White River Energetics

[JLT]

I recently bought 3,000 of the LR primers. How or why they've been released to retail outlets, I really don't care. I'll be testing them in the coming weeks in 7-6.5 PRC, .260 AI and 6XC. I will test them alongside CCI-200, S&B LR primers, Federal 210Ms and Winchester LR. That they are made in the U.S. and a start-up . . . I have my fingers crossed. I'd love to support an American primer manufacturing start up.

 

[Mcrider55]

Living in Arkansas, I want to thank Gov Sarah Huckabee Sanders and our GOP legislature for bringing so many defense related companies to my beautiful state. From making gun primers to patriot missiles, Arkansas has become a major defense manufacturer.

 

[jelenko]

I recently bought 3,000 of the LR primers. How or why they've been released to retail outlets, I really don't care. I'll be testing them in the coming weeks in 7-6.5 PRC, .260 AI and 6XC. I will test them alongside CCI-200, S&B LR primers, Federal 210Ms and Winchester LR. That they are made in the U.S. and a start-up . . . I have my fingers crossed. I'd love to support an American primer manufacturing start up.

Wihle I use only SRP's, I would like to hear the results of your tests- for the time when White River does make SRPs.

 

[Walt Krafft]

Wihle I use only SRP's, I would like to hear the results of your tests- for the time when White River does make SRPs.

I have been using WRE primers in my 223 ftr rifle. I found no difference between them and Rem 7.5 primers.

 

[dhagerty40]

Forgive me, an older thread I know but most recent post was a couple days ago. I have a related question that I don't think deserves it's own thread. Seems like there's one or two people in this thread who might know.

Whatever happened to Expansion Industries that was supposed to provide primers to the market (as well as ammunition and components)? Was it a flop?

They filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy last September.

 

[AccelR8]

They filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy last September.

Thanks! I had deleted my post because after I posted I Googled it (I should have done that first) and found out

 

[jelenko]

I have been using WRE primers in my 223 ftr rifle. I found no difference between them and Rem 7.5 primers.

Walt, You must have quite the reputation - WRE SRPs aren't available anywhere for sale.

Do you have any information you can share about when their SRPs would be available to reloaders?

Do you know if WRE is out to build it's market share or just take what it can at market prices?

 

[Walt Krafft]

I have done some work for them in the past. Last time I was there, they were still getting the automation built and installed. I have no idea about their marketing plans.

 

[Orr89rocz]

Shot a few of these today in a couple different setups.

257 rob with re23 and 110 sierra gamechanger. I did however use a new batch of powder and my go to load was down in velocity a good bit. I think my original load used 215M primer which im low on and saving those for my 28 nos.
Shot 3 with the known load and 3 with whites energetics. It was was warm out, 81 deg and humid. Known load didnt group as well today but new powder and originally developed in cold weather for hunting. 2904 first shot cold bore, then 2858, 2852. The White Rivers shot 2853 2850 then oddball 2838 but group was much tighter. So will look into these for this rifle

458 win mag, 300 ttsx, Accurate 2015. 70.5 grains. Known load shot 215M’s. 2214, 2216, 2224. Ok group with first cold bore coming in touch lower than other two. White rivers shot better and slightly faster velocity 2219 2228 2234. May need to revisit this in cold weather

My 300 wsm i just shot White rivers. Norma cases 208 berger, re23. Ok group, again original load with 215M developed in cold weather. Group on par with original load in this weather, need to adjust seating I think but good velocity 2830, 2832, 2828. Slightly slower than original load i tested a month ago in abit cooler air, i had 2845-2855 then but similar to slightly better groups with the 215M’s.

All in all i think they will work well.

 

[358WCF]

I picked up some of the LR & some of the LR Magnum primers because the stash is dwindling. Did a quick & dirty very small sample test. If anyone cares here's the results. It was 85*, with steady WIND from around 11 o'clock. All velocities are @10' to the center screen of my Oehler 35, not corrected to MV

LR first... 30-06 with 155 Scenars/N160 just under 3000fps. This was about a 3% reduction of my regular load. Shot (3) 6-shot groups. One with each primer, comparing to WLR & 210M. Bore was fouled with 2 shots before test began. Slow fire & about 1/2 hour between groups.

Fed. averaged 2980fps ES of 23 & SD of 8- Usual small round group-no cratering
WLR averaged 2978fps ES of 29 & SD of 9- About 1/2 again larger group. Seemed a touch of vertical- no cratering
WRE averaged 2983fps ES of 15 & SD of 5- About 1/2 again larger group. Seemed a bit of horizontal- very slight cratering
The necks using WRE had slightly more visible carbon, WLR a bit less & 210Ms were cleanest.

Next are the LR magnums... 300 H&H Horn 155HPBT/IMR4831 @3200fps+ a 1gr. reduction of the usual load. Fouled the bore & shot (2) 6-shot groups each with the WRE & Fed 215s. Again slow fire & about 1/2 hour between groups.

215 #1 averaged 3201fps ES of 50 & SD of 18
WRE #1 averaged 3249fps ES of 19 & SD of 9
215 #2 averaged 3211fps ES of17 & SD of 6
WRE #2 averaged 3248fps ES of 30 & SD of 12

Groups were very similar in size & shape with maybe a touch of horizontal in the slightly smaller WRE groups. Wind? Both of the WRE groups produced a few clickers & some definite cratering while the 215s showed none with normal bolt lift.

The standard LR WRE measured between .2102 & .2104" in diameter, .1291 to 1297" tall including anvil feet, & weighed about 5.6 gr. & seated a bit harder by feel than the WLRs & the 210s.

The WRE Magnums went .2104-2108" around, .1310-.1317" tall, & again weighed about 5.6gr. & seated about the same as the 215s.

Overall, I'm pleased with the purchase. I'm unsure if the cratering is from softer cups or pressure. Maybe a little of each between the 2 types. The WRE primers should be a welcome addition to the primer supply.