BR2 primers

[Davee]

Seeking enlightenment, during the Covid 19 lockdown I was running low on CCI 200 primers, my local RFD had run out but offered me BR2 instead -but at the same price-, now everybody tells me that BR2 are just the same as CCI 200 but with more stringent quality control. So just back from the range after testing the 3rd batch with BR2, extra 90 fps, tighter groups, smaller ES and SD, everything else the same as for the last two years, Sierra 130 Gamekings, Lapua brass, N150, etc. also a batch of Fox 123,s. I normally load 50 cartridges, randomly pick ten and fire two 5 shot groups to test them in my 6.5x55. To my mind it's a no brainer it's BR2's from now on -the extra 2.7p each is not a consideration-, but is it just better QC or are there other differences? Anybody else experienced this?

 

[Sonicdmb73]

You might want to give this a read. Probably forgotten more about reloading than many myself included know.

Small Rifle Primer Performance Pt 3 by Laurie Holland

In parts 1 and 2, I’ve got as far as listing the primers that are generally available in the UK and summarising their characteristics - in particular, cup thickness/strength. I’ve questioned the significance and role of the so-called ‘magnum’ type and worked up a 308 Win ‘Palma brass’ load to be...

www.targetshooter.co.uk

 

[David.evans]

Been using BR2 for a long time with no problems and with the load I use
very consistent over the Chrno
atb

 

[308tikka]

For target work its what I use. For deer under 150m the diffwrence isnt big enough to concern myself. But yes-they are superior to cci200 in the respects youve mentioned.
Muron also v good.

 

[Muir]

They are a different primer so one would expect different performance.
Primers are an often overlooked part of the load. Sometimes people just load what is available for primers, tweak powder charges and bullets and make a determination as to the suitability of a load. So often I have seen that a particular primer will boost performance of a load with a particular powder. I ran out of Remington 9.5 primers for my 7x57 when I was a kid and out of hand, used Winchester. My velocities and accuracy went wild weasel. Switched back to 9.5's and I was driving tacks again. Fast forward to this century, and I was loading CCI Match Primers in my 6,5 Grendel. They are good primers. Accuracy was good. The Trading Post was selling S&B small rifle primers for $22/1000 -half the price of CCI- so I tried them. Backed the load off to starting and worked my way up again. Higher velocities. Outstanding accuracy (the one outlier that every group had exhibited previously was gone) and the numbers on the chrono tightened up. With this powder (LOVEX) the ignition qualities of the primer mated to the burn qualities of the powder. S&B are not 'match' primers but clearly out performed the CCI in this rifle with this powder.

While people speak generalities when it comes to primers, such as 'slower powder needs a magnum primer' there is a lot of ground for experimentation in faster powders, in smaller cases. Switching primers will cause you to work up the load again, but it's cheaper than trying another powder or bullet and might yield a higher reward. JMHO~Muir

 

[jonnah]

If it is of any help, I have been using CCI BR2 primers in my .243 win for quite a few years. In my rifle I find it gives the best groups.

 

[rutland12]

Br2 in targets out to 1000 yds is the one for me , tried the russian ones but gone back to them.

 

[quarryman]

Same here.BR2 all the way.