave.com/PCSNaples/Primers/

 

[ilbob]

I do not shoot well enough to notice any real difference in primers.

 

[345 DeSoto]

MC223,
EXCELLENT Sites for primers...the photos tell it all, and have helped me settle on the primers I will buy...

 

[mc223]

345 DeSoto
Just remember that different lots may have different characteristics and big fire does not always equate to best performance or accuracy.
I have found that some loads will do a bit better with a little less umpf. Others need more than you can safely get.

 

[rbernie]

Dimensions and brissance:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=3936874&postcount=28

 

[MADDOG]

I just found 2000 S&W Alcan primers. I am told that they are very soft also. I am going to try them in some light target loads. Has any one used any of these?

 

[John4me05]

If what your looking for is wether they make a difference in the grouping the answer is yes... I recently tested my 223 load with 10 rounds of CCI (my usual primers) and 10 rounds of Winchester... My CCIs produced a grouping of 1/2" or better as usual at 100yds but the Win primers shot groups of 1" or so with the same load...

These were shot like this
1 CCI at 1 target then 1 Win at a diff target back and forth to the same respective targets til all 20 were gone...

CCIs produced a 10 shot 1/2" group while the Win were a 10 shot 1 1/4" group all with the same weighed and trickled 25.5gr Varget charge and the same 2.269 COL...

These were fired form a Handi 223 at 100yds

 

[dagger dog]

For absolute saftey,every book on reloading I've read has stated, any time a component is changed, you are to go back to the starting load and work up in increments watching for signs of over pressure!
Now if you asked me if I do that every time I could lie and tell you yes, but it is up to you as the reloader on how you want to handle the switch.
Honestly in some situations, low powder charges in high volume cases, and small volume cases with max loads or near max loads in any case, I won't take the chance ,I believe the primer switch, even in non-magnum could cause pressures to change drasticly.

Once the primer is popped, there is no turnaround, and it may affect the person on the lane next to you!

 

[WayneConrad]

Different primers do cause differences in pressure. I don't think a lot, but there's a difference. Someone on here, or somewhere else, or in a reloading manual I have, measured it. Wish I remember where it was.

If I've got a load that's not close to max, I don't worry about it. I'll switch any component.

But when I've got a load that's close to max, I do worry about it. If I switch primers (or any other component), I'll back off "some"--let's say 20%--and work it back up again to validate it with that new component.

 

[Tim Galyean]

Thank you very much guys! I'll cut it back a bit and go fromt there. Whats the deal with Winchester primers anyways, why are they in such short supply?

 

[redneck2]

I'll preface this by saying I don't use Remington primers or cases.

That said, there was a two part article in Handloader about component selection and accuracy. Remington primers gave the best accuracy, at least in the writer's .223. Remington case quality was very, very close to Lapua and Norma cases that cost 4x as much.

 

[John4me05]

That said, there was a two part article in Handloader about component selection and accuracy

Thats what got me started on wanting to try different primers... But from the data i collected from my test you really have to work a load up for each brand of primer...