CCI VS Federal primers

[Garage Dog]

I'm gathering the components to load some 357 mag ammo. My Lymans calls for CCI mag primers. Is it ok to substitute Federal 200 mag primers for the CCI's if I can't get the CCI's?

 

[beeenbag]

I like federal better for small pistol primers. Yes you can swap.

 

[FROGO207]

I find the CCI MAG primers are a bit harder than the Federal MAG ones but otherwise do not seem that different as far as accuracy at the target.

 

[BullfrogKen]

Yes, but I wouldn't go "as hot" with Federals as I would the CCIs. The Federal primer material is a bit softer, which is nice if your gun has a problem setting off the harder CCI primer.

Corollary to that is the Federal primer will fail and pierce before a CCI will. So, stay away from the barnburner loads with it.

Now . . . full disclaimer - I've never had this happen to me . . . but some say that the Federal primer is more sensitive and is more responsible for those primer tubes and trays going off on progressive presses than other, less sensitive brands.

I also know people who use Federal primers exclusively and load many, many thousands of rounds a year, and have for many years, on Dillon progressives without a kaboom.


I hate those huge boxes and trays Federal primers are sold in. I avoid them because of the packaging.

 

[45lcshooter]

I love my CCI primers. I swap primers all the time. In all my manuals its calls for CCI or Winchester primers for my 30-30. But at the time when i started reloading, i was givin Rem 9 1/2's so thats what i started using. But if your using normal primers (not mags or special ones) try out differnt loads with them then you can really find out how you like them. I know i did, for my 30-30 i wont put nothing in but my Rem 9 1/2, i tried CCI and just didnt like it.

 

[Garage Dog]

Thanks for the input, I just ordered 1000 of each!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Oh well, late again lol. Use either without worries.