My findings with small rifle primers in AR rifles

[LRPV]

Before I read that it is not recommended to use Winchester small rifle primers in a AR rifle, I had bought and used quite a few of them without issue. I load a 50gr V-max on top of 22.5-23 gr of RL-10x for varmints and just messing around. It has been accurate in many Ar rifles. I switched to Rem 7 1/2 primers as they seemed to be the ones to use after much research. I am in the process of working up different loads with these primers and different powder because I was unhappy with the velocity I was getting with the RL-10x. I am not getting any decent groups with the Rem 7 1/2 so I tried Fed 205, CCI 400, and went back to the original WSR with the original load of 22.5 RL-10x. The Fed, CCI, and WSR are all within 10 fps of each other and the Rem 7 1/2 was 40 fps faster. The WSR load grouped less than half of the other 3 primers.

I have never had an issue with the WSR as far as slam firing or piercing in any of the loads I shoot with them. Has anyone actually experienced these issues with the WSR or are people just afraid to use them? I wanna be safe but I also wanna use what works. Any opinions?
Jason

 

[PVI]

I'm not sure why anyone would be concerned about using Winchester SR primers in an AR. ???

I have used thousands and never had an issue. There are only two primers I know of that I would be concerned about using. The Federal 205 or 205M or the Wolf SR. These are soft and could result in primer piercing.

On a side note: The best primer I have used in my AR is the Wolf 223 primer. I have also had good success with the Wolf Small Rifle Mag.

 

[LRPV]

I should have mentioned that I am talking about the newer brass colored WSR. I have read many places including here that are soft and prone to slam fires and piercing. I have shot 1000's of them without issue in a few different rifles without issue personally.

 

[HPMike800]

Just my $0.02, but, Ive never had a problem with WSR, or Fed205's. Keep your loads below 55,000 psi and many problems go away.

 

[bowslngr]

From what I have read, Remington 6 1/2's are the only ones you have to stay away from. Maybe I have been missing something though.

 

[ar15topgun]

I had 4 slamfires last year using CCI400 in my AR. Won't use them again. Rem. 7.5's for me.

 

[7x57]

WSR, esp the older nickel ones worked well. the newer non-nickeled WSR are a little softer and maybe more prone to piercing IF you are loading "to the edge of the envelope". This reputation probably comes from us hipower service rifle shooters who generally run the loads warm...but the WSR are fine for routine .223 loads. Not the same can be said for the REM 6 1/2 or Fed.

 

[nhm16]

I am a big fan of Wolf SRM for my semis. Despite the name not any hotter than a standard primer, just a harder cup. Kinda like a CCI #41. Good accuracy, ES/SD in my guns, and cheap. Has been absolutely reliable. Wolf also makes a "223" specific primer that is hotter.