Performance Difference(s) Ib Primers

[Shynloco]

Ok Guys,
I'd imagine this topic has been kicked around so many times that it's LAME....BUT I would like to hear from those in the know as to which PRIMER I can expect to perform the best in my new AR. I'm in the process of having a new .223/5.56 STT-15 AR built that is mostly made up of JP Enterprises and San Tan Tactical parts and a JP/22" barrel. Since I'm chasing quality, precision and accuracy, my question has been narrowed down to the primer I should use in my loads. I plan on using this rifle for shorter distance (100-200 yds) as opposed to long distance (400 - 600 yds). And though I understand the actual physical differences in primers, I would like to hear what those WITH EXPERIENCE IN ACTUALLY USING THEM, think would give me the best result, given the aforementioned info. My choices or those I'm considering testing with are:

1. CCI BR4 Primers 2. CCI 400 Small Rifle Primers 3. Federal Match Small Rifle

Primers 4. Federal AR Match Small Rifle 5. Remington 7 1/2 Small Rifle Match

Now I am aware that the only way to truly determine which primers work the best in my loads is to test them. So if you would be so kind, please list the above primers in the order you recommend testing them. Except for numbers 4 and 5, I already have a supply of the other primers listed and do not wish to keep buying primers that would not provide the results I seek. I have little experience (other than general and shooting them) with AR's as most of my reloading has been limited to accuracy with my bolt guns. Just decided to try my hand in AR loading/reloading. Much thanks ahead gents and let me know your opinions.

Alex

 

[savagedasher]

Ok Guys,
I'd imagine this topic has been kicked around so many times that it's LAME....BUT I would like to hear from those in the know as to which PRIMER I can expect to perform the best in my new AR. I'm in the process of having a new .223 STT-15 AR built that is mostly made up of JP Enterprises and San Tan Tactical parts and a 22" barrel. Since I'm chasing quality, precision and accuracy, my question has been narrowed down to the primer I should use in my loads. I plan on using this rifle for shorter distance (100-200 yds) as opposed to long distance (400 - 600 yds). And though I understand the actual physical differences in primers, I would like to hear what those WITH EXPERIENCE IN ACTUALLY USING THEM, think would give me the best result, given the aforementioned info. My choices or those I'm considering testing with are:

1. CCI BR4 Primers 2. CCI 400 Small Rifle Primers 3. Federal Match Small Rifle

Primers 4. Federal AR Match Small Rifle 5. Remington 7 1/2 Small Rifle Match

Now I am aware that the only way to truly determine which primers work the best in my loads is to test them. So if you would be so kind, please list the above primers in the order you recommend testing them. Except for numbers 4 and 5, I already have a supply of the other primers listed and do not wish to keep buying primers that would not provide the results I seek. I have little experience (other than general and shooting them) with AR's as most of my reloading has been limited to accuracy with my bolt guns. Just decided to try my hand in AR loading/reloading. Much thanks ahead gents and let me know your opinions.

Alex

How primers work depend on the gun and the powder and many other factors . Everyone will work with the right combination. Try them all .Larry

 

[Cakes]

Like Larry mentioned, performance is load/gun dependent. Powder/% fill/bullet/seating tension/jam/jump just to mention a few will all influence the outcome. I've tested all of those except #2 & 4. In my AR's , 6AR/T40 and 6 Hagar Tula/Wolf SRM gave me the best ES and accuracy with BR4's a very close 2nd. In a straight .223 it has always been BR4's. Just have to load some up and find out for yourself. IMO for a straight .223 you find BR4's #1 or #2 when the dust settles. Have fun! Eric in DL

 

[Catfish]

A few years back I got board and did some testing with primers. I loaded 3 different with several powders and used several different primers with each load tried. I was not able to nail down any formula that could predict what a primer would do in a given load. I had some loads that the primer made no difference in velocity or accuracy. In other loads I would have a different velocity with every primer. Same for accuracy, with some loads I would get a pretty fair variation in velocity, but groups would all be bat. the same, and with other loads the primer would have a great effect on accuracy. In all of the test I ran I only had 1 load and 1 primer combo that showed pressure signs and that was with a standard primer and not a mag. If there is a difference in accuracy match primers always seem to be a little better, key here seem to. In smaller cases mag. primers are usually less accurate with a higher SD.

 

[tjtjwdad]

What Larry said...take the time and test them all. I believe you'll find they'll all work although the charges may be a tad different between them.

I'm partial to Remington 7 1/2 because they have worked well for me and in comparison to both CCIBR4 and Federal Match; they're more readily available. They're also know to be a tad harder than some of the others although, CCI's also share that reputation. I've never tried "any" Federal primer in a gas-gun but they have a reputation of being on the soft side but primarily because their availability and, don't discount Winchester primers either, they have worked well for me too.

There is an article out there where a test was done years ago and the Remington's were hotter than some of the others but right now I can't put my hand on the link.

Good luck,

Jim

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I like remington primers in ar type rifles

 

[aloreman]

Im an xtc highmaster and have found the best primers in an ar to be those which are cheap free or available

 

[Dans40X]

AR's aren't tack drivers compared to a bolt gun-
Primers won't matter in a gas impingement mouse gun.
Use primers that are readily available or in your cache.
Work up a load of mag length & sled length.
Settle on a ball or double base powder that you can throw directly into the case,seat.shoot.

AR's 100yd group should be<3/8"
400-600yds is classified mid range
800-1000yds is classified long range

 

[JamesnTN]

AR's aren't tack drivers compared to a bolt gun-
Primers won't matter in a gas impingement mouse gun.
Use primers that are readily available or in your cache.
Work up a load of mag length & sled length.
Settle on a ball or double base powder that you can throw directly into the case,seat.shoot.

AR's 100yd group should be<3/8"
400-600yds is classified mid range
800-1000yds is classified long range

Shhhh don't tell that to my AR you might hurt its feelings. This was the first 5 shot group out of my JP enterprises 223 at 200 yards after break in.

Now here's the second 5 shot group after I cleaned it.

And after another cleaning here's the third five shot group from the rifle at 200 yards.

Then there are the witnesses at Birdogs range where we setup at 300 yards and I shot neck and neck with my AR against a custom bolt gun at tums.

 

[JamesnTN]

Here's an example of two different primers side by side with identical loads.

 

[riflewoman]

In approximate order of importance for rifle accuracy (presuming case prep is adequate):

Bullets (85-90% of the accuracy potential)
Powder charge and type (5-7%)
Bullet jump (5%)
Primer (2-3%)

The primer contributes so little that it is normally the last variable tested.

 

[argrendel]

James, is that ar for sale? Very nice.

I load for a Les Baer 223 and a Precision Firearms 6.5 Grendel. I was always told watch out for soft primers in an ar. I use CCI 450.

 

[2506]

Either of the CCI primers or WW or Rem have worked great for me out of an AR. I have never used any Federal in my AR because I found using Federal primers in my M1 Garand that I had slam fire trouble two different times. With the free floating firing pin the Federal cups are too soft making them too sensitive when the firing pin floats forward and strikes them when the bolt slams home. I would give the CCI 400s a try first because you find them easier and they are MUCH cheaper than the CCI BRs.