Primers

[quickkillaught6]

Have any of y'all out there done any testing on primers? Like 5-20 rounds loaded identical expect for different primers in them let's say 20 rounds so 4- 5 shot groups loaded identical expect for primers? If so what was your conclusion? Thanks

[fgw_in_fla]

My favorite .270 win. load of 55.6 gr. of H4831sc with WLR will shoot 1.5 inches lower at 200 yards than with CCI primers. All other components being identical. I noticed in the current Lyman manual there's a comparison with a .308 and different primers. Check the primer section of the book. That's the only comparison I've tried.

By the way....
The way I found out - I use CCI primers in my Federal brass because the WLR fits too loose. Winchester & Remington are fine with WLR. Nice tight fit. Federal gets too loose after 2 or 3 firings so I use CCI. When the CCI is too loose, in the can they go.

[82boy]

I have shot diferent primers and can say that I have seen point of aim changes from diferent primers. I can also say that I have seen some times you can change primers and the rounds will shoot in the same hole, as rounds fired with other primers. I think people put to much on primers. I find what primer works best with my load and I use it.

[Blue Avenger]

primer changes I have done nothing bad,
brass changes I have managed to get a .223AI load to change from ok to high pressure blowing out primers.

[quickkillaught6]

Thank ya guys I appreciate all info I currently use cci primers and didn't know how much difference there was in 400-450-br primers from you guys. I guess trial by fire and I'm grateful for all the input

[montana bob]

I asked the same question to a very successful long range shooter and he told me you really start to notice the difference out past 600 yards.

[quickkillaught6]

And this very successful long range shooter told you what primers to use?? If you don't mind me asking if he did mention

[montana bob]

CCI BR2's

[5spd]

I did a test last year using 7 different SRP primers in my .223, with the exception of primers the powder/bullet/brass was the same.
I found zero difference in my targets/groups velocities @ 100yds.

[GaCop]

For a long time I was using BR4 primers I had on hand for a number of years to load in my bolt action 223 and 223 AI. The supply finally ran out and all I could get locally was CCI 450s. I retested all my loads with the 450s and saw no change in grouping.

[fgw_in_fla]

What would be the advantage, if any, to using BR primers? I recall hearing or reading something about consistancy with BR type primers. Any other advantages?
While i'm being inquisitive..... Any advantage to using Magnums?

[jhelmuth]

I have shot diferent primers and can say that I have seen point of aim changes from diferent primers. I can also say that I have seen some times you can change primers and the rounds will shoot in the same hole, as rounds fired with other primers. I think people put to much on primers. I find what primer works best with my load and I use it.


My experience matches 82boy... only thing I'll add is that consistency starts with consistent primer pockets and flash holes.

[darkker]

Dr. Denton Bramwell did a test on Primers and temps relating to this subject, you can read it over on shootersforum.
The long and short is for less than a 30-06 case the primer doesn't matter. It is about a barrel/case temp differential.

Personally I found in my loads that BR2's drop my ES, over WLR's by about 10fps.

[AKShooter]

http://riflemansjournal.blogspot.com/2009/06/primers-small-rifle-primer-study.html?m=1

Good reading, needless to say Ive changed to 7 1/2s in my .454 with H110. Otherwise use what works, in my experience WLR are hotter than others in my .270 with H4831. Like everything else in handloading only testing in your gun/cartridge will give you the correct answer.

[82boy]

What would be the advantage, if any, to using BR primers? I recall hearing or reading something about consistancy with BR type primers. Any other advantages?
While i'm being inquisitive..... Any advantage to using Magnums?


Just because they label it a "BR" primer doesn't make it any better, usualy it just cost more. Yes there is an advantage in using magnum primers, it helps with ball powder that are hard to light, and large case volumes. It also helps with certain rounds that are on the edge or primer restriction, like a 6BR or 6.x47 Lapua. Read load data from Benchrest shooters in long range you will find a bunch of them are shooting Magnum primers. a 450 CCI is very popular with the BR's.

[82boy]

CCI BR2's


What was this very successful long range shooter shooting, that used a large primer? (BR2) possible a 6x284?

[bigmig]

I saw a comparison in an Old Nosler reloading book. To show the difference on accuracy they sorted all the "bad" primers out, the ones with slight defects and shot them against "perfect" ones. I think they were shooting a 22-250 at 100 yards. The difference was about 1/8 to 1/4 MOA, which they attributed to the excellent ability of the gun, but pointed out it would be worse with a less flat shooting load and further distance.