Hey, so is there a difference in quality between CCI 500 and WSP primers? Or is it just a preference thing? I'm just getting started in reloading for now 9mm, 124gr with 6gr of HS6. Will eventually do 40SW as well. If worth noting I also only hand prime for now. Reason I ask is I saw a sponsor is selling 1000 WSP for $38 and would like to pick up a box or two. But have only bought CCI 500's. Thanks in advance.
CCI vs. Winchester
- Thread starter rayzorloo
- Start date
To tell you (my) truth, primers have the least effect in the equation. Having gone through industry shortages in years past, I mix and match as needed.
That being said, if you're needing harder or softer cups for particular loadings or firearms then primer type matters.
That being said, if you're needing harder or softer cups for particular loadings or firearms then primer type matters.
Like i said, I use winchester primers. Mainly because they are cheaper and because i like the way the packets stack on my shelf. Federal primers come in a terrible bulky box.
I have seen little taps on the primers when ejecting an unfired round. From the firing pin tapping the primer when chambering the round. Never had a slam fire.
- Location
- Calgary, AB.
That's just what they used during the test from which the load data was derived, they're not saying to use CCI 500 primers.
That said, I've used CCI, Win and Federal small pistol primers and they have all been great. Win are a brass color as opposed to CCI and Federal being silver if that matters to you. Also, Federal have a softer cup as compared to the other two, but I can't say as that's ever been a factor for me in any way shape or form.
As was mentioned before, Federal primers are way over packaged and you can fit probably 3000 CCI primers in the same shelf space you can fit 1000 federal primers.
Hey Ray - for pistol stuff it doesn't really matter which primers you use. The only exception is if you've changed your springs around for a lighter trigger pull. If you've ever experienced light strikes (i.e. primer didn't go bang) then you need to use Federal primers which are the softest. If you're using stock springs in a stock gun then use whatever primers are cheapest.
Also - hand priming 9mm will get old fast. Get priming and loading on your progressive press.
Also - hand priming 9mm will get old fast. Get priming and loading on your progressive press.
I dont' load pistol, but i can tell you i will never use another winchester primer- ever. They had a problem with metallurgy which would caused a perforation in the bottom of the primer cup when ignited. Took me 3 different boxes, scoring the bolt face of three different rifles, over about 2.5 years for me to swear off of them. Call me a slow learner.
Have also had issues with winchester necks and shoulders splitting on the first fire. So, i will only use winchester products if there is absolutely no other alternative.
Have also had issues with winchester necks and shoulders splitting on the first fire. So, i will only use winchester products if there is absolutely no other alternative.
never had an issue with using different types of primers.They usually seem very similar in effect but I do prefer CCI's over others. S&B are good little primers for the price. If there's more than a $10 difference per 1000 I would just buy whats cheaper and adjust loads accordingly.
Hodgdon is simply stating what they used for that particular load that time. CYA and all. After 30K+ rounds reloaded, I can say that I have found exactly zero difference in performance between different brands of primers.
HS6 is a powder I use sometimes for pistol loads.
I find much better SD and ES using the magnum pistol primer.
Buy a case of those Winchesters. A good deal.
Buy a pack of the magnum pistol primers and compare the results with the HS6.
There are a few powders I use the hotter primer for. HS6, HS7 and 296.
I find much better SD and ES using the magnum pistol primer.
Buy a case of those Winchesters. A good deal.
Buy a pack of the magnum pistol primers and compare the results with the HS6.
There are a few powders I use the hotter primer for. HS6, HS7 and 296.
Rod B
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I too have had experience with Winchester blown primers. That said I like their brass. I only buy CCI or Federal primers.
- Location
- Calgary, AB
Never had any issues with Winchester, but have had miss fires with CCI.
^^Pretty much sums it up. For pistol it probably won't make a difference. I say probably because I also have used all those brands without any meaningful difference, except for one batch of S&B that I just received that seems to be kind of weak. I still need to test with my chrony, it might be in my head, but it seems to hit the target lower with the same powder charge. If I'm right and the primer is weaker, then all I have to do is increase the powder charge a bit.
