Primers, for non magnum rifles......use any brand????

You might find a brand slightly more accurate, or not. I wouldn't mess with it until your below 1 MOA, trying to get below 0.5 MOA.

I started with CCI's but during 2008 shortage Winchester was all I could find. I never was able to notice any difference and my loads have met my accuracy requirements so I've stuck with Winchester. I might be get a little better accuracy with something else, but I doubt if I can shoot well enough to notice.

Dont mess with primers unless your willing to do full load work ups again. May end up better may not. New primer might work better with a different powder. For hunting your not really going to benifit

The only way to know is test. I did just that for my 6.5 CM. I tested CCI BR-4, Rem 7.5, Fed 205MAR. The Fed 205MAR gave me the tighter group and low single digits SD. So I use them when I want the best. I do use Rem 7.5 for my general practice ammo.

98s1lightning said:

Like the BR-2 benchrest primers, should I give them a try?

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If you don't mind paying a premium to for it. The CCI BR primers are very reliable. I like CCI and Winchester rifle primers.

98s1lightning said:

I have generally used Winchester Large Rifle Primers for hunting loads in my rifles.

Am I leaving any accuracy potential on the table by not trying other primers?

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I doubt you're benefit much from experimenting with different primers in hunting loads. But just out of curiosity, where you live, do you really have options right now as to which type/brand of primers to buy? Or are you just planning for the future when different types/brands of primers become available again?

98s1lightning said:

I have generally used Winchester Large Rifle Primers for hunting loads in my rifles.

Am I leaving any accuracy potential on the table by not trying other primers? For example I shoot one bolt action with a scope, should I be trying the "match primers"????

I have not experimented with "better" or worse primers and am concerned I may be missing on out on some performance.

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The only way you’ll know is to test for yourself. As posted you’ll need to cover some ground on each side of your current charge as a change of primers can move the node slightly or more aggressive depending on primer.
IME of course

https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/ammunition_st_mamotaip_200909/100079

Ball powder= Mag primers. Starting loads to midrange may benifit from mags. Cold weather=Mag primers.

It really comes down to "What cartridge ?"

Blue68f100 said:

The only way to know is test. I did just that for my 6.5 CM. I tested CCI BR-4, Rem 7.5, Fed 205MAR. The Fed 205MAR gave me the tighter group and low single digits SD. So I use them when I want the best. I do use Rem 7.5 for my general practice ammo.

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I enjoy discussing this types of test, also agree with your assessment.I tested my base load awhile back using all these primer learning that they all shot just a bit different from the other with a couple that really proved out at longer distance where another fell apart leaving me to assess that I could build around most any primer although one will ultimately prevail.

As a general principle, I've found Winchester or other brand Magnum primers to produce better accuracy with slower burning powders, but even there it's usually splitting hairs. This is absolutely not a universal trend. If a load calls for 4350 or slower, that is where I start. That being said, the primer is my last consideration, especially now when I only have 2 types and replacement anytime in the near future looks unlikely. If a load shows less than acceptable accuracy, I may try a switch, but will generally try another bullet, powder, or seating depth first.

I’d not expect changes that an average shooter could even detect, even off a bench. Just how much could a primer add/subtract to the pressure curve of a case full of powder.

whughett said:

I’d not expect changes that an average shooter could even detect, even off a bench. Just how much could a primer add/subtract to the pressure curve of a case full of powder.

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The big change comes if your not getting good ignition. In cold weather or ball powders. If your in that situation the change can be dramatic. In the other case where your tuning you likely will only see a small if any change

I shoot at 100-200YDS. When working up loads in several different rifles off sand bags I could not see enough difference worry over. I did however find that different types or brands of bullet made a much larger difference. For now I have stopped experimenting until supplies are on the shelves again.

I have seen little difference in primers when you are talking about the average hunter under 300 yards. For my hunting I wouldn't care if my handloads had 3 different brands of primers. They don't, but I wouldn't worry about it. If a guy or gal is shooting benchrest a primer can make all of the difference between a medal or a sad scorecard.

If I were going for accuracy the first thing I'd try is different bullets. Powder next. Primers last.

FROGO207 said:

I shoot at 100-200YDS. When working up loads in several different rifles off sand bags I could not see enough difference worry over. I did however find that different types or brands of bullet made a much larger difference. For now I have stopped experimenting until supplies are on the shelves again.

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I am doing the same.
I saw this coming. So I have multiple brands of LR primers.
I choose a primer for each chambering based off the power I'm running.
I've been surprised by Fiocchi primers in my 30-30. I average moa groups when pairing it with Leverevolution and a 150 RN.