AR .223 primers

[hookr88]

I am gearing up to start reloading .223 rounds for my AR and was wondering what the thoughts are about using CCI small rifle primers?

[dontgetcrabs]

It's all I have ever used for my ar with 100% satisfaction. 

[Todd_ID]

I just started reloading, but I use them too.  They're made here in town, so I'll support them.  Plus, Cabela's has them for $20/1000 right now, so you may as well buy 10, because they won't get down to that price again.

[carpsniperg2]

CCI primers are the best IMHO. I also like federal primers as well. You will be happy with the cci's. I have burned threw thousands. Never had any problems.

[hookr88]

Thanks for the input.  I was just curious as none of my manuals use CCI's and with all the quirks of AR's I wanted to make sure. Also FYI I just got off the phone with RCBS and they just came out with new dies just for AR's. They have a taper crimp instead of a roll crimp. Nobody stocks them yet and they're not even on there web site. They are item #11107 if any one is looking at buying some .223 dies for their AR.

[BlackRidge]

CCI primers are the best IMHO. I also like federal primers as well. You will be happy with the cci's. I have burned threw thousands. Never had any problems.

+1

Theyre all i use for my .223, I usually buy 3-4k whenever I make the trek to Cabelas or a WAC show.

Haven't seen the new taper crimp dies, but Lee factory crimp dies I started using have made a HUGE difference for my loads. Thanks for the info, may have to pick up a set and compare

[dontgetcrabs]

Thanks for the input.  I was just curious as none of my manuals use CCI's and with all the quirks of AR's I wanted to make sure.

I believe that's because the AR has a free floating firing pin and it contacts the primer when the bolt slams into battery. The mil spec primers have a harder cup and will not accidentally discharge the round from the impact of the firing pin. I have never had a problem with CCI primers, but they will have a small dent from the impact of the firing pin. If you rack one and then take it out before shooting it you will see what I'm talking about.  

[Big10gauge]

Most people that reload for theAR use either the cci or the remingtons as they are thicker/harder and less chance to pierce.

[GregMcFadden]

cci does make #41 primers (small rifle, military) if you have problems or are worried about using the #400 ones.  I've used tons of #400 ones with no problems in my AR, but as they say , your mileage may vary

[Suncrest Sniper]

Thanks for the input.  I was just curious as none of my manuals use CCI's and with all the quirks of AR's I wanted to make sure. Also FYI I just got off the phone with RCBS and they just came out with new dies just for AR's. They have a taper crimp instead of a roll crimp. Nobody stocks them yet and they're not even on there web site. They are item #11107 if any one is looking at buying some .223 dies for their AR.

Very interesting news thanks for the heads up!!!!

SS

[Blacklab]

yep cci 400 or 450 with no hicups. I actually use cci for all my firearms except the muzzy 

[Suncrest Sniper]

Cabela's has the new .223 AR dies. $39.00 for the set which I will be picking up next weekend.

SS

[luv2shoot]

What dontgetcrabs says. Most important is to make sure the primer pockets are uniform. It takes a second and the tool is real cheap. I use CCI's almost exclusively and never a problem. I'm sure some people have used FED primers with no problems but it's cheap insurance to use a harder cup primer and to uniform the primer pockets. That way you'll never have a problem when that firing pin kisses the round.