Primer comparisons?

[Poper]

Has anybody done any primer comparison testing?

I have a decent load for my 6.5x55SM that is not near maximum. I ran short of RP 9-1/2 primers and substituted some MagTech 9-1/2's. What had been running a 130gn Berger at 2550 fps and producing 7/8" to 1-1/4" five round groups blew out to 5" on the small side to 14" on the larger side! Holy Moley!

Are the MT primers really that inconsistent? Or did the primer change the recipe that much?

Poper

 

[verb0s]

I don't load for precision (at least not yet), but due to the shortage of components I've been forced to make alot of my loads with primers not part of the original recipe, and yes, primers do matter.

My high volume/high consumption loads are reduced pistol loads for target shooting, going from a Federal SP primer to Winchester or CCI SP has produced less than satisfactory results, primarily either reduced performance or increased inaccuracy. And i know it's not me or the gun's fault, because I still have a few rounds made with Federal primers and i've done half & half magazine loads of the old vs the new, federal primed shoots dead on, Win/CCI is all over the place.

Only thing that changed is the primer, it must be a primer issue. I heard Federal primers are "hotter" than the others like RP, CCI or Winchester, perhaps a large portion of my ammo's performance is due to a hotter primer?

 

[witchhunter]

I always test for primers just as I do for powder and bullets. Usually start with the bullet I want to shoot, try powders and weights until I am close, then seating depth, finally I will try different primers. Works for me.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I guess I'm the only one so far in this thread who doesn't think changing primer brands would cause a 1" load into a 5" load. I have used CCI, Winchester and Remington primers in rifle loads and I've seen no noticeable difference in accuracy. (out to 200/250 yards)

 

[Hondo 60]

I think we've ALL changed brands because of obamanation.

99% of my loads are not even close to max and I haven't noticed any difference.
Right now I have Win, CCI, Rem & Tula small pistol primers.

The only MAX load I have is for my 44 mag.
And that's just for bragging, not my normal 44 load.

I'd only worry about primer brands at max load.
Then I'd drop it & rework.
Otherwise, I'm just gonna shoot em up.

 

[Schwing]

I guess I'm the only one so far in this thread who doesn't think changing primer brands would cause a 1" load into a 5" load. I have used CCI, Winchester and Remington primers in rifle loads and I've seen no noticeable difference in accuracy. (out to 200/250 yards)

You are not the only one. I have tested the same loads with several different brands with absolutely no difference in accuracy.

 

[Poper]

Thank you for all the responses. They vary across the spectrum with few in agreement.
It appears some experimentation may be in order. Say a low end to mid range powder charge with a record of accuracy. All components identical with the exception of the primers. All loads fired over a chronograph.

I have a slightly used Weatherby Vanguard in .30-06 bedded in a Boyds walnut stock that would be a viable candidate for the experiment..... Hmmm.... Got my self thinking on this one....

Poper

 

[quartermaster]

I have had group sizes change slightly with different primers, but never even close to 3-4". Other variables must be involved

 

[oldreloader]

I guess I'm the only one so far in this thread who doesn't think changing primer brands would cause a 1" load into a 5" load. I have used CCI, Winchester and Remington primers in rifle loads and I've seen no noticeable difference in accuracy. (out to 200/250 yards)

Yep. Once again I agree!