Primer question

[Ron Huff]

I reload for hunting mostly but recently started doing some longer range shooting out to 300 yards which for me is a long shot. I have a load for my 6.5 Creedmoor that works really well using Federal Large Rifle Match primers. Unfortunately I just loaded the last that I have and do not want to pay crazy money for more. I have Federal Large Rifle Magnum Match Primers, Winchester Large Rifle, CCI Large Rifle and Remington Large Rifle Primers. I know I will have to work my load back up but any recommendations on which primer to start with. I have a few thousand of each.
My Load right now
6.5 CM
Hornady Brass
40 Grains H-4350
Barnes 127 Grain LRX Bullet
Federal Large Rifle Match Primer
2.720 COAL
Using this I am shooting about a 3.5 inch group at 300 yards which is new to me as I have never really shot past 200 yards while practicing. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Fairchaser]

I believe any large rifle primer will work just fine for what you are shooting. I doubt you will notice any difference in group size until you get to sub MOA. Then you might perform a primer test where you weight sort 10 primers from each brand and shoot them round robin at 100 yards.

 

[Gargoyle]

WLR is the hottest of the bunch by 30-50fps. At least over CCI I know for a fact.

 

[6.5 forever]

Every different lot of primer can out perform any BRAND at any time. I have seen it many times.
Bench rest primers that were 40 fps faster than a magnum. Magnum primers that were most accurate choice. Standard primers that had the best SD numbers......

 

[Bill K]

I would say load 3 round groups with each primer, with all other components the same and see if one of them is much better than others. If so, go from there, with some seating depths.

 

[snert]

I have found CCI and Rem to be more consistent (in that order) when develping loads, after standard Federal GM. FWIW. I shoot a lot of win LR in plinking rounds.

 

[Ron Huff]

Thanks for the replies I will put together some 3 round test groups using the 4 primers that I have on hand using the load as it stands and see if I can see any noticeable differences. I am really enjoying stretching my range out further. This Gun was built for me by Ray Saltzman of Saltzman Gun Works. He is a good friend and neighbor and I always wanted a gun built by him. It is built on a Trued Stainless Rem 700 receiver with a 22 inch Proof Research Carbon Fiber Barrel, Timney Trigger and a basic Magpul Hunter style stock.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I say work on your shooting technique until all those primers are gone at least, and not worry about which primer until then. Until youre shooting sub moa it just doesnt matter. Be sure to try a different bullet too. Those are not helping. Do a search on here for the “carolina load” and load that one working on your shooting style.

 

[Zero333]

I tested 210m and 215m back to back and there about 3 or 4 fps difference in fall weather.

I would have to problem using fed-215 or Winchester LR if I was out of 210/210m

 

[Sandstorm]

Im with Dusty on this one. Work on your shooting and try a better bullet.
You will not even miss your primers, with what you have on hand.

 

[Ron Huff]

Appreciate the help I have a few Hundred Hornady 123 ELDM Bullets and have a line on some 140 ELDMs to start some other loads. Like I say my reloading has always been for hunting inside of 200 yards. Longer range shooting is something fairly new for me. So far I am shooting prone using moving blankets as my shooting mat and an old backpack for my rest. I shot a few rounds this morning using Winchester Large Rifle primers and shot a 3/4 inch 5 shot 100 yard group. I am going to load up some of the 123s tomorrow to shoot Friday evening. Glad to know that I dont need to search for more primers.

 

[Kurz]

Primers and the selection of primers have always been a part of load development. That tiny little spark plug can and will have an effect on your accuracy and consistency. But there are a couple of things you should consider doing as steps towards your goals of accuracy at longer distances.

Most of us had to make the choice of which support we choose for both accuracy and consistency. This is not to say that more expensive is always better. But using a pack for a front rest may not be the better choice. I've used backpacks, sand socks, bedroll, trees, stumps and a host of other rests. When shooting prone I normally use a bipod. The same requirements apply to choosing a bipod as any other components for consistency and accuracy. Stability, reliability, and repeatability. Be sure to double check the bipod attachment to the stock. Not all stock fore ends are stable enough for a bipod.

There is some adjustment to shooting off a bipod also which can depend on the surface you are shooting off of.

You can also find some adjustable front rests which can be used in the field but will just be another piece of equipment to keep track of.

Start to examine how each detail might have an effect on your shooting. Do some reading and research the variables for your style of shooting.

Most of all, have fun and enjoy the process!

 

[Ron Huff]

Thanks for all the advice. I am going to find a good BiPod as soon as I get a couple more days off.

 

[searcher]

I say work on your shooting technique until all those primers are gone at least, and not worry about which primer until then. Until youre shooting sub moa it just doesnt matter. Be sure to try a different bullet too. Those are not helping. Do a search on here for the “carolina load” and load that one working on your shooting style.

For hunting - which is what he is using the load for - that LRX is a very capable bullet - capable of 1/2 MOA, easy. That said, if practicing, I'd get a really inexpensive, lightweight bullet and do lighter loads than used for hunting. But if shooting at game - there really aren't any better bullets out there than what he is using - and it can no doubt be tuned to shoot better. My 2c.

 

[searcher]

All of those primers you have will do you well for a hunting rig - and all are more than capable of providing the accuracy you seek. Figure there will be around 75 f.p.s velocity difference between the slowest and fastest primers when shooting that caliber (+/-), so you won't have to tweak your powder much to get you in the middle of the sweet spot again - assuming you even leave it. I'd simply back off about 1 1/2 grains and work back up in 3/10th grain increments. Good luck.

 

[Ron Huff]

You guys are awesome and I appreciate all the help.