Remington 6.5 small rifle primers

[SteveW-II]

Popped into Cabellas, saw that they had some Rem small rifle primers and bought them. Got home and it says on the side of the box 'not for high intensity cartridges like 222, 223' (and stuff). 223 is all that I need small primers for. Took them back. Cabellas won't exchange them because of some 'federal law' in case of tampering. I called BS on that, but they had a note stuck to the desk of the Customer Service desk about it.

So, what can I use these for ? Yeah, Yeah, anything that's small rifle but not high intensity.. What PITA. Buyer beware. If you didn't know, you have to buy Rem 7.5 primers if you want to use them in 223, not 6.5 . I can't imagine what modern rifle would use this 6.5 stuff..

Grizzle Grizzle. Grumble, Grumble. And so on !

 

[steve4102]

They are designed for low pressure rounds like the 22 Hornet.

 

[GrimmLV]

Never had any problems with them in .223...

 

[Rokman]

Sorry to here about your delimma. I don't think anybody will take primers or powder back after you purchase for any reason. I bought H4350 from an online vendor, and they sent me IMR4350. I called them and told them that they made a mistake and they told me since powder can't be returned, they would send me H4350 and just keep the free powder. That happened twice and I got two free pounds of powder. Stick with Rem 7.5 or CCI400 and you should be satisfied.

 

[NCsmitty]

If you use starting load data for the 223, the pressure level will approximate the maximum of the 22 Hornet, and it will be safe to use the # 6 1/2 Rem primers.



NCsmitty

 

[snuffy]

GrimmLV

Never had any problems with them in .223...

----------YET!

It's only a matter of time before you get a pierced primer that emits a hot stream of gas at your bolt face.Ever see a cutting torch? Imagine a tiny one pitting your boltface. Then you can lament that you need a new bolt, but don't cry on Remington's shoulder! They warn people of the softer, thinner cups on the rem. 6-½.

I did, the packaging doesn't always have that warning. I used them in my bushy AR-15, the damage was already done by the time I picked up the first 20 rounds I had just fired. Every one had pierced right next to the firing pin dent. The bolt face looked like it had acne!:banghead:

 

[SteveW-II]

Thanks for all the input. I know it is my own silly fault, but I was just trying to illuminate the difference between Rem 6.5 and 7.5 primers so that someone else didn't make the same mistake. Having purchased just CCI or Win SR primers in the past, I wasn't aware there were different types of small rifle primers except those for magnum loads.

I still contend it's a PITA, but I will get over it..

 

[rbernie]

I use them for starting 223 (aka plinking) loads, and in my 9mm/38 Special range loads.

 

[SteveW-II]

Are small rifle and small pistol primers the same size ? If so, I can use them in my 357 Mag loads. For some reason I thought small rifle pockets were deeper than small pistol. If I can use them in my 357, then I am smiling !

 

[TexasShooter59]

I did the same thing, and at Cabelas even. I have seen a topic on this board or another where a number of posters said they were using them in their .38 Specials. You might search and see for yourself.

 

[snuffy]

Are small rifle and small pistol primers the same size ? If so, I can use them in my 357 Mag loads. For some reason I thought small rifle pockets were deeper than small pistol. If I can use them in my 357, then I am smiling !

Yes they will work for small pistol loads. As always start low and work up to the power level you want. I used some of mine up in Glock 40 S&W loads, couldn't tell the difference.

 

[Idano]

SteveW-II.

The same thing happened to me too, but at small mom and pop gun shop but I ended up with 4,000 primers. Now I have read all the threads and seen all the horror pictures and here is what I have found to be true. The Remington 6.5 will work for any load that calls for a small rife primer like the CCI400, Federal 200, and most Winchester SR loads. The key is keep the pressure below 55,000 psi; most but not all published load data falls around the 52,000 psi mark. I have been using them with 23 gains of DP2200 behind a 55 gr bullet with no issues. I have just run out of DP2200 and I am in the process of switching to X-Terminator and I see no reason the 6.5 would be an issue; I have my ladder built just waiting for the weather to dry out so I can find the right load. Here is the link to the primer data that compares the different primers. My primer of choice is and will always be CCI450 for the AR; it may be an Idaho thing but I have always had excellent success with them. The only reason I ended up with the 6.5's was because of the damn shortage BS.

----------YET!

It's only a matter of time before you get a pierced primer that emits a hot stream of gas at your bolt face.Ever see a cutting torch? Imagine a tiny one pitting your boltface. Then you can lament that you need a new bolt, but don't cry on Remington's shoulder! They warn people of the softer, thinner cups on the rem. 6-½.

Snuffy, if you don't mind sharing what was your load data you were using with the 6.5 primers that blew out on you?

 

[NCsmitty]

Small rifle primers can be used in pistol cases if you use the starting loads for working up. SR have basically the same dimensions as SP.
Large rifle primers shouldn't be used in pistol cases due to being taller than LP primers, and the resulting protrusion of the LR primer can be hazardous in the more shallow pistol primer pocket.



NCsmitty

 

[SteveW-II]

Once again, thanks for the help guys. The only pistol round I load for that takes small primers is my Ruger GP100 357, so I will use the Rem 6.5 primers with that. I don't usually go for full magnum loads with it, so I can use the 6.5's safely rather then taking the (slight) risk of using them in my AR. So, I scored some small pistol primers rather then small rifle..

I did buy some 7.5s while in Cabelas so it's all good. I confess, I was just so relieved to see primers on the shelf that I just bought them, asking for 'small rifle' and the 6.5s were what the assistant handed to me. They didn't have any other small rifle primers (Win, CCI) and this was the first time I purchased Remington primers. You live and learn.

Idano, I feel your frustration. Sounds like you are on top of the situation, so good luck and thanks for the advice.

I think the primer shortage has turned me into a hoarder. I am now planning to buy 2k of primers per month.. Small rifle one month. Large the next, pistol the next, and so on. $65 to $70 per month won't be noticed and might just make sure I don't get caught short like this again. Once CCI come back to the shelves I will standardize on those for everything..