CCI and Winchester SSP, any difference?

[Lennyjoe]

The last thousand rounds that I loaded for .40 cal had 180 grain X-treme bullets, Winchester primers and 7.1 gr of Longshot which shot very well with no pressure or feed issues.

I've since ran out of Winchester primers and now have CCI primers. Conventional wisdom tells me to start a new series of tests with this combo and CCI primers. But, my question is, will I really see much difference between the Winchester and CCI primers using the same powder/bullet load listed above?

What say you? Have you seen much difference between brands?

 

[TwoEyedJack]

With SPP, I mix and match between CCI, WIN, REM, and FED in my .357 and cannot honestly tell any difference. Unless you are trying to light off compressed loads of H110/Win296, you should be OK.

 

[LiveLife]

For my mid-to-high range load data target loads in 9mm/40S&W/45ACP, I have used CCI, Winchester, Magtech, PMC NT, Wolf and Tula primers with various powders and couldn't tell much difference on targets other than some primers required a bit more powder charge to be comparable to others (like PMC NT required .1-.2 gr more W231/HP-38 compared to CCI/Winchester while Magtech/Wolf/Tula were comparable in performance).

BTW, X-Treme plated bullets have thicker copper plating than regular Berry's plated bullets and I have used jacketed load data with good results.

With 7.1 gr, you are not at max load data for Berry's plated load data. I would substitute the primers and shoot if using 1.125" or longer OAL but you could always do a powder work up if you are concerned.

Hodgdon load data

180 gr Berry's FP Longshot .400" OAL 1.125" Start 6.3 gr (1013 fps) 26,200 PSI - Max 7.5 gr (1150 fps) 33,400 PSI

180 gr Hornady XTP Longshot .400" OAL 1.125" Start 6.5 gr (1009 fps) 25,000 PSI - Max 8.0 gr (1159 fps) 32,300 PSI

 

[gamestalker]

In my opinion, no. I use mostly CCI's, but from time to time I have used Winchester with the same powder work up, and the only difference I see is how they seat. Outside of that nothing seems to change, regarding pressure signs.

GS

 

[Lennyjoe]

The 7.1 grain shot best in my pistols and stayed right there. I did go up to 7.4 but didn't see any improvement other than a little more recoil so I stayed with 7.1. My Lee auto disc and a .61 meters between 7.1 and 7.2 so that's how I have it set up for range loads.

 

[LiveLife]

You can always load 10 rounds of CCI and Winchester primer loads and see if you can tell the difference. If the target can't tell the difference, shoot away!

I've since ran out of Winchester primers and now have CCI primers.

Oops, I spoke too soon!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Like above I use mostly CCI primers but over the past 5 years or so I've been using a good amount of Winchester primers too. Since your powder charge is not up neat the top of the pressure range you will be fine but common wisdom is, if you change any component you should rework your loads.

Considering Hodgdon lists a top charge of 7.5gr with a 180gr Berry's bullet and 8.0gr with a 180gr XTP bullet I'm sure your charge of 7.1gr Longshot will be safe without changing anything other than the primer.

Don't forget the range report when you get out to shoot them.

 

[VI-Shooter]

I cannot imagine you experience any appreciable difference, even if you chrono them. Load, shoot and enjoy!