Primer Question

[powerspc]

I'm sure this has been discussed ad nauseam so apologies up front (I did try and search first but there are so many posts it's hard to always find exactly what you're looking for). Other than the "extra care" in the manufacturing process; is there any difference between FED210 and FED210M? In other words, can they be used interchangeably with the same loads, etc. Thanks!

P.s. Same for the FED215 and FED215M?

P.p.s. If the above is true, is anyone actually seeing a marked/measurable difference in the Match primers versus the "standard"?

 

[Tnc]

I’ve always heard there would be a slight difference. However, I recently switched from 210 to 210M and saw zero difference with the magnetospeed

 

[bfglowkey]

Match primers have tighter tolerances ( better QC ) so you can expect more consistent performance lot to lot. Non match may perform exactly the same as match one time then you could see a change in your numbers the next lot ( how big a jump is up for debate ) The name of the game for handloading for LR/Accuracy is consistency so that is why there is a market for the Match line. Expected results.
That's my take anyhow.

 

[clcustom1911]

I know my example is an apples to pears comparison.... Close ish......

When I switched from Remington 9 1/2 to 210M, my velocities dropped, but my ES/SD's got much tighter as did the groups....

Remington primers on left column, 210M right column.... Same brass, same bullet, same powder charge... the only variable changed was the primer.

 

[Gunfighter14e2]

The softer you lite the powder the more consistent the load will be. Some primers don't play will with some powders in some loading, that is why the rabbit hole is so deep.

 

[clcustom1911]

The softer you lite the powder the more consistent the load will be. Some primers don't play will with some powders in some loading, that is why the rabbit hole is so deep.

That makes PERFECT sense. With Reloder 17 (high energy powder) the groups were all over the place with the Remington primers. With the Federal, everything tightened up.

 

[powerspc]

Thanks guys! So, sounds like you will gain consistency/repeatability with the Match grade primers (or at least minimize (maximize?) another variable). As far as safety, no issue, yes? Same formula in both and both can use same load data correct?

 

[clcustom1911]

Thanks guys! So, sounds like you will gain consistency/repeatability with the Match grade primers (or at least minimize (maximize?) another variable). As far as safety, no issue, yes? Same formula in both and both can use same load data correct?

You probably could, but .... Standard safety practice of backing off the charge a bit (like 1 grain), then working back up in .2 to .3 grain increments.

You're playing with explosives.

 

[powerspc]

You probably could, but .... Standard safety practice of backing off the charge a bit (like 1 grain), then working back up in .2 to .3 grain increments.

You're playing with explosives.

Got it, makes sense, thanks again!

 

[EchoDeltaSierra]

From what I've seen, once there is a good base load established, primer, brass, and projectile changes require only minor adjustments of +/- .2 gr to find the sweet spot. I've tested this with Hornady, Nosler, and Lapua brass, CCI BR-2, BR-4, 250, and 450 primers, several different flavors of 140-150 gr 6.5mm projectiles, across three different 6.5CR chambered rifles. It's really interesting to start noticing the predictable patterns that occur with component changes.

 

[Larry Jones]

I have noticed lower ES with the M series primers. Some, not all.

 

[RackOpsTactical]

Generally speaking the QC is much better on the match. However everything depends on the powder to primer combo.

Generally the more consistant the primer the better as with the other components. However depending on the components. Once you start using quality components making small changes will result in diminishing returns. Remember even good chronos have an SD or 3-5. It can be difficult to see small improvements even when they are present.

Generally speaking it is better to use the match primers from the various companies.