Mixing brands of primers?

[brkncly]

I'm new to reloading and have a questions about small rifle primers. I've been studying my reloading manuals to reload for .223 and it'll call out for a specific brand of primer, how important is it to stick with that brand instead of just using any kind of small rifle primer? An example would be like using CCI's primers instead of the Winchester's primers. The reason I'm asking is because of the small rifle primer shortage, you get what you get right now. I'd like to know before I do something stupid. I guess there is a reason why they spec out a certain brand of primer, huh? Will this effect the overall accuracy of the cartridge? What are your thoughts and suggestions about this? Thanks for all the help and advice from all you reloading veterans!

 

[FryeGuy]

I don't think there is harm in using a different brand primer. i have been using winchester for the last few years, but am currently changing to CCI myself. i have heard & read that will handle higher pressures better,see the article here on .308 win, they mention it there as well). just don't switch small rifle with small pistol!!!!!! when i shot benchrest, i used federal small rifle match, but could never see any difference at the range when i switched to winchester primers. i am sure that will get some bickering going, but they sure aren't worth the extra money to me.

 

[Mikem]

You can switch primers, it wont hurt, but I wouldn't use CCI-450 SR Mag primers. You just wont be duplicating there load to a T, but you wouldn't notice any difference. The difference in CCIs, as I understand it, is they use a little harder metal in making the cup. And CCIs are what I use, BR-4 and 450 in my 6BR.
But have used other brands in my 223 and 308.
M.

 

[Hammerhead]

You can switch primers, but be sure to work you load up form somewhere in the 'starting load'. There is a difference with primers and will get different pressures.

Hammerhead

 

[2506]

Anytime that you change anything in a load you need to back off and work back up. Primers do make a difference in accuracy. Some makes will shoot more accurately in your rifle with different combos.

 

[Posit]

The manuals give you the specifics of the testing. For esample, they also tell you the rifle or barrel used in their testing, though its unlikely you will be using the same.

Changing primers will affect POI. When I develop a load, one of my last steps is to try it with three different makes of primers... easy to see a difference in POI... then settle on the best.