Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Which Primers?

I have to replace some standard large rifle primers, so looking for recommendations? I found CCI available but hear good things about Federal 210 primers but can't find them available? What do you suggest for reliable ignition in hunting conditions and accuracy?

CCI

CCI.
Winchesters are available, but be aware there are reports of some batches having problems with leakage and pitting bolt faces.
CCI are fine, consistent, and reliable. All I usually used until I got Wolf during the drought.

+3 on CCI

Thanks, totally aware of the issue with Winchester! CCI is great since it appears I can get them for around 28.00 per 1000.

I use Winchester primers.They did have some problems with them and yes I too had some of those bad primers I purchased a few years ago.I bought a new batch last September and I could tell a big difference.The older primers always felt like they were under size on the outside dia.I had some of them blow out at the edge and quite a few showed signs of soot around the primer pocket.These new ones seat tight like they should and I haven't had any issues with them.I think Winchester has corrected the problem.Winchester is sending me a check for my old ones and they want them back.

The reason I suggest CCI is because I've been using them for over 20 years. In fact, Some of the ones I have are over 25 years old. I've never had a single problem with CCI's and I get excellent accuracy with standard primers (CCI400, CCI450, CCI200, CCI250). No need for bench rest or any other fancy primer as far as I'm concerned. I see it all the time though, the benchrest primers are just not worth the extra coin unless you are actually competing in top bench rest comps. I also ask: Why risk damage to your firearm by using any other brand like Winchester??? I'm not saying I don't shoot centerfire competition either, because I do a little of that too. When I post pics of groups like this, it's with regular ol CCI primers:



I don't just depend on reliable ignition from my primers, I expect it....:

I like Federal's but have zero issues with CCI's. Frankly, I have never noted much of a difference in primers with my big game loads. That said, I am happy to hunt with a consistent 1 1/2" 100 yard rifle. With the 22 Hornet, 32-20, yes primers have mattered IME.

I switched to Tula LRM's about 4 years ago and they have worked well

I like Winchester and Federal primers over CCI. The CCIs have given me less accuracy and velocity in the rifles that I load. YMMV.

You have to test them in your rifles.

I started out using CCI but the last 10-15 years Winchester primers have been more readily available so I have used them. Never had any issues with Winchester primers and I agree they go into the primer pocket more easily. Cases that accept Winchester primers that seem loose are marked for disposal after firing. On the other hand CCI often felt overly tight to the point they made me nervous about the possibility of detonating one while trying to seat a difficult one. I have some CCI primers left over from many years ago, I may try them rather than discarding them.

Over the years I've bought what ever is available for my pistol loading. Rifles petty much federal. Although I have a backup of Cci.
Hasbeen

I use Federal match primers.

Me too but I wish 215s were easier to find.

+1. Got a lifetime supply of 210M's & 215M's fortunately.

In standard large rifle, I shoot a bunch of Sellier and Bellot.
Consistent, reliable and $10 cheaper per 1K than most others.

For magnum loads the Federal 215.

I had a failure to fire in a buddy's 338-378, 102.5gr H1000 with Winchester WLRM primer.
Scorched and discolored the powder and fused some grains together above the flash hole.
It's a new can of powder and a first for me!

Fed 215 fixed that load though.