Primer use??
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You generally won't have problems switching primer types unless you're running a fairly hot load and switch from a standard to a magnum or a hard cup (BR or military primers) to a softer cup like a standard CCI.
The change in primers will change the load, so best to treat each primer type as a separate load anyways.
The change in primers will change the load, so best to treat each primer type as a separate load anyways.
Related test I've done recently, but with small primers. I'm shooting a 6.5 Creedmoor Small Rifle primer Lapua case with my best load using 205m's and Berger 140gr Hybrids. On a suggestion ,from a good friend and some of his buddies who shoot in matches across a few states, to try Sellier & Bellot primers. They said that I wouldn't be disappointment. So I loaded just a few to try and headed to the range a couple of Sundays ago. Something that I normally do not do, venture out to a public range on a Sunday. I did not set up my chronograph because of the crowd of people, it's just to distracting sometimes. So at 200yds, where I usually test, the groups did shrink a little. Going from 1" to 3/4" five shot groups. Now I know that most of you are saying that there isn't much of a difference, but there is some there. So I hope to head to the range on Thursday or Friday to test more. And this time I will be setting up my chronograph to see the speed and S/D difference. Has anyone else had the opportunity to try this brand of primers? There isn't a lot of places which sell them. I had to order mine from Cabelas. Thanks Larry
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Lately I have incorporated a primer test as one of the final steps in my load development. I develop using CCI 400's or Fed 205's then once the development cycle is complete I run a test using ten or fifteen round groups using other primers. I have seen a bit of difference in velocity SD's but no significant differences in max velocity.
CaptainMal
Silver $$ Contributor
Hornady listed the primer they used in their testing for that loading manual. That is an implied endorsement but essentially just a primer they happened to use for their information. I mean, they had to pick something.
Your action, barrel and chambering are most surely different. Your loads and results will most probably be different. The primer to use fits right in that same mode.
Manuals are guidelines for a reasonable starting load and components. You can change primers, bullets, powder etc. but stay in the reasonable range of their loads to start. Then work up if you desire to see what is best for your particular rifle and needs.
Your action, barrel and chambering are most surely different. Your loads and results will most probably be different. The primer to use fits right in that same mode.
Manuals are guidelines for a reasonable starting load and components. You can change primers, bullets, powder etc. but stay in the reasonable range of their loads to start. Then work up if you desire to see what is best for your particular rifle and needs.
Have you seen groups open or close with different primers within the same load where only the primer was changed?
I have.
Yes. Here is one set I ran on my tactical rifle. I normally shoot 5 shot groups of .5 to .75 and 20 shot groups of 1.0 using this load with CCI 400's. I think a lot of the vertical spread had more to do with my cheekweld and a overly hard rear bag than the load
I have also done this test in .223 with CFE.223 and 69 SMK, and 142 SMK and 4350 in different guns. So far the Feds and the CCI's have given me the best results and Rem 7 1/2s the worst but that could just be the lot #. Just my opinion but it is a worthwhile final tune but then for me any excuse to go shoot a few rounds is a a good excuse
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Primers are a critical component to your load, just like brass, powder, and bullet. Change the primer and the "balance" of the load can be off.
Years ago I had a TC Contender 7TCU barrel that shot very well with it's favorite load and a CCI400 primer. I had an XP100 built and tried the load in it. Did not shoot near as well as the TC. Why spend $1000+ for an XP that wouldn't shoot as well as a $400 TC? (You can tell how long ago this was by the prices.) Anyway, I spent a little time with seating depth and amount of powder. It didn't take long to get a load that was less than an inch at 100 yards and better than the TC most of the time.
I was discussing my progress with some friends who also shot 7TCUs and or XP-100. They thought I was pretty close with the recipe for my load, but I had several different comments on the primer. It was suggested that there were other primers that were better in my load. I loaded 5 shots each with BR-4 primers, Rem 71/2 primers, and WSR primers. I shot my CCI400 loads then the BR-4 loads. With the BR the group was a little tighter. I then tried the Rem 7 1/2 loads. Group increased in size and bolt was a little heavier to lift. I knew I was getting a little hot. I then tried the WSR primers. My original best group with the gun was cut in half. 5 shots in less than half inch at 100.
I still shoot that XP-100 and have, on my good days, put most of my shots touching at 200 with it. JimSC photos above pretty much show what I experienced. Loads exactly the same, except for primer, with results that can be quite different. It is the details of the load development and components that can make a gun really shoot nice groups.
Steve
Years ago I had a TC Contender 7TCU barrel that shot very well with it's favorite load and a CCI400 primer. I had an XP100 built and tried the load in it. Did not shoot near as well as the TC. Why spend $1000+ for an XP that wouldn't shoot as well as a $400 TC? (You can tell how long ago this was by the prices.) Anyway, I spent a little time with seating depth and amount of powder. It didn't take long to get a load that was less than an inch at 100 yards and better than the TC most of the time.
I was discussing my progress with some friends who also shot 7TCUs and or XP-100. They thought I was pretty close with the recipe for my load, but I had several different comments on the primer. It was suggested that there were other primers that were better in my load. I loaded 5 shots each with BR-4 primers, Rem 71/2 primers, and WSR primers. I shot my CCI400 loads then the BR-4 loads. With the BR the group was a little tighter. I then tried the Rem 7 1/2 loads. Group increased in size and bolt was a little heavier to lift. I knew I was getting a little hot. I then tried the WSR primers. My original best group with the gun was cut in half. 5 shots in less than half inch at 100.
I still shoot that XP-100 and have, on my good days, put most of my shots touching at 200 with it. JimSC photos above pretty much show what I experienced. Loads exactly the same, except for primer, with results that can be quite different. It is the details of the load development and components that can make a gun really shoot nice groups.
Steve
Sure wish that I had a Cabela's close to me, so as to buy some LR Sellier & Bellot primers to test. Because after Thursdays test with the SR Sellier & Bellot primers, showing a little better groups at 200yds, they would be nice to try too. My E/S and S/D's dropped nicely too. With the same charge, in my 6.5 Creedmoor, and just changing the primers from CCI-450 to the Sellier & Bellot primers dropped my S/D by 4-5 points. Not a lot but they were 6's and 10's before, now they are 2's and 6's. I've never had 5 shot groups in the 2's before. And over a 25 shot, 5 groups of 5 shots, string they were from 2-6 S/D. Can't wait to try the LR Sellier & Bellot primers. Just wondering if anyone else is shooting with this primer and also having these results? Larry
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The S&B primers are my primer of choice for my .260 AI. I've had completely reliable ignition up to this point, the shot string stats are solid and the target speaks most loudly - accuracy has been outstanding. I've done separate work-ups with CCI 250s and 34s, Fed 215Ms and Rem 9 1/2s and the S&B comes out on top in the accuracy department. Not by a mile, but noticeable and statistically significant. Powder (RL-23), brass (Lapua) and bullet (140 Hybrid) were kept constant.
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