Primers, is there really a difference?

[Redmt]

I'm not looking for what your favorite primer is but is there really a difference in quality and function? To start with I'll say that my go to large rifle primer is CCI 200's for no particular reason. I also have a couple thousand Winchester and White River primers. I haven't noticed any difference in loading hunting loads. What's your take on it?

 

[Wind Gypsy]

I've used CCI and Federal primers almost exclusively primarily because that is what most top shooters in competition disciplines use. I used to try different primers more during load dev and I noticed some minor differences when swapping between LR and LRM primers on a given load but dont recall seeing clear repeatable performance differences between similar primers from different manufacturers.

That said, CCI 450s and BR4s have gotten expensive so I just started dabbling with rem 7.5s in 223. So far, so good.

Edit: looked online and found CCI 450s to be near as cheap as Rem 7 1/2s. At local stores the 450s have been 9 or 10 cents vs 6 or 7 cents for 7 1/2s.

 

[WapitiBob]

I shot 215's for years, loaded some up with cci 250's and shot at 600; noticeable difference in group size and I've used 250's since. When I switch to the 7prc I may go back and compare again.

 

[44hunter45]

I've been a CCI guy since I started handloading in 1986. I've tried others but never found a compelling reason to switch. When I moved to Idaho in 1993 Speer/CCI was a client. I got sweet pricing on primers and bullets. Some loaded ammo too.

I used to use Magnums for everything. Now just for high capacity cases and any load using ball powder.

Right now the only exception is that I found a brick of Norma LRMs at a gun show a couple of years ago. I think I paid $35 for it because other buyers were afraid of it. It is fun for me to use them in my 358 Norma loads. Velocity and accuracy are great.

 

[WinkB]

In my personal experience, yes there is a difference. I have seen a change in standard deviation and extreme spread when using various primers given the same powder change and bullet. This has resulted in changes in group side on target as well.

If you are talking about 100 yards and in, does it practically matter not really in my opinion. I have seen a difference at distance, and that is why changing primers is part of my load development as I am seeking to remove as many variables and potential errors where practical.

 

[Schutzhund]

Primer Flash Test Photos

6mmBR.com is the best guide for 6mm BR Benchrest precision shooting, complete with 6BR FAQ, Reloading Data, Shooter Message Boards, Reader Polls, and Photo Gallery. Match event calendar and rifle competition accuracy training tips. Equipment reviews (.243 bullets, 30BR cartridge, 6mm Norma...

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Interesting Picture comparing several different primers ignition

 

[Redmt]

From my point of view, and limited knowledge of load development, what I'm seeing is that for hunting loads inside 200 yds it doesn't make any difference. I will quit trying for the exact perfect load at 1" to 1 1/2" at 100yds. I've accidentally developed a couple loads sub 1" and I'm happy as hell! Keep in mind that I'm not shooting a high end rifle for deer and pigs. My go to rifles in .223, 25-06, 6.5 CM and .308 are all Ruger Predators.

 

[Wind Gypsy]

Primer Flash Test Photos

6mmBR.com is the best guide for 6mm BR Benchrest precision shooting, complete with 6BR FAQ, Reloading Data, Shooter Message Boards, Reader Polls, and Photo Gallery. Match event calendar and rifle competition accuracy training tips. Equipment reviews (.243 bullets, 30BR cartridge, 6mm Norma...

www.6mmbr.com

Interesting Picture comparing several different primers ignition

I hadn't seen that in years. I recalled the 7.5 and 9.5s being hot but wow, they are sparky! Those pictures are 20+ years old so I do wonder how things may have changed since then.

 

[Gravelyctry]

There is differences in cup dimensions and thickness depending on the brand.

 

[std7mag]

If you're a match shooter, or are stretching your legs distance wise, yeah you'll notice a difference.

If you're pulling your rifle out of the rack, putting 3-5 rounds through it to verify zero, then go hunt. No, you'll never notice a difference.

 

[Redmt]

I'm usually shooting something at least 4-5 days a week from squirrels to coyotes or piggies. Now it's A zone deer season I'm a little more particular about my loads. Deer season is short, my eyesight gets a little worse so I have to give myself every edge I can.

 

[Ballistic]

I've noticed drastic swings in both S.D. and velocity with different primers. Going from Rem 9.5 to GM215M in my .300 Win lost 100 FPS

 

[BAKPAKR]

I've noticed drastic swings in both S.D. and velocity with different primers. Going from Rem 9.5 to GM215M in my .300 Win lost 100 FPS

Switching to Remington 9.5s from Federal 215Ms shrunk the group size in my remaining two 300 RUMs. So, there is a difference in performance. I don’t think the Remington 9.5s are any better quality, they just worked better with my particular rifle/powder/bullet/case combination.

 

[Ballistic]

Switching to Remington 9.5s from Federal 215Ms shrunk the group size in my remaining two 300 RUMs. So, there is a difference in performance. I don’t think the Remington 9.5s are any better quality, they just worked better with my particular rifle/powder/bullet/case combination.

My group size is not only smaller with Rem 9.5 in both 7mm Rem Mag and .300 Win Mag, but also in my match rifle with small rifle primers. It's pretty frustrating because group size is smaller but velocity is down and S.D.'s are the highest. I was hoping for some Federal magic as I had not used those for many years