how much difference does primers make?

[coosbaycreep]

I finally got around to reloading my first rounds today, and I had some questions about primers. I was loading 180gr XTPs for .44 mag, and the only load I could find for that grain of bullet that used a powder I already had didn't list the primer. I used CCI 350 primers, and 9 grains of universal. I only loaded 13 rounds, was real cautious about it, weighed each powder charge on the scale, checked COAL, etc, and they all went bang without me ending up with shrapnel in my hand or something, but I'm still wondering how much difference primers actually make in pressure or whatever, if any difference at all?

I've only got two load books right now, and a lot of loads don't list the primer type for anything, or sometimes only list a primer type for certain powders (winchester 296 for instance) that burn slower and require more power or something. As long as you use magnum primers in .44 mag, is any primers safe for most loads? I'm only loading lighter loads for my gun too, if that makes a difference.

On another note, reloading is a real time consuming PITA, and expensive too. If I had known how much crap I was going to have to buy to get started, I probably would have just spent the money on a bunch of factory ammo instead, especially since I really don't shoot that often. The amount of money I have tied up in reloading is only going to grow too, as I still need a brass trimmer and bullet puller....and probably some other things I don't know about yet. I will say this though, it was a nice feeling to finally pull the trigger on a cartridge that I loaded myself. Now I just need to do that several thousand more times, and then I'll have to find something different to complain about.

 

[Yo2slick]

Im rather new to this myself but from what I have been told if you switch your brand of primers, you should reduce your load by 10% and work back up. My book shows that you are loading at the bottom so if you want to switch it would be a good time. Also, in the Lee manual it states to use regular primers unless the load data specifies magnum primers. In the Lee manual (unless I am missing something) it does not specify magnum primers. Just make sure your using the correct size primer.

I spent a good chunk of money getting started and it seemed like the spending would never end. But now that I have everything that I need I am having alot of fun reloading. When you add up the cost of your components compaired to factory ammo you will see the difference in a hurry. I have even managed to cut my cost of 9mm in half, and if I choose to load XTP's my cost is just about the same as a box of WWB. But I figure I have 100 rounds of premium ammo for the same price I would have spent for target loads. Hope you stick with it, it gets better!

 

[Steve C]

Always, ALWAYS, reduce the maximum listed load by 10% (the start load) when assembling a load you have no experience with or when components are changed, and work the load up if you want to optimize velocity and accuracy. You should NEVER load and shoot the maximum load right from the start.

Since your 9.0grs of Universal w/ 180gr bullet is a start load you should assemble 4 more batches of 6 to 10 rounds each and increase your charge weight by 0.4 grains. Keep track of what is loaded with what charge. Test each batch at the range for group accuracy and look for pressure signs, start with the 9.0gr loads first, then the 9.4gr, 9.8gr etc. but do not exceed the max load of 11.3grs. If you see pressure signs quit shooting the rest of the heavier loads, the previous load with no pressure signs will be your maximum load with those components. If you find an particular charge level is more accurate then I'd select that to load ammo with those components.

 

[RandyP]

As a rookie myself I have some curiosity about the process, but I "suspect" that there is not a significant difference (worth worrying myself about) between the various makes of primers. That is to say CCI small pistol primers put out very similar energy to Remington, or Winchester, or even Wolf.

There IS a difference between using standard or magnum primers, or pistol vs rifle, but again I suspect all makes of primers are 'similar'.

Like was already cautioned, I load mostly range lighter loads anyway so it would be less of an issue to me than someone going to max load for a specific round.

 

[Steve C]

I "suspect" that there is not a significant difference (worth worrying myself about) between the various makes of primers.

You would be surprised how much difference the brand of primer will make. I've measured a 7% velocity variation from two .38 spl loads with higher velocity resulting from the rounds using the same bullet but .2gr lighter charge weight of the same powder lit off by a Winchester standard primer vrs the other heavier load using a CCI standard primer. These where shot from the same pistol, run over the chrono on the same day within minutes of each other so temperature, elevation and other environmental conditions where the same and not a factor in the velocity produced.

 

[RandyP]

Did you try that same test with the decreased powder load from both make primers too? That would eliminate the powder charge as a variable. It is possible that the lighter charge could create increased pressure, is it not?

 

[RustyFN]

I'm with Steve here. If you are shooting near max then reduce the load and work it back up. I know somebody that chronoed some loads and the only difference was he changed to Wolf primers and picked up 50 FPS.
Rusty

 

[paperpuncher49]

I seem to recall reading an article within the last three years, it may have been in Handloader (Wilfe Publishing). The author had access to pressure testing equipment and tested various primers. Again, if memory serves me correctly, Winchester magnum large rifle primers created 10,000 psi greater pressures than CCI magnum large rifle primers using the same components. I found it hard to believe, but then again, I don't have access to that type of equipment. Perhaps someone else read the same article and can remeber in which magazine it was published.