Differences between primers

[MudChucker]

is there much difference between primers ? I started loading with CCI large rifle and am amazed at the consistency of the rounds so far - I went back WSS to pick up a box of a 1000 - they were sold out so I bought a box of a 1000 Winchester primers... ($39.99 for those wondering)

should I expect my loads to change as a result ? is there any huge difference between primers ? are some better then others ? does it really matter ?

 

[hunter5425]

Depending on the rifle and load you may not see any difference unless you switch to magnum primers . Some primers are hotter than others and some have harder cups. I did see a change in accuracy in my 223 when I switched from CCI to federal primers. In max loads if I change primers I back off a bit and work up to usually a very similar powder charge.

 

[KodiakHntr]

should I expect my loads to change as a result ? is there any huge difference between primers ? are some better then others ? does it really matter ?

Yes.
Depends.
Depends.
Depends.



Depends on what you mean by difference....Accuracy, velocity, consistency of ignition....They all make a difference, but a difference that is a major concern to me may not be of any concern to you.....Meaning it depends on what you are asking your firearm to do for you....On a couple of my rifles going from CCI primers to Winchester primers makes a half inch difference in group size....On the rifle that shoots 2 inch groups its not a big deal to me....On the rifle that shoots 0.2" groups, thats a very big deal.

 

[H4831]

is there much difference between primers ? I started loading with CCI large rifle and am amazed at the consistency of the rounds so far - I went back WSS to pick up a box of a 1000 - they were sold out so I bought a box of a 1000 Winchester primers... ($39.99 for those wondering)

should I expect my loads to change as a result ? is there any huge difference between primers ? are some better then others ? does it really matter ?

My opinion. A primer is a primer is a primer, they all go bang and they all send the bullet merrily on it's way.
If I had an expensive bench rest rifle with everything that went with it and was trying for records, or in hard competition, I would likely chang my opinion.
But for ordinary shooting/hunting/plinking/whatever, with a sporting rifle, I can see no difference, whatsoever, one brand to another or even between standard and magnum primers.

 

[GSoD]

I was using CCI primers and have been really happy with their performance.

At a gunshow I picked up a some federal match primers on a lark.

When I loaded them up with my usual load, the group did open up.

I don't think you can go wrong with the caveat: change a component, work up a new load.

 

[MudChucker]

cheers guys, thanx for the info.