Mag or std primers in a 284?

[its only light]

Hey guys just starting to reload for my 284. I got a couple pounds of rl-17 to try and an assortment of bullets. I'm wondering if I can use my magnum primers for this since that's what I have plenty of on hand. I've always used std in my non magnum rifles but I've also heard of people using them in cartridges such as the 308win. If I work up a load as usual is there any reason a magnum primer wouldn't work?

 

[Terry]

You can tune a load with either.

You did not state your use.

 

[its only light]

Oh sorry, I'm mostly paper punching with buddies or long range prairie dog shooting. Trying some 162 amaxs, 168 bergers and 180 bergers. I have a savage target action with obermeyer 1-8.75 twist m24 contour at 27 inches. Looking forward to seeing what it will do!

 

[Nomad47]

I'm shooting 215Ms in my 284 Criterion barrel. With 180 Hybrids and H4831sc.

 

[its only light]

Great that's what I wanted to hear. I guess I'm not real sure what the difference between the two really is. Those are the same primers I have on hand so I will proceed. Thanks for the help!

 

[flatlander]

Though I've got a good supply of WLRM primers, I've used F210s & Wolf LRMs with both H4831 & RL17. Never really gave the magnum primers a chance; 210s & Wolf LRMs do a very good job.

Give us some feedback when you've had a chance to shoot your new 284 with the 215Ms.

 

[painter]

all rite boys u made me feel better been using 215s in a 243, 85 gr sierra hp, 42 gr h4350, for some time, close to 3200fps in a 22 in savage model 11 enjoy ur site much, painter

 

[Nomad47]

Be careful with the 215Ms - I've had to back off one half grain or so with the powder on most everything I've tried the primers on.
If you have a load worked up with a non-magnum primer, then make a straight switch to 215Ms, you'll think the primer's no good. Best to use a chronograph so you can match velocity between the primers.

 

[waltersboy]

Mag primers have a harder cup than the standard. This will allow you to use a hotter load without piercing the primer. I use mag primers in my BR rifle. The mag primers also have a 17% higher charge than the standard primers do. Hope this helps.