Primers You Should Not Use With Specific Loads

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KentM

KentM

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I just ran across two primer - load mismatches that I wasn't previously aware of. Perhaps the community might post any other not-so-obvious mis-matches you know about.

- Remington #6 1/2 SR primers are not recommended for .223 or 5.56. They say to use their #7 1/2 Bench Rest SR primers for that caliber. (Small print on the Midsouth and Grafs web sites)

- Remington #5 1/2 SP primers are listed in Midsouth and Grafs as Magnum, but Remington says they are not. The box doesn't say Magnum either. But they do have a heavier cup than their #1 1/2 SP primers. The lighter #1 1/2 are not recommended for heavier loads such as .357 Mag and .40 S&W, while the #5 1/2 can be used in any normal SP application. Either is OK for 9mm. (So why do they make the #1 1/2 if the #5 1/2 is more versatile?)

Any others you know of?
 
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KentM said:
I just ran across two primer - load mismatches that I wasn't previously aware of. Perhaps the community might post any other not-so-obvious mis-matches you know about.

- Remington #6 1/2 SR primers are not recommended for .223 or 5.56. They say to use their #7 1/2 Bench Rest SR primers for that caliber. (Small print on the Midsouth and Grafs web sites)

- Remington #5 1/2 SP primers are listed in Midsouth and Grafs as Magnum, but Remington says they are not. The box doesn't say Magnum either. But they do have a heavier anvil than their #1 1/2 SP primers. The lighter #1 1/2 are not recommended for heavier loads such as .357 Mag and .40 S&W, while the #5 1/2 can be used in any normal SP application. Either is OK for 9mm. (So why do they make the #1 1/2 if the #5 1/2 is more versatile?)

Any others you know of?
Click to expand...
Yes, it has been argued that CCI 400 should not be used in .223 due to the softer primer cup. It is recommended to use harder cupped CCI #41 to prevent slamfire. Whether or not it really matters is the subject of many threads already. If I recall correctly, that recommendation is from CCI.
 
I was ignorant when I used Rem 1 1/2 primers for my .40 S&W loads. Several thousand rounds that I shouldn't have loaded...without issue or incident. I'm down to 9 sleeves of Rem 1 1/2 now, so having seen the warnings now I'll use them for other calibers.
 
peeplwtchr said:
Yes, it has been argued that CCI 400 should not be used in .223 due to the softer primer cup. It is recommended to use harder cupped CCI #41 to prevent slamfire. Whether or not it really matters is the subject of many threads already. If I recall correctly, that recommendation is from CCI.
Click to expand...

Do you (or CCI) really mean all .223, or are you referring to loading for a semi-auto (AR) platform? That is my understanding from the reference to 'slamfire'. Why would there be a problem using CCI 400 in a .223 Rem load intended for a bolt gun? I have both CCI 400 and CCI 41 on hand, and plan on using CCI 41 in 5.56x45 mil-surp cases for 5.56 chambered semi-auto loads (with small base dies), and CCI 400 in CIV .223 Rem cases for a bolt gun (with regular dies).
 
merlynski said:
Do you (or CCI) really mean all .223, or are you referring to loading for a semi-auto (AR) platform? That is my understanding from the reference to 'slamfire'. Why would there be a problem using CCI 400 in a .223 Rem load intended for a bolt gun? I have both CCI 400 and CCI 41 on hand, and plan on using CCI 41 in 5.56x45 mil-surp cases for 5.56 chambered semi-auto loads (with small base dies), and CCI 400 in CIV .223 Rem cases for a bolt gun (with regular dies).
Click to expand...
Ahhh- good point, Semi only.
 
That brings up the question of other CCI SR primers, specifically the BR-4. Is that suitable for ARs, or does it have a soft cup like the #400?
Nothing on the CCI site mentions this one way or the other. After reading the other posts I would tend to avoid them also, but has anyone ever checked with CCI by any chance?
 
KentM said:
That brings up the question of other CCI SR primers, specifically the BR-4. Is that suitable for ARs, or does it have a soft cup like the #400?
Nothing on the CCI site mentions this one way or the other. After reading the other posts I would tend to avoid them also, but has anyone ever checked with CCI by any chance?
Click to expand...

BR4 is harder, it's my go-to for .223 semi if I can find it.
 
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I have found that blue dot wont burn complete in 10mm and 45 colt loads for me with standard primers. Even with Winchester large pistol primers. That are supposed be good for both standard and mag loads. What i did find was that using CCI magnum primers. The blue dot burned well.
 
peeplwtchr said:
Yes, it has been argued that CCI 400 should not be used in .223 due to the softer primer cup. It is recommended to use harder cupped CCI #41 to prevent slamfire. Whether or not it really matters is the subject of many threads already. If I recall correctly, that recommendation is from CCI.
Click to expand...
So far I've no issues with regular SRP in my AR platforms but with that said I do go through the pain in the ass task of uniforming my primer pockets to get the primer a couple thousands lower than flush. It's amazing how much material is removed on some cases.
 
KentM said:
has anyone ever checked with CCI by any chance?
Click to expand...
I have seen recommendations all over the board, all allegedly from different CCI reps. I recently sent them a request to consider publishing more definitive information. I'm puzzled why they refuse to do so, while allowing their reps to offer unofficial conflicting advise. My only guess is CCI want to be able to be flexible in manufacturing in regards to processes, formulas, etc.
 
When I finish with the 3-4K of Rem primers there will be no more on my reloading bench. I have some 61/2's that do not have a warning label, just happened to see someone talking about it. I also have some 1 1/2. To my knowledge Rem is the only mfg. to make primers for a particular application. KISS, I like and will continue to use Win and Fed primers, small pistol means 9mm,.38,.357, .40 it doesn't matter. Small rifle means any caliber that the small rifle primer fits. Rem can take there primers and keep them. I will quit reloading before I buy any.
 
CoalCrackerAl said:
Maybe a slam fire in my 1911. Had a few times it would double tap way to easy. Or i have a very quick trigger finger at times? It does have a short reset.
Click to expand...
my 1st gun would slam fire so much that the RO (my buddies) took it apart and returned it the manufacturer. It was a JA22, from factory, it would double on me. I was 21 and he said “I’m doing you a favor”

edit: was my 2th gun, my 1st was a Glock 23 then a week later the JA22
 
Random 8 said:
Yes, but it was with 1960's LC M2 Ball in an M1 Garand...exactly the ammunition it was "supposed" to shoot. Same rifle, hundreds of rounds of LC and HXP M2, thousands of rounds of handloads (including NOT recommended Federal 210M) and only the one time with M2 Ball. Go figure.
Click to expand...
Slam firing a M1 sounds scary
 
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