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Let's Talk Primers

So as a person just starting out in metallic reloading one thing is a little confusing . I have read all of the beginning of the Lyman reloading handbook . But on the subject of primers one thing they do not mention is wether the brand of primer , wether it be SPP's , LPP's , LRP's , or SRP's . Are they the same ? Lyman specifies the primer by brand along with size in the load data sheets but nowhere in the book does it mention that all brands are the same . So my question is is there any difference in primers from brand to brand in their respective sizes ? With the limited availability of primers one must get what they can . Just don't want to buy something that I won't or should not use .
 
Wait - there is a difference in sizes between different brands of primers.
E.g., Unis Ginex SRP are significantly larger than, say, Remington 7 1/2.
CCI 450's are larger than Remington 7 1/2.

As for difference in performance, my understanding is it depends on the level of accuracy. For 'less than an MOA', probably no difference. At the 0.1 to 0.3 MOA range, yes.
 
I will need to disagree. Yes there are differences from brand to brand. Does it make a difference in accuracy. Sometimes. I think it depends a lot on the level of your equipment if differences show. If your talking a half inch gun it might not show, if your talking a .2 and under gun you might well see differences. I have found substantial differences in ES with different primers. Does it matter for the average hunter, I doubt it. I have seen certain powders that perform better with magnum primers.
 
So as a person just starting out in metallic reloading one thing is a little confusing . I have read all of the beginning of the Lyman reloading handbook . But on the subject of primers one thing they do not mention is wether the brand of primer , wether it be SPP's , LPP's , LRP's , or SRP's . Are they the same ? Lyman specifies the primer by brand along with size in the load data sheets but nowhere in the book does it mention that all brands are the same . So my question is is there any difference in primers from brand to brand in their respective sizes ? With the limited availability of primers one must get what they can . Just don't want to buy something that I won't or should not use .
First, I want to commend you for actually reading the most important part of any reloading book, the beginning.
Yes, There can be differences in primers and their performance. Your reloading manual is giving you the information they compiled, and is giving you their data. This also covers them if someone does something different and has a bad experience. (do not let this detour you, but do let it make you exercise caution. bad things can happen if you do bad things)
With general reloading, I would not worry about brand of primer, but do concern yourself with type. (Just because a small rifle primer fits in your pistol case or vice versa, does not mean you should use it).
If your loads are within book values, you are likely not going to create any safety issues by switching brands. Use what you can find. Start low and work up your charges. Do not start at the top thinking you want to have really fast ammunition and want tot save some time.
Enjoy the journey down the hole, and welcome to the club of those who have gone before you.
As you learn more, you will find your answers. You will also learn that you may not need to make national benchrest level ammunition to meet your needs.
 
Primer cup heights vary slightly by brand, this can be an issue depending on the brand of brass used. Always make sure primer pockets of the brass you are using will allow for seating primers below flush, you DO NOT WANT PROUD PRIMERS. I have some 204R brass that doesn't work well with CCI primers.
 
TypeManufacturerNumberCup thkCup DiaCup Height
Large RifleCCI200.027".2112".118"
Large RifleCCI250.027".2113".118"
Large RifleCCI#34
Large RifleCCIBR20.027
Large RifleFederal210.027".2120".117"
Large RifleFederal215------
Large RifleFederal210M
Large RifleRemington9 1/2.027".2100".119"
Large RifleWinchesterWLRM
Large RifleWinchesterLR.027".2114".121"
Large RifleWinchesterMag.027".2114".121"
Large RifleWinchesterWLR
Large RifleWolf/Tula#KVB-7
Large RifleWolf/Tula#KVB-7.62
Large RifleWolf/Tula#KVB-7M
Small RifleCCI400.020".1753".109"
Small RifleCCI450.025".1750".113"
Small RifleCCI500(0.017?)0.020
Small RifleCCI#410.025
Small RifleCCIBR4.025".1755".109"
Small RifleFederal1000.017
Small RifleFederal200.019".1757".111"
Small RifleFederal205.0225".1744".1075"
Small RifleFederal100M0.017
Small RifleFederal205M.0225".1744".1075"
Small RifleRemington6 1/2.020".1753".109"
Small RifleRemington7 1/2.025".1752".110"
Small RifleWinchesterSR.021".1750".109"
Small RifleWinchesterWSR0.021
Small RifleWolf/Tula#KVВ-5.56M
Small RifleWolf/Tula#KVB-223

Been collecting dimensions. Feel free to comment or correct....
 
Lyman specifies the primer by brand along with size in the load data sheets but nowhere in the book does it mention that all brands are the same
Hmm , so a book that explains in detail how to safely do something seems to purposefully exclude information . In fact there is NO manual that I'm aware of that says there is no difference in primers from brand to brand . I ain't no rocket scientist but that sure does tell me something .
 
I use a primer pocket unifier in all my brass. This assures that all my primer pockets are the same circumference and all the same depth. It has been my experience that certain calibers react differently in my rifle and not all primers will get the best results with one brand of primer.
 
Primers are like tires. Whether you buy a X tire, Y tire or Z tire they will all work.
Now, depending on your car (your rifle) and your driving style and driving needs (shooting for fun, for precision, hunting or matches) then you can determine which tire will serve you the best for your particular way of driving.

Edward
 
I will need to disagree. Yes there are differences from brand to brand. Does it make a difference in accuracy. Sometimes. I think it depends a lot on the level of your equipment if differences show. If your talking a half inch gun it might not show, if your talking a .2 and under gun you might well see differences. I have found substantial differences in ES with different primers. Does it matter for the average hunter, I doubt it. I have seen certain powders that perform better with magnum primers.

Yes Sir, the Last match, and you scored my targets. First target was
almost a clean with CCI BR2;s. Second target was a shotgun pattern
using a 30 year old lot WLR's. Now the Winchesters, could have
shot as well if new. but that was not my luxury under my situation.

Going to run a test shortly with the ELF prior to the last UBR match.
I'll run your CCI 200's next to the BR2's, with a lb. of Reloder 15.5
 
First, I want to commend you for actually reading the most important part of any reloading book, the beginning.
Yes, There can be differences in primers and their performance. Your reloading manual is giving you the information they compiled, and is giving you their data. This also covers them if someone does something different and has a bad experience. (do not let this detour you, but do let it make you exercise caution. bad things can happen if you do bad things)
With general reloading, I would not worry about brand of primer, but do concern yourself with type. (Just because a small rifle primer fits in your pistol case or vice versa, does not mean you should use it).
If your loads are within book values, you are likely not going to create any safety issues by switching brands. Use what you can find. Start low and work up your charges. Do not start at the top thinking you want to have really fast ammunition and want tot save some time.
Enjoy the journey down the hole, and welcome to the club of those who have gone before you.
As you learn more, you will find your answers. You will also learn that you may not need to make national benchrest level ammunition to meet your needs.
Thank You for this reply . I also bought the Hornady Book and have read all of it . Yes I definately will make sure that the right type is used . Was just a little confused as to why they would specify a brand instead of listing the type . Will always start low on loads and check for pressure issues as loads increase .

And yes this will not be my only hole I have gone down . I am an avid Fly Fisher and have tied my own flies for 43yrs and build rods also . I probably will still way more money tied up in fly tying materials and tools and rods and reels than I will reloading stuff .
 

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