Alternatives to CCI #34 primers?

[edSky]

Are there any safe alternatives (that are also available anywhere) for CCI #34 primers? I want to start reloading for my M1A but everyone I know of is out of stock.

 

[USSR]

edSky,

Myself and many others use the Winchester WLR primers in autoloaders without problems. Under no circumstances use the Federal 210's.

Don

 

[30Cal]

I've burned ~8k WLR primers and about 4k Rem 9 1/2's through my M1A.

I uniform and clean my primer pockets and ensure each one is seated below flush. I also use a gage to set my resizing die.

 

[seagull]

Cci #200 ???

Will CCI #200 work ok for my M1A?

 

[edSky]

I've burned ~8k WLR primers and about 4k Rem 9 1/2's through my M1A.

I uniform and clean my primer pockets and ensure each one is seated below flush. I also use a gage to set my resizing die.

By a gage, do you mean something like the RCBS Precision Mic 308 Winchester? Or a cartridge headspace gage like L.E. Wilson Cartridge Headspace Gage 308 Winchester?

 

[rcmodel]

I have used nothing but CCI standard primers in several .223 auto-loaders since about 1970 with no problems.

The worst thing you can do is use the press mounted primer-arm to seat any type of primer for a self-stuffer.

If you smash them in, they are much more likely to go bang from a free-floating firing pin ding.

I prime exclusively with an RCBS hand priming tool, and the most excellent feel allows you to seat them "Just Right" without smashing a tight one.

rc

 

[45ACPUSER]

I have used a lot WLR, and Fed 210M in both the Garand and M1A.

 

[30Cal]

By a gage, do you mean something like the RCBS Precision Mic 308 Winchester? Or a cartridge headspace gage like L.E. Wilson Cartridge Headspace Gage 308 Winchester?

Yes. I actually prefer the Hornady case comparitor (I have the other two you mentioned as well). If I was loading for more than one rifle, I'd just go by the Wilson-type gage and set the shoulder to the minimum.

 

[edSky]

Thanks. I almost said I'll just be loading for one, but it's hard not to want more.

 

[Mark whiz]

I live by my RCBS Precision Mic to monitor headspacing when loading for my M1A. And as others have said, make SURE your primers are seated a tad below the level of the case head. If you do this, a slam-fire is about 99.99999% eliminated.

I've used the #34s, WLRs, and the Fed GMM primers and never had an issue with any of them.