Difference in primers?

[Okiecruffler]

I've always used CCI primers because that's what dad always used, but today when I stopped to pick some small pistol primers up, the shop was out. The wife suggested I use a different primer to which I launched into my lecture about how rifle primers are different sizes than pistol primers and how her .38 took a different size primer than my .44 and was just about to go into the history of modern cartridges, when she asked, "How dumb do you think I am?" Guys, I'm telling you from past experience, under no circumstance should you ever answer that question. "I meant why don't you use Winchester primers?" I couldn't think of an answer. So I bought 200, they're just loading her .38 plinking shells anyway, but what is the difference? Does anyone use winchester primers over CCI?

 

[einnor1040]

I use mostly Remington just because the boxes are smaller, takes up less room. I buy them 10,000 at a time. I've had good results with all of them.

 

[Sheldon]

I have been a big Winchester fan as they were the ones I used to get at the gunshow. They work well for me.

I know the CCI have a more compact packaging and are known to be made from the toughest cup material and are considered the hardest primer on the market. I think Federal are some of the softest. I recall the Win. being middle of the road in regard to hardness. Hey bulky packaging is a good thing in regard to protecting the primers from unintended impact.......not that I drop them or anything like that.

They all burn a little different and have different hardnesses (sp?) so depending on your loads and the firearms your shooting them from, one may be better than the rest. For me they all seem to work ok. My triggers are not tuned so low in weight as to have the hardness of the primers be an issue, nor are my loads anywhere near maximum where a different primer burn rate might make them go overpressure. These are the things to be concerned about in regards to primers.

 

[HSMITH]

I absolutely HATE CCI primers, they are horrid.

I think you will find the Winchester primers seat with far more consistency, and work great. The ammo is just as good with Win primers without the inconsistent sizes of the CCI primers.

 

[P95Carry]

Gave up on CCI primers years ago when shooting compo's (well - for pistol ammo loading anyways .. and small pistol size in particular) ......... way too hard .. if pin strike energy is backed off much at all ... FTF's way to common.

I normally use Fed but Winchester are fine ...... in fact have used Rem's at times and not found them too bad.

 

[WESHOOT2]

I USE THEM ALL

I prefer CCI, and I have success.
I like Federal in my wheel loads; very good both large and small.
R-P primers hold a special place for special loads.

I least use Winchester primers; I use them, but only for very technical reasons.
Naturally all too hard to explain.

Testing required. As usual.

 

[Okiecruffler]

Well, I just loaded up 200 rds of 38 with them, so we shall see. One thing I did notice was that they don't feed into the press pocket of my Lee Autoprime as easily as the CCI's do. They seem kinda sticky. But hey, I'm open to new things.

 

[C.R.Sam]

Okie done good gettin off the thin ice in one piece.

I use assorted for various reasons, primary bein what is at hand.

Sam

 

[Okiecruffler]

Well Sam,

Me and the misses have been married for 10 years now, which is a long time nowadays, and I didn't get this far by opening my fool mouth too often. And besides, she went thru those 200rds this morning then 50 thru my 357, now she's talking about trading up. I don't want this lady mad at me. She knows where I sleep and where the ammo is hidden.

FWIW, I didn't notice any change between the CCI and Winchester primers, but we're only talking snubbies here.

 

[P95Carry]

I don't want this lady mad at me. She knows where I sleep and where the ammo is hidden