I’m a new reloader, using a 6.5 PRC. I have a bunch of CCI 200 primers, and a few Federals. My goal is to shoot accurately (deer and elk sized targets) out to a 1/4 mile (440 yards I believe) At these distances how much difference does a primer make? Am I spending way too much time on these thoughts? Thanks.
I’m watching this thread also as my Fed 210M stash is less than 200 left, and I have access to CCI 200’s, BR-2’s and Fed 215M…reloading for 7mm-08. Some Youtubers show tests using different primers, but there sample sizes are not significant from a Statistics point of view. Tim, the YouTube dude for Little Crow GunWorks says primers don’t matter…shoot what you can get.
I know Litz has said on a podcast that yes, Powder/ primer combos do make a difference. However, he’s talking about bench rest and thousand yard F class shooting. Feel like it would be unlikely to make a difference shooting a big game rifle at typical hunting distances. But, happy to hear if someone has some actual data to report
For hunting, not much difference, and if you change them out, just shoot some groups to check it out. There is a lot of research out there, (studies) done on the topic, in writing, not opinions on youtube. There does seem to be some thought that primer performance can vary from lot to lot, which should not be surprising for any manufacturing process that produces literally millions of a particular item yearly. There is one I read years back which compared specifically (working off my memory here) Federal 210 Match(regarded as one of the best), Federal 210, CCI Benchrest, and Standard CCI primers. The results showed that there was little to no difference in the:
- Consistency of ignition
- Impact to group sizes
In my reading of the study, the CCI Benchrest came out ahead of the Federal 210M’s, which surprised me because I had always used the Federal until they jacked up their prices and I could get the CCI for 30% less, so I switched, and have never looked back. Another article I read, from a F Class champion, he stated that the cheape russian primers were the most consistent he had ever used, so go figure.
As with a lot of these discussions, what rifle, what bullet, what range, what scope, what weight, what barrel, what twist, etc., all have to do with defining what your purpose for the weapon will be? Your purpose is for hunting, so pretty much any primer will work, but I would suggest you do the group test, 3 to 4 groups of 3 shots, just to check things.
Good luck
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Ultimate Large Rifle Primer Shoot-Out — 16 Types Tested
Accurate Shooter article where they tested primers.
I use the CCI 200 in all my hunting reloads for non magnum; and when I want to I use CCI 200 Benchrest primers.
Thanks for sharing how you work with the primers. Good to know.
I have a couple 2k wolf match srp I’ll have to try them.
I use cci br2/4 if i can find them but the remington 7.5 and 8.5 are really good between those 2 for me is a toss up. The cci 200/ 400s are decent . I have used federal for srp .223 stuff and handgun.