most consistent small pistol primers

[gofastman]

I'm loading some mouse fart .38spl loads with trail boss. I'm looking for really high accuracy.
At the pressures I'm working with I would imagine primer variances mean a lot more than they would in a magnum load.
I was thinking Federal #100M's, but I hate the big boxes.
Are there any other 'match grade' small pistol primers?

 

[Walkalong]

Not that I am aware of. Try some and see how it affects the ES & SD numbers. It may prefer one primer over the other, but then again, the smallest ES & SD number load may not be the most accurate.

 

[rcmodel]

Maybe a Mag pistol primer would light off a big fluffy charge of Cheereo's better then a Match primer???

Only the Shadow knows!
Without testing.

rc

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I like CCI-500 primers in my .38 Special target ammo. (and most of my handgun ammo too)

 

[BinRat]

I've always had great accuracy in my S&W Model 52 using CCI #500 small pistol primers, 148 gr HBWC, and 2.7 gr Bullseye. That has been my go to Bullseye League load.

 

[bluetopper]

Let us know if you run across any primers that aren't accurate enough.

 

[sbrader]

I'd be interested in what loads you find. I'm just starting to work up some light .38 SPL loads with Trail Boss for my wife. I'm using Missouri Bullet 125 RN Cowboy #17 with Trail Boss and CCI 500 SP primers. We switched to the MBC bullets after having some serious accuracy problems with harder cast bullets. She has yet to shoot any of the new stuff.

 

[rcmodel]

Trail Boss is designed to light off easily at low pressure.

I seriously doubt what primer you use will make one whit of differance.

rc

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Here is 50 shots of trailboss in a python (357 magnum brass) off hand at 15 yrds. I am not sure the primer would matter much but it was a cci 550 magnum primer.

I consider this good enough accuracy.

 

[gamestalker]

Many years ago I I was searching for the answer to that same question. What I though seemed the most consistent was CCI, but who knows now, as that was 30+ years ago. Now days I still use CCI as my primary primer, but not because of cosistency, I just like the way they seat.

 

[gofastman]

I like CCI primers because they are tough, they are the best I have tried for max loads.

I think ill try some #100M's and see how they compare to CCI500's in poth the accuracy and consistancy department.

I have also head good things about WSP primers.

Ugh, I have a lot of shooting to do

 

[murf]

i would think "amount of crimp" the bigger factor.

murf

 

[16in50calNavalRifle]

sbrader, turns out I use the same components for my light 38 special loads (MBC #17, Trail Boss, CCI500s). I've found that a charge of 4.5 - 5 grains of "fluffy Cheerios" (another great rcmodel line) produces a nice soft-recoiling round. I can't speak to accuracy - for me accuracy is generally a practical thing: if I can hit the steel target or the center ring on the cardboard IDPA-style target in the informal shooting events I frequent, it's "accurate".

As I recall the case-fill with these loads is good, which is another benefit. Easy to see you've charged each case as you proceed from charging to bullet seating - and of course impossible to double-charge without rather theatrical spilling of large amounts of Cheerios all over the place.