CCI 450 Magnum primers with stick powders?

[jmcgowe]

Robert Pitcairn, in his article "A Mouse on Steroids", recommends using CCI 450 magnum primers with VV N-150 powder (a stick powder). Yet the CCI website recommends these magnum primers for use with ball powders. Any thoughts on why these primers would work better with ball powders? Given Pitcairn's success with his load I was considering trying the CCI 450's in my new 90 gn load instead of the Rem 7 1/2's, but was a bit hesitant if they are not recommended for stick powders.

 

[MGYSGT]

I use #450 primers with Varget in my 80 gr loads with no problems. A lot of folks use the #450 with 90 gr loads and different powders. Why not try them and see how they do.

 

[Jay Christopherson]

I think CCI450's are pretty commonly used with Varget or RL-15 with 6 Dashers. At least, common for me and a few others I know.

It's a primer. It makes fire (bigg-ish fire). Stick or ball, the bullet is gonna come out of the pointy end in a hurry.

 

[savagedasher]

I recommend mag primers be used with any powder where the conduction is cold . Definitely over 60 GR in cold . Larry

 

[Northridge]

In regards to 6- dasher sized case or aqivalant the cci 450 works well from about zero degrees to about 80 degrees in my testing using varget, reloader 15 & h4895 there are other primers that work well in that range also.

Shawn Williams

 

[Rsadams]

I do believe they recommend them for ball powders becouse they are harder to ignite than stick powder... I think this is what your asking?

 

[Scott Harris]

they work great with stick powders and have a little more ignition energy than the BR-4s or 400s. Lots of us use them with 308 palma brass and stick powders.

 

[CJ6]

Primers are just part of load testing...If it "helps", use it ,if it doesn't ,don't.

 

[Baddog0302]

Primers are just part of load testing...If it "helps", use it ,if it doesn't ,don't.

A famous person once said " Trust, but verify"

 

[jmcgowe]

I do believe they recommend them for ball powders becouse they are harder to ignite than stick powder... I think this is what your asking?

Yes, that is what I was asking. I wasn't aware that ball powders were harder to ignite. Many thanks. I did post the question directly to CCI, but haven't heard back yet. In any case, seems that the CCI 450's will work fine with stick powders and I will give them try. Thanks to all who replied.

John

 

[Larryh128]

Ball powders light harder than stick powders especially powders like H414. If you don't use mag primers, you will never get the best accuracy /velocity out of a ball powder. That is personal experience.

 

[Shynloco]

I think CCI450's are pretty commonly used with Varget or RL-15 with 6 Dashers. At least, common for me and a few others I know.

It's a primer. It makes fire (bigg-ish fire). Stick or ball, the bullet is gonna come out of the pointy end in a hurry.

Ain't that the truth! I use CCI Mag primers with VVN140 in my custom AR15 and they give me better grouping results than do the Federal AR Primers. Like Jay says, they do make a nice hot burn that my loads take kindly to.

Alex

 

[Zero333]

My theory as to the reason why ball powders are harder to ignite, might be because there is less oxygen between the densely packed ball powder.

I tested a few primers in the 308w with Win748 ball powder. BR-2, 210M and WinLR. Even tho none of the 3 primers I tested were magnums, it's no surprise that the WinLR blew the other 2 out of the water, since the WinLR primers are known for being a bit hotter than the other 2 primers I tested.


I go shooting all year round. HOT COLD rain or shine.

I had 2 FTF's with BR-2's one winter, 243win 105amax & H-4831. It was -16c (3 f) and with the windchill it was -25c (-13 f).
Switched to 210M primers and never had another FTF.

 

[Linko]

In regards to 6- dasher sized case or aqivalant the cci 450 works well from about zero degrees to about 80 degrees in my testing using varget, reloader 15 & h4895 there are other primers that work well in that range also.

Shawn Williams

what would you use above 80 degrees?

 

[Northridge]

what would you use above 80 degrees?

I use cci 400 or 205 match primers but these primers I also use below 80 degrees and with h 4895 I have used with great results down to about zero degrees

Shawn Williams

 

[jmcgowe]

For the record, here is CCI's reply to my email question:

John, ball powder are harder to light and require more ignition. If used with a stick powder, you will over ignite the powder and can cause a dangerous high pressure situation. You will want to use magnum primers in some cartridge cases no matter what the powder because of case capacity. Always follow the load data and use the recommended componets.

 

[praveen]

I use 450's with 90 grain Bergers and VV N150 in my .223 essentially duplicating Pitcairn's load with great success.