Primer Selection

[steverjo]

I am new to reloading and have a question about primers.....

If the manual or other specs call for a specific primer and powder combination that calls for Winchester Small Pistol, would it be ok to substitute CCI Small Pistol?

 

[joneb]

Please share more details, cartridge, bullet and weight, powder, type of gun and your data source.
If you are working up from the starting load it shouldn't be a problem, the exact bullet and COAL are more important details than the brand of small pistol primer. It is wise to consult two or more manuals.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

For the most part Winchester, CCI, Remington, Federal and even MagTech and Wolf primers are just about the same. Some are a little hotter than others but as long as you're not pushing the upper limits of a load there should be no problem.

 

[shameless]

I use CCI, and have never had a problem. I load alot of .45acp and
9mm, and have found them to be better than Winchester, or federal,
for me.

 

[Steve C]

It is seldom you can produce load using the exact componets in your loading manual. This is the main reasons you work loads up because of the variation in components. Primers do make a difference but if you begin your load development with a 10% reduction from the maximum load or at listed start load and work up properly you will be safe though you may find that pressure signs develop before you get to the max load listed with specific primer, case and bullet selection in the maual or you may find the load at the maximum listed is a little slower than what the manual says.

As long as the primer is of the correct size to fit the case you can load with it. It is also genrally adviseable to use the type of primer recommended (ie. standard or magnum).

 

[Lawguns]

Having done some research on the wolf Primers, Weidners claimes and I quote "Wolf Small Rifle Magnum primers have the same power as regular Wolf Small Rifle primers, but the cup is a little thicker and less sensitive."

This maked it better for AR-15's and other semi autos with a floating firing pin.

http://www.wideners.com/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=7283&dir=278|284|737

I thought it was nice because they had pleanty in stock and the price $17.40 / 1000 was not bad.

WWW.Law-Guns.com

 

[rfwobbly]

If the manual or other specs call for a specific primer and powder combination that calls for Winchester Small Pistol, would it be ok to substitute CCI Small Pistol?

Yes. It is generally considered that of all the components, the primer makes the least difference when working up general use loads. So if your book suggests Brand X, you can generally substitute Brand Y. Where primer choice starts to make a difference is with loads that approach the maximum pressure limits.

A lot of books record a particular primer because you may wish to replicate their exact load, which can only truly happen using their "test barrel". Other books record a particular primer because they are part of the same company and want to sell primers. For instance, the Speer manual always recommends CCI primers. These 2 reasons are why you ALWAYS start at the minimum load with your particular mixture of components and work up.

Not knowing any particulars, that is all anyone can tell you.