I use CCI primers almost exclusively for everything, other than Berdan primed cases.
Some rifles, especially some match rifles will come from the factory or the smith and will have their firing pin springs altered to keep let off more consistent. It works and I'm not going to knock it, because I've just done something similar on a 17 Rem chambered Tikka M55.
I don't like to take more than a single coil from a factory spring. That's just me though.
I've found when taking off more, the issues Yodave, so astutely brings to light, do happen.
I've also had factory springs that weren't up to par or the jobber used poor quality wire to wrap those springs.
I use CCI primers in everything, simply because they always work, both in milsurps and commercial/custom rifles with very consistent ignition qualities, which are very necessary for accuracy.
I just replaced the spring in a pre 64, mod 70 Winchester, chambered in the ubiquitous 30-06 for a fellow that's been hand loading it for close to 60 years, after he got it, used, from his father for his 15th birthday. He's never felt the need for another big game rifle in the field, although he has several others.
He brought it to me a couple of weeks ago and wanted it ready for the Aug 15 LEH he has scheduled for Northern BC.
I had a bit of trouble figuring out why accuracy had been deteriorating over the last couple of years, to the point of the rifle being unusable for hunting.
The bore is verging on excellent, maybe a total of 1000 rounds since new and that would likely be generous. Bit of leade wear of course but still slugging out at .3085 and properly cleaned.
It wasn't until I started taking apart the bolt that I realized what the incredibly smooth bolt handle lift was about.
The firing pin spring had lost a lot of tension.
The new spring, thanks Jack, was at least .250 in (.5cm) longer than the original.
As soon as the new spring was installed, ignition became consistent again and accuracy was better than acceptable.
Maybe changing to a softer primer would have made a difference????
The owner is happy and his Great Grandson is soon going to be very happy his upcoming 15th birthday next spring.
Ed is starting to find the hills much steeper than they used to be and the extra 35 pounds he packed on over the years isn't making them any less so. His heart is also giving issues, so it's time to pass the treasured hierloom on to someone that appreciates it as much as he does.
