Primer Question

[cascademountainhunter]

Is there a real difference between different brands of primers. For example, a CCI Magnum and a Federal Magnum. I'm wondering this because different brands of bullets recomend a certain brand of primer. Could you use either one? Idk if this even makes sence, if it doesnt let me know and I'll try and reword it. Thanks.

[dbllunger]

Absolutely a difference.  I notice the difference in pistol reloads with primer sensitivity to firing pin strikes.  Never noticed it in rifles, but very sure their is a difference in cup design, thickness, and what ever else they do.  Also FPS varies noticeably with the same loads.  I have always obtained higher velocity/pressure with Fed, Win, over CCI, Rem.  Same goes for Mags compared to standards. 

[cascademountainhunter]

so if a recipe calls for a federal mag primer it would be ok to use a cci mag primer?
or whatever brand primer as long as its a mag like the recipe calls for?

[wrangler]

correct, use whatever brand you can get a hold of. cci's seem to be a good 2nd choice for me. i prefer federal match but if you don't have any you wont be getting any in a long time. also you can use mag primers for non mag calibers and visa versa, it won't hurt nothin. it has to do with the amount of powder your burning and the efficiency in which it's burnt. you can use a mag primer in a .223 but you'll burn the powder too quickly and loose velocity and consistency. the larger non-belted cartridges, like the dakota calibers will burn more efficiently with a mag primer, even though they aren't a mag caliber. unless your burning upwards of 65 or 70 grains of powder a mag primer really isn't necessary imo.

[FrankDown]

It is recommended that if you are shooting max loads to go back down some and work a load back up with a new primer brand or style just to be on the safe side.