Remington 6 1/2 primers in .223 rem.

[ftrrookie]

Just starting to reload 223 rem for a bolt action rifle. I'm in the process of gathering all the components and today I picked up some Remington 6 1/2 small rifle primers. Then I get home and I find out that Remington says not to use 6 1/2s in the 223 because of the high pressures.

So, am I going to run into problems or is Remington just covering their butts? I don't plan to push my loads to the max. If I can find a node in the high 28s to low 2900s I'll be happy

The sad thing is I had a choice between BR4s or the 6 1/2s. Cabelas wanted $25 more per 1k for the BR4s so I thought I was saving money.

 

[stinnett1981]

Not sure. Never used them before. If Remington says not to use them then I wouldnt use them. I use Federal 205 and 205m primers in my .223. They both work great.

 

[K22]

There was a bulletin posted on this web site some time ago that addressed this issue. It stated the following: "Cases that utilize small rifle primers and operate at moderate pressures (40,000 psi) can use CCI 400, Federal 200, Rem 6 1/2, or Win SR. Such cases included 22 CCM, 22 Hornet and the 218 Bee. Other cases that use the small rifle primer can use the above primers only if moderate loads are used. Keep to the lower end of the reloading recommendations. Cases the utilize small rifle primers and operate at higher pressures (55,000 psi) should use CCI 450, CCI BR4, Federal 205 and Rem 7 1/2."

 

[bigedp51]

The 6 1/2 primer cup is only .020 and is designed for lower pressure cartridges. You are also warned to never use them in firearms with free floating firing pins due to possibility of slam fires.

The following is posted at the Midwayusa website.

Warning:
Remington does not recommend this primer for use in the 17 Remington, 222 Remington, 223 Remington, 204 Ruger, 17 Remington Fireball. Use the 7-1/2 Small Rifle Bench Rest primer in these cartridges.

This 6-1/2 Small Rifle primer is primarily designed for use in the 22 Hornet.

Remington Small Rifle Primers #6-1/2 Case of 5000 (5 Boxes of 1000)
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/138078/remington-small-rifle-primers-6-1-2-case-of-5000-5-boxes-of-1000

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

Speaking from experience. I used 6 1/2 primers for years in .223. I never loaded them very hot. But one day I started shooting at 1000 yards in F-TR and had to load to maximum and discovered to my dismay that I was piercing primers at every shot. I had to pull out of the match. I did some quick reading and discovered the issue with the 6 1/2 and immediately bought 7 1/2s and never looked back. I still have a couple thousand 6 1/2 left. This occurred about 7 years ago. I had bought the 6 1/2 maybe 20 years ago or more.

If you are not going to load to maximum, you could use them up, but never buy those again for .223 Remington. Or you could try to sell them or trade them.

 

[ftrrookie]

Thanks Bayou Shooter. I wanted to hear from someone who had experience with them before making a decision. I can't find any 7 1/2s so I'll go with the BR4s.

 

[ar15topgun]

If you plan to use these in an AR then expect to have pierced primers, burnt tip firing pins and slam fires. These are a given using Rem 61/2"s in AR rifles.