Primers - Does Performance Vary Between Brands ?

[lincolnjefferies]

Just a quick question, I usually purchase CCI or Federal primers, which appear to be be out of stock virtually everywhere. Are Magtech, Remington or say Sellior and Bellot equivalent quality and consistency for hunting purposes ? Hearing mixed reviews on this forum about Magtech, what about the other brands ? Many Thanks

 

[Donkey Basher]

Generally use Federal but have used S&B with no problems or concerns - not been able to get them for a while though…

 

[Lateral]

They can vary a lot, so if changing primer, reduce the load until you know.

Personally, my preference would be Remington after Federal, and CCI

 

[villaman]

Used magtech doest seem to be a lot of difference , although just paid £70 1000 for CCI 400 small primers

 

[Rory]

The short answer, is yes, there is a difference between manufacturers.
Laurie Holland has done some good research on this, the findings for Magtech small rifle primers was very favourable. Small Rifle Primer Performance Pt 3 by Laurie Holland

 

[Foxyboy43]

If seeking target competition precision at long distance many will say there is indeed a difference but IMHO the average UK deerstalker will see no difference whatsoever.

 

[Smellydog]

I just switched from CCI to rws primers and noted 0 difference at all.

 

[Ginc]

Switched from Winchester LR to S&B. No difference.

 

[Bowland blades]

America now lists us as a terrorist state ! Wait all you want those good American primers aint comming .

 

[Liveonce]

America now lists us as a terrorist state ! Wait all you want those good American primers aint comming .

no surly not, we just signed the best trade deal in the world with Trump, they will be sending them over by the boat load $10 a 1000. ……… in my dreams

 

[NP435]

America now lists us as a terrorist state ! Wait all you want those good American primers aint comming .

Where did you get that information? I have serious doubts that this took place in reality.

 

[Rusty Gate]

Magtech were utter rubbish with both Vit & RS for same calibre/bullet. Laurie Holland did a review but they were Magtech Magnum primers
Same loads with RWS for both powders & the difference was night & day!

 

[Laurie]

Magtech were utter rubbish with both Vit & RS for same calibre/bullet. Laurie Holland did a review but they were Magtech Magnum primers
Same loads with RWS for both powders & the difference was night & day!

When I reviewed primers it was before the US manufactured shortages and before the importation of Russian primers was banned. My Magtechs, both 7 1/2 (small) and 9 1/2 (large) from that era have been good, both in reliability and consistency. In fact, the 7 1/2 SR has been so good I successfully used it in a 6mmBR Benchrest rifle in UKBRA competitions for several years. (They weren't magnums, although the 71/2 designation can mean that in SR models.)

Sadly, and CBC is not alone in this, quality seems to have gone downhill since, no doubt with some manufacturers looking to capitalise on shortages and high prices.

Better news is that the 'winner' in my original Large Rifle primers test, the standard S&B product is very good indeed in current production, and in fact improved in that the cup is now slightly larger giving a tighter fit in the case pocket. It's a very 'mild' model - good for consistent performance in most cartridges and with most powders, maybe not so good in over-bore magnums and with some ball grades.

 

[Rusty Gate]

definitely down hill. I loaded for 6BRX & the loads for N150 & RS62 were cracking on the RWS so will stick with those until I run low. Would have loved some Murom or the S&B from one of your articles.

 

[Foxyboy43]

Magtech were utter rubbish with both Vit & RS for same calibre/bullet. Laurie Holland did a review but they were Magtech Magnum primers
Same loads with RWS for both powders & the difference was night & day!

I have been using them in the triple deuce for several months now - no difference from Federal or Fiocchi so perfectly happy to continue with them.

 

[kenbro]

They can vary a lot, so if changing primer, reduce the load until you know.

Personally, my preference would be Remington after Federal, and CCI

I’ve never reduced loads when changing like (ie non magnum) for like primers, nor would I do unless my loads were extremely hot to start with.
KB.

 

[Lateral]

And that’s your prerogative, as is giving the same advice to others !

However, I will always err on the side of caution, when someone’s safety could be in question !

 

[old 30-06]

In the good old days I used Federal Gold Match primers for both of my rifles. I now use Magtech primers, small in my 222, and large in my 30-06, as its all I can get hold of. I have used about 500 of each size now. I have noticed no difference in the performance of the cartridges since using them. I have not had a single hang-fire or mis-fire. If anyone wants to give their Magtech primers away, yes please.

 

[Heym SR20]

I am not sure that the end results in terms of accuracy etc will vary much between one brand of good primer to another brand of good primer.

But there will be/ may be differences in how hot and fast a primer burns which will have an effect on how the powder charge is ignited.

The basic rules and best practice of reloading still apply - change any component and its best to work the load up again from a starting load.

Many may disagree that this is being over pedantic, but thats your choice. But please when you do test the new load make sure you are not doing so on a range next to three or four other shooters.

 

[moeggesit]

Speer handbook published pressure/ velocity between identical loads using different brands of standard primers, the conclusion was that a mild load could become unsafe with a simple primer change. I would simply err on the side of caution.

No issues using modern rifles but some antiques and pistols had difficulty with some brands of primers due to the difference in hardness. Only adding it to explain some of the other reasons all primers differ.

Lastly, in most instances hangfires are cased by insufficient striking force (from the rifle firing pin), not because there is any problem with the primers or ammunition.