Info for newbies - primers

[243yote]

Well i went from CCI standard small rifle primers to federal gold medal match and then to winchester standard small rifle primers.Because like everyone else, stuff is not readily available. So that is what i had to use. I didn't have anyone to teach me how to reload, so i just have been learning on my own. LEARNING CURVE. Before this I always thought primers were primers. I just makes a bang! But now I have seen the light. We all learn from our misfortunes. So now i can pass this info to my children when they start hunting and reloading.

[Mikecr]

I don't buy into the 'BR' CCIs anymore than 'Extreme' hype powders.
Well, that said, actually I have all of both!

The CCIs are all just like any other CCI, and same with Federals.
I see less potential for CCIs in benchrest(including their 'BR's) because they take a quicker strike to ignite than any other brand. This is why they fail at colder temps(with firing pin lube viscosity change), and also when not seated hard into the pockets, or with the slightest excess in headspacing. I find that they will not be consistant with less than 5thou crush, while Federal GMs, Winchester, and russian all fire fine at 2thou crush(and at most temps).

But primers of every kind produce different results that can easily take you out of tune. They can make things alot better too.
If you have a light pin(like Tubbs titanium), stronger spring, and your bolt rest is perfect, CCIs will fill the bill.
I'm starting with Federal GMs lately, until I feel a need to try others with a load.