Yup. Pretty good summary. I don't go for the "MY best is THE best!" school of thought, either. What I've observed is, every brand has it's own very minor idiosyncrasies which make them just a little "different" (but still nearly identical) from/to every other manufacturer out there - and that's a depressingly small number!I use both Federal large and small pistol in 9mm 38/357, 45ACP, 45Colt and 44 Magnum down loaded to 44 Special. No blown or pierced primers, in 45 years of loading rifle/pistol I’ve never had that happen with any brand of primer. Federal has been around decades which would indicate their product is as good as any.
I’ve also never put much stock in, who’s primer is better, either, so take the post for what it’s worth.
I will say some brands work better with Dillions machines, but in todays market that’s a work around.
For nit picking only, the primers are not hard or soft, it is the thickness of the metal used.
Probably an in depth thread on this somewhere.
Someone with lab grade equipment will chime in
Also we used the saying for other things way back when.
Primers will get you through times of no money, better than money will get you through times of no primers.”
But really, let’s keep it to the cup hardness.
You guys know this stuff way better than me, I’m learning.
But I hate the Federal packaging!!!
But through attrition, I’m using my Federal primers first since it’s just plinking loads. Don’t wanna use “good” primers on them.
Not having seen CCI #350 Large Pistol Magnum Primers in what seem like an eternity had me thinking about Federal Large Pistol Magnum Primers. But I hesitated at the remembrance that Federal are softer than CCI. In doing so I missed those for sale as well.
I searched through much material but my question remains.
Are Federal Large Pistol Magnum Primers just as soft as their small primers?
I am unconcerned with their ability to light powder, and am interested in how malleable their cups are.
Are all their cups manufactured the same?
The pistol in question is, most definitely, not lightly sprung. The issue is a breech face imperfection I’d rather work around than move mountains to have redesigned and reworked.
Now for the profound takeaway.
“Primers will get you through times of no money, better than money will get you through times of no primers.”
But really, let’s keep it to the cup hardness.
50AE.What’s the chambering?
Ugh, it did have to be an entire case didn’t it. That’s more than my single dad self can swing right now, but I salivate at it anyway.In stock, but you got to buy 5K at a time and they are a bit pricey (but price includes shipping/hazmat). I've bought a lot of primers from these guys lately. https://www.targetsportsusa.com/cci-large-pistol-magnum-primers-350-case-of-5000-16-p-112179.aspx
But I hate the Federal packaging!!!
But through attrition, I’m using my Federal primers first since it’s just plinking loads. Don’t wanna use “good” primers on them.
I prefer Federal primers over all others also. My next preference after Federal are CCI primers...mostly because they feed more smoothly in my primer loading toolsIf we happened to be in the same neighborhood, I would trade you in a heartbeat. I prefer Federal primers over all others.
In my mind that is a bit pricey for CCI primers. I paid that price for Federal SPP when they had themIn stock, but you got to buy 5K at a time and they are a bit pricey (but price includes shipping/hazmat). I've bought a lot of primers from these guys lately. https://www.targetsportsusa.com/cci-large-pistol-magnum-primers-350-case-of-5000-16-p-112179.aspx
That quantity is what allows them to offer them at that price. I ordered 10k because I believe that primers from Vista are only going to become more scarceUgh, it did have to be an entire case didn’t it.
I prefer Federal primers over all others also. My next preference after Federal are CCI primers...mostly because they feed more smoothly in my primer loading tools
Thanks!Here is part of a email that I sent to CCI (Vista)
Check out Post #8! Is this in depth enough? Smiles,
If you can't describe a process with a treemap chart, then you can't describe the process.Most excellent but I think in needs some graphs , pictures and charts with colored lines and stuff!
Ah...should I read that to mean the size of the packaging isn't what bothers you but that the primers are oriented on their edges?It’s not the primer I hate, it’s how they are packaged.
... Those things rolling around on their side takes as much time to fill the primer tube as it would take me to pump out 30 bullets!
Same, using my index finger I just tap the tray a few times and they right themselves. Smart little buggers they are.Ah...should I read that to mean the size of the packaging isn't what bothers you but that the primers are oriented on their edges?
I've personally never had the issue as I place a primer tray over the primers and invert the whole thing. Lifting the packaging releases the primers into the tray which can then be agitated to orient them anvil side up. Then depending on which priming system you're using, you can fill the tubes easily