Does p[rimer brand matter?

.243hunter · #1 03-12-2005, 08:13 PM

Fairly new to reloading. May be a stupid question. But does it matter which primer brand i get as long as it is large size and for standard loads?

Rocky Raab · #2 03-12-2005, 09:13 PM

The best answer is "yes"...and "no."

By which I mean that it doesn't much matter which primer you start with. If possible, follw the recommendation of the loading manual you're using. In other words, if the book says they used CCI 200 primers, then that's probably the one you should use, too.

But if all you have on hand are Federal 210s, that's fine.

Two things to avoid, though: if they used standard (non-magnum) style, then you should stay away from magnums, too.

And the biggie: AFTER you've worked up a load, do NOT change anything at all without backing down on the powder charge. That means, don't change primers or brass brand, or bullet unless you start over with a lower powder charge.

L. Cooper · #3 03-12-2005, 09:13 PM

In my experience, no, it doesn't matter.

What does matter is that you stick with one for pressure testing, and always regard a change in primer as a change that needs a reduction in charge until tested further for safety.

Some of my loads prefer certain primers, but no primer is best in all of them.

Catfish · #4 03-13-2005, 07:25 AM

If your wanting to load hunting ammo Rocky said it pretty well. If your after bench rest quality ammo the primer can make a big difference, often over .050 in. in a group. That said , there are many other thing that effect you group size alot more, and just getting started loading the main thing is to do it safely.

.243hunter · #5 03-13-2005, 08:49 AM

Thanks yall. I went and got some cci primers last night.

denton · #6 03-13-2005, 08:31 PM

I have measured peak pressure on a few different loads, with both standard and magnum primers. I have yet to find a load where a magnum primer increased peak pressure. I'm not saying it isn't out there. I just haven't found it yet.

The original claim of magnum primers was more uniform ignition of slow burning powder, in very cold weather. And I don't know if that claim is true or not, either.

Cal Sibley · #7 04-01-2005, 01:40 PM

Over the years I'll put together some loads in various calibers where the only variable is the primer brand. I've yet to determine one brand is superior to another. Sometimes I get the best accuracy with Federal, sometimes with Remington. Sometimes it varies back and forth. Just use caution regarding pressure levels. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

Gil Martin · #8 04-01-2005, 06:41 PM

I have used various brands of primers and have not noticed any significant differences. My reloads do not exceed the midpoints listed in reloading manuals. Changing primer brands has not caused any issues. I just prefer Winchester or CCI primers. All the best...
Gil

Cossack · #9 04-06-2005, 03:03 PM

I agree with the yes and no comment.
I generally do not find much difference in them when I work up the load with the same brand. But changing primers in a developed load can make a difference in group size.
They can also make a difference in gun function. I once worked up some loads in a 270 Encore that would not detonate with Federal primers. They did go off when I switched to CCI. Seems the Federals are not quite as thick as the CCI's, coupled with the light hammer strike of this gun, they wouldn't work. A friend found the same thing in a Marlin lever 45/70 he was loading using Federals.
Swithcing from small rifle primer to small pistol primer in my Hornet made a big difference in improved accuracy.
So, I guess the answer is: It all depends...which is just about on par for much of reloading/shooting.