Primer interchangability?

[thefitter]

I'm new to reloading. A guy at the range said that he substitutes all primers with CCI BR primers.

I thought load data was very specific and that all the components are working together and you should not change anything. Or if you do you need to start at the bottom and work back up for safety.

Are primers interchangeable? Will any large rifle primer work in the published load data. Or should you always use the primer published in the spec?

Thanks

 

[Beale338]

Re: Primer interchangability?

You can use whatever primer brand you want but you should always start with a safe load and work your way up. This is not only the safe way to do it but what you are looking for is the best load that your rifle likes. What is published in reloading manuals for one rifle may not work for another. It's called load development.

 

[leadbullet]

Re: Primer interchangability?

you can switch small rifle primers with others of the same size but different brand. For exemple , try the same bullet, powder and brass with winchester then run the same load with CCI and see if there is any gain or loss of accuracy, then try with wolff or rem.
hope this helps.

 

[desertHK]

Re: Primer interchangability?

To some degrees you can interchange primers. But you have to be very careful if you are at the top end of your powder curve. Also, you may see a slight change in accuracy as well. If you have to change the primers, and you are at the top of your powder curve, it's best to drop back a little bit on powder and work up again. Be safe.

 

[MitchAlsup]

Re: Primer interchangability?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: thefitter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are primers interchangeable? Will </div></div>

If the CW is 2.0 gr less than the point of visible pressure on the case: yes
If the CW is 1.0 gr less than the point of visible pressure on the case: maybe
If the CW is near the point of visible pressure on the case: "Danger Will RObinson, Danger"

But (the big BUT):
Even if you can get away (pressure wise) with a change in primer, your accuracy node may change.

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: Primer interchangability?

The only solid anectodotal evidence I have handy:
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2026603

 

[oldreliable45120]

Re: Primer interchangability?

Switching primers is no problem. Reduce a little and look for pressure signs as you go up to your original charge wieght.
NEVER switch rifle primers for pistol primers, ie: sm pistol for sm rifle, lg pistol for lg rifle. The only time it gets confusing is in some magnum pistol rounds. 454 Casull uses sm rifle primers and the 500 Smith uses lg rifle primers. Remember if you arnt sure just ask.

 

[gunsnjeeps]

Re: Primer interchangability?

Magnum primers are magnum primers though. Brand doesn't matter as much when you work up a load but if the load uses a magnum primer, you have to stick with the magnum for the most part. They're hotter for larger shells or spherical powders and have thicker skins.