My unscientific testing (seeing how fast I could blast a pistol bullet with no powder using various primers) showed that WLRM primers were the undisputed hottest ones. PS magazine ran an article a number of years ago where that author concluded the same thing. I think the regular WLR primers are among the hottest non-magnum as well and I [almost] always use them for WW ball powders.
I generally use Rem 9 1/2 for most starting loads as they are mild, smaller in diameter and give good results.
I used Fed 215s for most of my magnum stuff but use WLRM for H870 and simillar powders.
I have no preference for small rifle but use mostly Remington and CCI since Federals are so hard to come by these days.
I really like the CCI BR series as it is stamped on the face of the primer and I can ID them at a glance in loaded ammo!
