SRP vs LRP

[Paulyester]

In my area, primers seem to be in stock pretty regularly, giving me options, which has me thinking what are the best primers for my application.

As of right now I'm only reloading 6.5 Creedmoor in preparation for local PRS and NRL Hunter competitions. Right now I'm using Hornady brass (from factory match ammo) with Federal Gold Match LRP. Is SRP better for my application? I see mostly SRP for competitive shooters, but is that a result of the shortages the past few years and that's all they had available?

Second question, I can get Remington Benchrest primers pretty cheap here, are they good primers? I've used CCI and Federal Match, haven't really noticed a difference, does anyone have some data on the Remington primers?

 

[Dead Eye Dick]

I’m sure there are folks who can chime in on this but this is my two cents

1. it has been said that small rifle primers can increase accuracy over large rifle primers. If so, I am quite sure, the difference has to measured with a micrometer

2. What I know to be fact, is that there is a lot more metal on the head of a cartridge, it is thought that this allows the brass to last longer while withstanding heavy loads. Of course, a lot fo this has to do with proper chamber dimensions as well as how well the reloaders skills at properly sizing brass.

 

[Char'ed Cuterie]

Two additional considerations:

Large rifle primers might perform better in true winter cold than small rifle primers in the context of 6.5 Creedmoor. Yes, some small rifle primers ARE hotter than others, so if you do choose to go barking up that tree, look into stuff like CCI 450 small rifle magnum primers.

Most factory 6.5 Creedmoor rifles have relatively large firing pins and relatively large clearances between the pins and the bolt face. This isn't a problem with a large rifle primer, but it MAY be a problem with a small rifle primer. Not sure what rifles you're shooting these out of, but this can be a factor as well.


In short, if you can get both types of primers without issue and you are happy with your 6.5 Creedmoor large rifle primer brass, it's easy to recommend you stick with large rifle in the context of local PRS and NRL Hunter matches.

 

[hafejd30]

SRP primers can lead to flow into the firing pin hole if not tight enough tolerances. LRP can as well but more of a problem with small primers in the 6.5. We had to bush my buddies savage to run them. Switched to small firing pin bolts on AIs to run the 6.5 with SRP as well

Just an fyi if you switch

 

[Rob01]

There is no reason to go to small rifle primers in the Creedmoor. It works and is very accurate with large rifle primers. You will gain nothing going to small rifle primers.

 

[hafejd30]

It was a cool option when primers were hard to come by and srp were more plentiful for a little bit. Otherwise like stated I saw no reason to switch if lrp works. Just got the added headache of primer flow

 

[Rodney65]

There is no reason to go to small rifle primers in the Creedmoor. It works and is very accurate with large rifle primers. You will gain nothing going to small rifle primers.

Do you feel you would lose anything or it would just make no difference?

 

[Rob01]

Do you feel you would lose anything or it would just make no difference?

If your rifle isn’t set up to use small primers then you are opening up having to “fix” it to be able to use them. No need for them in the cartridge and it gives you no advantage.

 

[Rodney65]

If your rifle isn’t set up to use small primers then you are opening up having to “fix” it to be able to use them. No need for them in the cartridge and it gives you no advantage.

Oh okay. I have different brass that use both and do use both in my rifles. I have never pierced one or really noticed much of a difference but I’m not that astute.

 

[Rob01]

Oh okay. I have different brass that use both and do use both in my rifles. I have never pierced one or really noticed much of a difference but I’m not that astute.

Then the rifle must be set up to use both. I could use both if I wanted to in my rifle but I see no use in using small rifle primers in the cartridge.

 

[Baron23]

@Nik H - yo, Nikki...did you have to get a fatter fire pin...or have it bushed...because you were having some issues with metal from SRPs in 6.5 CM in your AI? I sort of remember this being an issue one year at Mifflin or am I delirious again. lol

 

[Ledzep]

We've done the SRP vs. LRP test several times in a few cartridges and it's gone both ways and tied as to which is better. It seems very circumstantial-- For sure depends on the barrel and load used and maybe even down to the lot of primers used.

On the extreme ends, however, too much primer pretty commonly causes increased ES/SD. Very often too little primer causes hangfires (not audible, but detectable with a P&V barrel), inconsistent ES/SD, and failure to fire or severe hangfires in cold temperatures.

Functionally for match shooting in "match season" where it's usually not below 35-40 degrees you'll probably have a hard time seeing a difference. But you might.

 

[R_A_W]

Large rifle primers might perform better in true winter cold than small rifle primers in the context of 6.5 Creedmoor.

I would image ball powders too? I haven’t tested this, however

 

[Nik H]

@Nik H - yo, Nikki...did you have to get a fatter fire pin...or have it bushed...because you were having some issues with metal from SRPs in 6.5 CM in your AI? I sort of remember this being an issue one year at Mifflin or am I delirious again. lol

I now only shoot Hornady or Berger through the AXMC. The FGMM I was using at Mifflin is only through the AT. It has a factory small firing pin.

No way I would change the AXMC bolt with a bush job. That is a hack.

I will be buying an AXSR to handle it all.