Primers
04-08-2015, 08:18 AM
#2
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Eastern PA
Posts: 12,745
Hook - I'll likely get a lot of flack for this from guys that haven't been reloading for almost 50 like I have and think they know it all but here goes.
Manuals show what primers they use solely for informational purposes. The difference between standard primers is minor. Magnum primers burn hotter to better ignite certain powders like some Winchester ball powders. So to answer your question, yes you can use CCI SP primers in lieu of Win SP primers. Just don't use standard and magnum primers interchangeably.
Manuals show what primers they use solely for informational purposes. The difference between standard primers is minor. Magnum primers burn hotter to better ignite certain powders like some Winchester ball powders. So to answer your question, yes you can use CCI SP primers in lieu of Win SP primers. Just don't use standard and magnum primers interchangeably.
04-08-2015, 10:19 AM
#3
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SW Montana
Posts: 550
For starting a new load, I'll agree with bronco -- if the book lists Win primers and I have CCI, I'll not bat an eye and use the CCI primers.
However, if I have an existing load that is on the hot side of the chart that is made up of X primers and the only primers that I can buy are Y brand, then I'll drop down a grain or two and work up a new load with the Y primers. I'll do that both for safety and accuracy reasons.
Changing any component in an existing load can affect both pressure and accuracy.
However, if I have an existing load that is on the hot side of the chart that is made up of X primers and the only primers that I can buy are Y brand, then I'll drop down a grain or two and work up a new load with the Y primers. I'll do that both for safety and accuracy reasons.
Changing any component in an existing load can affect both pressure and accuracy.
04-08-2015, 06:54 PM
#4
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Kansas
Posts: 3,902
There are some brands out there that are a little "ambiguous" about their standard vs. magnum status (Federal 205M's - I have a box labeled "Magnum" and a box labeled "Match", or Rem 7 1/2's are closer to a SR Mag primer than a standard), so I try to pay attention to that particular detail if I'm needing to change a standard primer, but other than that, a standard primer is a standard primer, a magnum primer is a magnum primer in my book. I wouldn't want to be at the very top end of my pressure tolerance with a lower pressure standard primer then feed it a "semi-magnum" standard primer and get into hot wax. So that's the easy one - stay safe...
Then there are some unique powders that aren't recommended for use with magnum primers either (2400), or some powders that are recommended for use with magnum primers and not standard (ball powder) so I suppose that's something to consider too.
Or there are low pressure loads out there that can get away with a thinner Rem 6 1/2 that might torch because they don't seal well with a rem 7 1/2 (harder cup), or loads that might flatten a soft 6 1/2 (204 Ruger).
After writing all of that - I have to admit - that's literally the most thought I have given to a simple primer swap, ever. Without the context of the cartridge you're loading to know if any of the above applies, or how close you are to the top end pressure, or what powder, then my mind goes to all of those considerations.
But if I think about my 223rem pet load that I've been shooting for the last 7-8yrs - and we all know how crazy it has been getting primers during parts of that time - I've substituted CCI 400's, 450's, 41's, BR4's, Federal 205M's, Rem 7 1/2's, and WSR's without changing my zero or my charge. A near-max load of Varget that's very well behaved. While not quite as many different primers, I've done the same with IMR 4064 in the 30-06 and H4198 in 45-70 - any primer that fits is fine.
I tend to load always with the same primer, just for consistency, but I've had enough instances where I've needed to cross-pollinate that I've tried it out, with almost NO noticeable effect, that I can't say that I believe there's a big difference in primers.
I used to think I was being a bad reloader, or being irresponsible when I did that, but I read a bit about the Houston Warehouse a few years ago and after hearing their results, I pretty well decided that the differences in primers only matter to my firing pin and striker or hammer spring - not to my load. Very interesting reading, if you ever have the time.
Then there are some unique powders that aren't recommended for use with magnum primers either (2400), or some powders that are recommended for use with magnum primers and not standard (ball powder) so I suppose that's something to consider too.
Or there are low pressure loads out there that can get away with a thinner Rem 6 1/2 that might torch because they don't seal well with a rem 7 1/2 (harder cup), or loads that might flatten a soft 6 1/2 (204 Ruger).
After writing all of that - I have to admit - that's literally the most thought I have given to a simple primer swap, ever. Without the context of the cartridge you're loading to know if any of the above applies, or how close you are to the top end pressure, or what powder, then my mind goes to all of those considerations.
But if I think about my 223rem pet load that I've been shooting for the last 7-8yrs - and we all know how crazy it has been getting primers during parts of that time - I've substituted CCI 400's, 450's, 41's, BR4's, Federal 205M's, Rem 7 1/2's, and WSR's without changing my zero or my charge. A near-max load of Varget that's very well behaved. While not quite as many different primers, I've done the same with IMR 4064 in the 30-06 and H4198 in 45-70 - any primer that fits is fine.
I tend to load always with the same primer, just for consistency, but I've had enough instances where I've needed to cross-pollinate that I've tried it out, with almost NO noticeable effect, that I can't say that I believe there's a big difference in primers.
I used to think I was being a bad reloader, or being irresponsible when I did that, but I read a bit about the Houston Warehouse a few years ago and after hearing their results, I pretty well decided that the differences in primers only matter to my firing pin and striker or hammer spring - not to my load. Very interesting reading, if you ever have the time.
Last edited by Nomercy448; 04-08-2015 at 06:56 PM.
04-08-2015, 07:17 PM
#5
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Illinois
Posts: 3,695
I smell smoke!! Oh wait, that's just from Nomercy thinkin hard 
But, pretty much whats been said is correct. And here old Bronc thought he was gonna get burned! Like Buff, if I am loading on the "close to oh crap" side, which with a couple of my loads I need to carry my toilet paper close at hand if you know what I mean, before a primer switch I'd drop a grain or three as well. Just to be on the safe side. Other than that, standard is standard and magnum is magnum.
But, pretty much whats been said is correct. And here old Bronc thought he was gonna get burned! Like Buff, if I am loading on the "close to oh crap" side, which with a couple of my loads I need to carry my toilet paper close at hand if you know what I mean, before a primer switch I'd drop a grain or three as well. Just to be on the safe side. Other than that, standard is standard and magnum is magnum.
