210 vs. 215 primers
- Thread starter Sflutes
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With my 6.5x284 which uses 58gr of Retumbo, my velocity of 2980 using a Fed210 and be matched with Federal 215 by reducing the my powder charge by .5gr(57.5gr), approximately a 1% reduction. Accuracy and ES are very similar between the two with my rifle, but I would test for both with a primer change as this may change depending on the particular barrel/chamber. I'd play it safe and start by reducing the charge by 2%, particularly with faster burn-rate powders which may produce higher chamber pressures with a hotter primer.
HARPERC
Well-Known Member
I've used the 215's in .30-06, 6mm, and .260 with good results.
Highdesertmike
Active Member
They are a "hotter" primer, designed to ignite the larger capacity loads in the magnum cartridges. They will work, just be sure that you work your load up. They can change the burn rate of your powder, so work up and watch for pressure just as you would when changing any component.
rokstockrangtang
Active Member
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They don't change burn rate of the powder, just add a little pressure to a a cartridge that may be near maximum as it is.
Highdesertmike
Active Member
I should have worded that differently. Point is that you could see higher pressures. Thanks
Reduce your powder charge by 5% and work back to your preferred load checking for pressure signs. This has worked for me in reloading for my 7mm-08, 358 win and 9.3x62. I don't own a 30-06 or .243. I learned this from a knowledgeable gentleman who is a reloading instructor at a local gun shop. That said, I still prefer to use primers that are prescribed for a specific application.
I use magnum primers in everything that I reload and not had any problems with them; .270 Winchester, .308, 30-06, 35 Whelen, .358 Winchester, 45-70. I always build up the loads using the primers, never a problem. I did have a FTF with a couple of rifles, it may have been hard anvils, however I changed out the striker springs (to 24lbs.) and eliminated that problem. Both of the rifles that I had problems with were older, and were noted for having problems with weak striker springs
30calyooper
Well-Known Member
Yes, 215M will actually work very well for consistent accuracy with ball powders like W760 and Ramshot Hunter in the '06, and it would not surprise me if it worked well in 243 with the right powder/bullet combo. Just remember that it IS a magnum primer, so if you've got a pet load with any particular powder, you need to re-check it for pressure by starting low and working back up. Same as you would do for any change in brand of primer or brass.
BTW, be especially cautious and very watchful if using any magnum primers with "fast" ball powders like Mil-spec WC844 and WC846, and the quicker stick powders (think 4895 or faster.) The hotter primer can easily create pressure spikes with faster powders that catch you off guard...The consistency of your velocity and accuracy are improving as you slowly increase the powder charge, then all of a sudden velocity goes all over the board and accuracy degrades. It may not be enough pressure to show classic signs like ejector marks on your brass, but that sudden loss of consistency means you've stepped past the practical limit for that combination of components.
Don't be surprised if some of your favorite loads like bullet 'X' with powder 'Y' and 'Z' brass no longer pan out. While the 215M is certainly worthy of the name "Gold Metal Match" it's still a MAGNUM component and that changes everything.
BTW, be especially cautious and very watchful if using any magnum primers with "fast" ball powders like Mil-spec WC844 and WC846, and the quicker stick powders (think 4895 or faster.) The hotter primer can easily create pressure spikes with faster powders that catch you off guard...The consistency of your velocity and accuracy are improving as you slowly increase the powder charge, then all of a sudden velocity goes all over the board and accuracy degrades. It may not be enough pressure to show classic signs like ejector marks on your brass, but that sudden loss of consistency means you've stepped past the practical limit for that combination of components.
Don't be surprised if some of your favorite loads like bullet 'X' with powder 'Y' and 'Z' brass no longer pan out. While the 215M is certainly worthy of the name "Gold Metal Match" it's still a MAGNUM component and that changes everything.
theosmithjr
Well-Known Member
Its POSSIBLE to use a FEDERAL 215, which is a MAGNUM PRIMER in place of a Federal 210, BUT WITH EXTREME CAUTION! The 215 will IGNITE the powder charge COMPLETELY in the CASE, instead of a COMPLETE BURN down the BARREL. SLOWER Burning powders as Hogdon 4831 can be used SAFELY with REDUCED LOADS! ALSO, when doing this YOU'RE BREAKING the RULES OF SAFE HANDLOADING & MUST PROCEED WITH EXTREME CAUTION! MEANING you MUST BE EXTREMELY AWARE or TEMPERATURE WHEN FIRING THESE LOADS! There are NO PROVEN SAFE GUIDELINES or MANUELS to show you MINIMUM to MAXIMUM Charge weights! Therefore its NOT IF AN ACCIDENT HAPPENS, IT'S WHEN IT HAPPENS and IT WILL, YOU have NO ONE to FAULT, BUT YOURSELF! I'd STRONGLY RECOMMEND NOT DOING IT! Theosmithjr
DavidleeCole
Well-Known Member
Very good topic with many meaningful insights to the issues of 210 to 215 primers or any standard to magnum combo. I take the most of this from a perspective of SHTF or the more likely I don't have income any and still have to shoot and reload with what I have. Mabey we should get to together and write a non-conventional loading manual all safe loads with no legal basis. It could be put out as an information guide line only and not as a preferred method of reference. Just thoughts some day may come when we no longer have the components we love or prefer or we may run into the legal means to buy any more.
DavidleeCole
Well-Known Member
Very awesome if I can be an help plz let me know I would very much enjoy such a work.
We're already publishing that book, "Long Range Hunting On Line!"
