Standard or Magnum Primer?

[ArchAngelCD]

When using H335 in the .223/5.56mm which primer should be used, a standard or magnum primer? I've spoken to several reloaders I know and they said they have never used a magnum primer with H335 but, it is a Ball Powder.

Should I switch over to magnum SR primers when loading for my .223 bold action rifle or are standard primers alright? (I'm asking instead of trying because I don't have any SRM primers and will have to find some if I need them) Real world experiance would be appreciated, no guessing please...

 

[4Shooters]

I have used sr primers in the past; worked just fine to ignite H335. I do feel SRM provides a more complete burn when near max charge.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Even when that Max charge is just over 25gr in a small case like the .223?

 

[Grumulkin]

The only way to know is to try both. My most recent magnum vs non magnum primer test was with a 30/06 load using IMR 8208 XBR which is not a ball powder. The magnum primers shrunk the groups by at least 1/2 inch. Another load that showed a clear accuracy advantage for magnum primers is a 357 Herrett load with IMR 4227 which is also not a ball powder.

I have also used magnum vs standard primers in various ball powder loads and can't remember ever having had a measurable accuracy advantage using magnum primers in that scenario.

 

[Walkalong]

I have had better luck with H335 using Fed 205 mag SR primers vs the Fed 200 SR primers. The old silver WSR primer worked pretty well also, but my best groups came with 205's. Fed 205 Match primers were all we used in BR, until the primer shortage after Klinton, then many were forced to use whatever they could get. The silver WSR primers were available so many used them. Some said they worked just as well, and never switched back (due to price) when the Fed match primers were available again.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Anyone else?

 

[NCsmitty]

I've noted this before, when using any ball powder, I use a magnum primer. When loading any powder in cases holding more than 70gr, I use a magnum primer. It keeps it simple. I do have ample supply of a variety of CCI.

I think in this time of some primer shortages, alternatives need consideration.

I see that you live in PA, and it does get cold at times in the winter. That can be detrimental using ball powder and standard primers. I'm not saying that it will be a problem, but others have had issues with lower temps affecting ignition consistency. You can try them to see if it bothers. Maybe you're not going to use the loads in cold weather, I don't know.
Other options can include trying powders other than ball. You've been loading long enough to know that there are several powders that work well in the 223.



NCsmitty

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Other options can include trying powders other than ball. You've been loading long enough to know that there are several powders that work well in the 223.

NCsmitty,
I found a great load using Varget that actually shot a 0.314" group @100 yards. Think is I want to keep the 2 lbs of Varget with that same lot number for my hunting ammo and blow off the H335 I have for practice ammo. I'll have to pick up some SRM primers and give them a try and compare the results with standard primers.

 

[RustyFN]

AA I just load 223 for blasting. I have never tried magnum primers with H335 I have always used standaed SR primers and never had a problem. I have heard that you will get a little better numbers over the chrono with the magnum primers. The loads I make now are more accurate than I am so I don't think I would notice any difference with a magnum primer.

 

[Skip_a_roo]

AA, I use H335's twin sister, BLC-(2) for my 223 range fodder ammo. While it is a ball powder, I use standard small rifle primers with it. Personally, that case & powder combination isn't going to merit a magnum primer. In another case, like one of the 30 caliber somthings may be another story. Yes, I know those type of cases are large primer types, I'm just explaining my thought process.

I say, load them with what you have and let it go at that!