Match primers vs regular?
- Thread starter rugratdk
- Start date
Match-grade primers are manufactured with a little more care and attention the standard fare. While they cost a few cents more they provide much better consistency on a load to load basis. I've tested the standard Federal 210 and 215 against the Match versions and found that my standard deviation and extreme spread was much lower with the Match version. When I think of the time I spend doing all the other accuracy steps during loadiing I consider the extra few cents cheap accuracy........................Hope this helps!!! 
Miner1 said:Match-grade primers are manufactured with a little more care and attention the standard fare. While they cost a few cents more they provide much better consistency on a load to load basis. I've tested the standard Federal 210 and 215 against the Match versions and found that my standard deviation and extreme spread was much lower with the Match version. When I think of the time I spend doing all the other accuracy steps during loadiing I consider the extra few cents cheap accuracy........................Hope this helps!!!
I agree, and only use standard primers in "fun" guns.
Although I hear the only difference is that they pick primers that are made by the the employees that are more consistent- Somehtign like that...
Well I will admit to using match primers in my match guns because :? well just because they say match and are apparently made "better" and are more consistent etc etc. Well I would like to say that my guns prefer match primers to the exclusion of all others but that is not the case. I have some guns that prefer standard primers and they give me the best accuracy and consistency. I will end this post by saying that you should try both primers in search of the best accuray and consistency.
bigbull
bigbull
- Location
- calgary alberta
I have to agree with Bigbull, not all rifles prefer match primers and not all standard calibers prefer non magnum primers and vice versa. To really attain the best accuracy can mean trying several different primers to get 1 that works best.
I have found less variation between shots using match primers, but not always does the cartridge perform best , due to the particular burn characteristics of a particular primer.
I have been using the Federal 215 match primer in my F class 300 win, and over the chrony can get a maximum variation of less than 15 fps with careful and precise loading. On other rifles have found more variation from shot to shot, but not as tight a grouping using match as compared to regular 215s, it all boils down to using what the gun likes best. :mrgreen:
I have found less variation between shots using match primers, but not always does the cartridge perform best , due to the particular burn characteristics of a particular primer.
I have been using the Federal 215 match primer in my F class 300 win, and over the chrony can get a maximum variation of less than 15 fps with careful and precise loading. On other rifles have found more variation from shot to shot, but not as tight a grouping using match as compared to regular 215s, it all boils down to using what the gun likes best. :mrgreen:
ILoveBigRacks
Regular
- Location
- Beaumont, AB
Of the match primers, which seems to be the favourite amongst us?
Does anyone regularly use CCI BR2 primers? I am going into my local gun shop on Monday to pick up some bullets and powder and thought I'd pick up some of these primers as well but have never used them before. Any input on them? (sorry for the hijack )
Thx,
ILBR
Does anyone regularly use CCI BR2 primers? I am going into my local gun shop on Monday to pick up some bullets and powder and thought I'd pick up some of these primers as well but have never used them before. Any input on them? (sorry for the hijack
)Thx,
ILBR
ILoveBigRacks said:Of the match primers, which seems to be the favourite amongst us?
Does anyone regularly use CCI BR2 primers? I am going into my local gun shop on Monday to pick up some bullets and powder and thought I'd pick up some of these primers as well but have never used them before. Any input on them? (sorry for the hijack
Thx,
ILBR
It's always a good idea to have different primers around to try, you never know what results you might get. Fine tunung a load after you have your powder and bullet selected is the next logical step, for what they cost per thousand better to have them handy.
bigbull
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
My groups shrank by over 50% in a couple of rifles I was working on years ago. From that time forward, I have used match primers. For the very small cost per shot, it's worth it to me. Doesn't hurt.
My favorite reg. primer is the CCI BR2. This is one of the mildest standard primers as well. For best performance, you want to use the 'mildest' primer that ensures consistent ignition. Recent tests showed equal muzzle velocity but way lower chamber pressure when these primers were used (compared to other stand primers).
For the magnums, I use Fed 215M. Seems to work in my 7RM and bigger cases. Certainly, if you use ball powders or plan on shooting in cold weather, you need a hotter primer. For extruded, you can get away with less. My next testing after hunting season, is to put CCI BR2 into my 7RM's and see what happens. I hope to reduce operating pressures but retain the same velocity and increase accuracy at LR.
Fed 210M are also very good but show pressure signs sooner then the CCI.
Test one, test them all if you choose. I put an appropriate primer into a load, and work up. I do not switch primers because I am already starting with a great component.
if you decide to switch primers, start loads from the beginning as a change of primer can push your chamber pressures over the top.
By the way, the best (most accurate) standard primer I have used is the Win LR. I still go match but if had to, would go with the Win and be happy.
Jerry
My favorite reg. primer is the CCI BR2. This is one of the mildest standard primers as well. For best performance, you want to use the 'mildest' primer that ensures consistent ignition. Recent tests showed equal muzzle velocity but way lower chamber pressure when these primers were used (compared to other stand primers).
For the magnums, I use Fed 215M. Seems to work in my 7RM and bigger cases. Certainly, if you use ball powders or plan on shooting in cold weather, you need a hotter primer. For extruded, you can get away with less. My next testing after hunting season, is to put CCI BR2 into my 7RM's and see what happens. I hope to reduce operating pressures but retain the same velocity and increase accuracy at LR.
Fed 210M are also very good but show pressure signs sooner then the CCI.
Test one, test them all if you choose. I put an appropriate primer into a load, and work up. I do not switch primers because I am already starting with a great component.
if you decide to switch primers, start loads from the beginning as a change of primer can push your chamber pressures over the top.
By the way, the best (most accurate) standard primer I have used is the Win LR. I still go match but if had to, would go with the Win and be happy.
Jerry
mysticplayer said:
A small matter on primers.
Jerry, my experience with CCI primers mirrors yours. I find that they show less pressure but I don't belive this to be the case.
I feel that the CCI primers in general are a "harder primer" and due to this are less reliable in showing pressures, the Win and Fed primers seem to be "softer Primers" and will show the familiar pressure signs more readily when inspecting primers for signs. I use the CCI BR4 primer and find similar case head expansion compared to the Fed primer but outwardly the CCI primer shows less "flatening//cratering". This has been my experience. I prefer to use Win and Fed primers for development due to their more sensetive nature, it does not mean that they are the most accurate though.
bigbull
