Primers - How much of a difference do they make?

[worldreachers]

Starting to reload for my .308. Using 168gr Sierra Match BTHP with IMR 4064 powder to start off. Question is, how much difference will I notice from Match primers vs. standard? Example Federal LG Rifle Standard vs Federal LG Rifle Match.

 

[bdubb]

Maybe some, maybe none.

You'll have to test it yourself to find out what works for you and if any improvement has enough value to you to continue doing it.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Listen to the target!
LG

 

[BuzzBoss915]

Even in a machine rest Universal Receiver, you could not detect any difference between Fed 210 and 210M, if your judgement is determined by group size. As an entry level handloader, this is not a question that would concern you. Way down the road, with sophisticated precision equipment, you might want to get into match primers but right now is a bit premature.

On the other hand, it can't hurt. BB

 

[worldreachers]

thanks for the help.

 

[former naval person]

Changes from make to make can make (!) a difference. Standardize your load at the beginning. If you can get 210 or 210 M get a bunch. Develop a base line, then if you have to change because of availability, you can experiment with what is available. I like the Wolf. Got a bunch of 210. Can't tell much difference at my level of skill.

 

[EddieNFL]

Bdubb and Lumpy nailed it. No one can you it absolutely will or will not make a difference. Jimmy Joe Billy Bob didn't see a change, but his cousin Bubba did.

 

[HodgdonExtreme]

I've tried testing different primers, and I've never been able to shoot the difference. This has been CCI200 vs CCI BR2 vs Fed 210 vs Fed 210M vs Tula.

I have, however, seen a difference between magnum and non magnum.

 

[Recreational Shooter WA]

I've not been able to see any difference in groups size at all between match and standard.

That being said, if you can get a good deal on match primers and they give you some added confidence, go for it. Last time I bought LR primers, a local store was selling CCI match for $60 per 1000. The CCI standard LR were only $40. For me, this made the choice very easy.

 

[rduckwor]

I've not been able to see any difference in groups size at all between match and standard.

That being said, if you can get a good deal on match primers and they give you some added confidence, go for it. Last time I bought LR primers, a local store was selling CCI match for $60 per 1000. The CCI standard LR were only $40. For me, this made the choice very easy.

This^^. When you reach the upper levels of BR shooting, it might be important to you to find Match primers.

 

[diego-ted]

At the novice reloading stage or for hitting steel, or hunting I would say not much. When you start shooting precision unless you know the SD and ES (which primers have a huge affect on) all the diffrence in the world! Ever use a chrony much??

diego

 

[Darkside-Six]

i have seen no difference at all between FGM and FGM match in my 308. Zero.

 

[worldreachers]

Thanks for all the comments. Very helpful feedback.

 

[Pinecone]

I use match primers, because it makes me FEEL better about my loads.

 

[Aimsmall55]

Only thing I've noticed is that the br2's are about 15 fps slower than the Fgm210m. This was done through various loads and different calibers shot through a Oheler 35P... All the data I got from the print outs led me to this conclusion. However , on MOST loads , the BR2 yielded lower ES's

 

[Jungle George]

I've tried testing different primers, and I've never been able to shoot the difference. This has been CCI200 vs CCI BR2 vs Fed 210 vs Fed 210M vs Tula.

I have, however, seen a difference between magnum and non magnum.

This ^^^^^^^been my experience as well.

Cheers,

George

 

[IA Husker]

Shooting with my buddies chrono showed 10-15fps difference but on target showed no noticeable difference with federal primers.

 

[flashhole]

You might not see a difference between regular and match primers in the 308 cartridge but I definately see a difference in my 221 Fireball. What you don't want is to have the primer dislodge the bullet before the powder ignites. There is a fine balance between having enough brisance to uniformly ignite the powder column and the primer ignition pushing the bullet out of the case. You want the powder to do the work. Another variable will be case fill. I'm a fan of slight compression of the powder column to provide a uniform pressure front down the length of the barrel. Ideally you will burn every bit of powder just as the bullet leaves the barrel.

 

[bigedp51]

A picture is worth a thousand words..............

And when Remington ran Lake City Army Ammunition Plant they used Remington primers to light off a whole lot of Winchester ball powder. (and it isn't a magnum primer)

The Rifleman's Journal: Primers - Small Rifle Primer Study

The Rifleman's Journal: Primers - Large Rifle Primer Study

BUT as stated above your target will tell you what it likes, and all you have to do is listen to the 1966 song "Light My Fire" by THE DOORS.

(it was also a good year for gallon jugs of Bali Hai wine)

 

[flashhole]

Nice pics

 

[bigedp51]

Nice pics

Actually this pair of pics are much nicer......................