Question about Primers

[Huntbear]

Ok, I have never used any other primers other than Federal Match for all my reloading.  Since they are completely unavailable, I was wondering what everyone thought about Winchester or CCI primers, obviously some people like them a lot, since they are hard to get as well.

Thanks

PS:  Killbilly, if your offer still is available, let me know.  If they are used or gone, that is cool too.

[MHWASH]

I've used both, and don't have a preference.

[alanger]

yeah i just used 40 winchester for my 7mm-08 tonight.

but i switched to cci jusdt to try them out.

anyone know anything about getting primers stuck in sideways. that happened and it was a pain in the ass. i am wondering how to get it out other than pliers so it doesnt explode in my face.

[dbllunger]

Use them all..but about 80 percent are all CCI.  I get accuracy as well as any primers out there.   Even load my target rounds with standard or mag primers not MATCH primers.  Try them and you will be suprised.

[Ray]

I only have a preference for CCI over Winchester when I am using a semi auto - that is when I go for CCI as they seem to be better suited for avoiding the slam fire. I believe they are a little bit less malleable and/or slightly thicker than Winchester...

Otherwise - I use all these brands CCI, Winchester and Federal. They all seem to perform well.

[dbllunger]

Ray...ever actually have them slam fire.  I have heard that but never actually knew anyone who had it happen.

[Ray]

Yes - just last month. And when they do not slam fire there is always a dimple on the primer of the Winchester Primers. Scary if you are just fooling around.. Always keep the gun in a safe direction is an excellent rule that I was following.

[wrangler]

if you get your primer cocked sideways or even worse, upsidedown  (haha, been there) just run the case back through your sizing die, carefully. you shouldn't have any issues, they're not nearly as volatile as you think, just look away.   oh, and when i run out of the 5000 federal match primers i have, i'll use cci's, if the federals aren't available.

[ICEMAN]

Wear goggles/glasses...

[Ray]

if you get your primer cocked sideways or even worse, upsidedown   (haha, been there) just run the case back through your sizing die, carefully.

Have done it. Emphasize carefully and goggles might not be a bad idea. I didn't and lived.

[SagebrushStalker]

I have used cci primers for the past 5 years with good results.  It is my understanding that cci's have the thickest cup of any primer out there and can cause problems in rifles lacking adequate hammer or firing pin spring tension.
I have tested velocity differences between cci 200 large rifle and winchester wlr and found that in a 22-250 and 243 the winchesters hold about a 50fps advantage especially with faster powders.
Hope this helps

[jmkuhlman]

I switched to CCI primers from Federal due to availability and have no complaints. 

[alanger]

thanks i will go try it.

[littletoes]

What are the loads for?

Hunting? No bid deal I'd think. All you can do is try a few, and see what they do. Just remember that whenever you change components, you should lighten the load, and start load work over.

If you are talking long range precision shooting, I'd say the match primers have a "leg" over standard primers. It seems the CCI BR primers are as hard to find as Federal Match.

Good Luck with your load work.

[dbllunger]

Ray you must be talking about a AR-15 variant.  They do that because of the floating firing pin.  Fired dozens and seen dozens fired and every single one will dimple/mark the primer.  Slam fire would not be fun.  I wonder if it is their component primers as I have shot thousands and been around 10's thousands of Winchester UMC rounds and never saw or heard of one slam fire.  I have seen a round cook off from heat, but that was done in a abuse test.  Ruined the barrel, gas tube, gas rings, and bolt from the excessive heat. 

[FrankDown]

Sometimes Ill just throw away a case if I put a primer in upside down if it is getting to the end of its usable life anyway.  Other times I have ran it throught he sizer/decapper slowly with glasses on.  Earplugs might not be bad idea either if you are sensitive to loud noise, or you are in a small room.  Rarely they go in wrong, but occasionally they do.  The lee hand primer seems to be the worst about doing this is you pay attention to them when they go in the little trough area.

[12Gauge]

I've been using Winchester primers for the past 32 years and have loaded thousands and thousands of rounds.  I have not had a single problem with Winchester.  Except lately it is hard to find.  I like the brass color too, it matches the cases.

[ICEMAN]

Sometimes Ill just throw away a case if I put a primer in upside down if it is getting to the end of its usable life anyway.  Other times I have ran it throught he sizer/decapper slowly with glasses on.  Earplugs might not be bad idea either if you are sensitive to loud noise, or you are in a small room.  Rarely they go in wrong, but occasionally they do.  The lee hand primer seems to be the worst about doing this is you pay attention to them when they go in the little trough area.

And, keep your powder closed at all times...   

[alanger]

yeah i haven't tried it yet but i will next time i go load some up. i am heading to the range to try my loads out.

140gr.