Primer Selection for 5.56 Accuracy Load

[elephantrider]

I am working on an AR-15 5.56 accuracy/long ragne load and am curious about the best primer to use. I am currently using Wolf SRM (5.56) primers with TAC powder, LC brass and Nosler 77gr CC bullets. The Wolfs have been reliable so far and accuracy has been acceptable.
My main question is will changing to CCI #41 give any noticable accuracy benefit? Are the differences going to be too small to notice?

 

[BCP]

Re: Primer Selection for 5.56 Accuracy Load

If it's shooting well right now why f*** with it?

 

[elephantrider]

Re: Primer Selection for 5.56 Accuracy Load

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BCP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If it's shooting well right now why f*** with it? </div></div>

True. I understand the "if ain't broke....." perspective, but sometimes my OCD gets the better of me and I can't help but tinker.

Switching primers at this point wouldn't be a huge deal, just some added expense. Definitly not something I would do without some added benefit however. I just wanted to get some opinions.

 

[John L]

Re: Primer Selection for 5.56 Accuracy Load

The Wolf SRM's are about as good as it get's for .223 loads in an AR. I have tried several brands and seem to come back to the Wolf primers, not just in the AR anymore.

 

[Jason280]

Re: Primer Selection for 5.56 Accuracy Load

I agree with the post above. I have tried my goto 77gr SMK load with Wolf, CCI #41s, and CCI BRs with no appreciable change in accuracy or SD. In fact, some of my lowest SD numbers have been with Wolf primers, and I have yet to find a reason to use a different primer. Plus, its hard to justify spending $30/1k for CCI when you can get Wolf for $16/k.

 

[BBJones13]

Re: Primer Selection for 5.56 Accuracy Load

John L and Jason280. Thank you for the info. You just saved me money and more importantly countless hours of tinkering.

 

[elephantrider]

Re: Primer Selection for 5.56 Accuracy Load

Thanks guys, that's the king of feedback I was looking for.

 

[Jason280]

Re: Primer Selection for 5.56 Accuracy Load

If I don't forget when I get home, I'll post some SD numbers from testing I did with Varget an 77gr SMKs using various primers.

 

[elephantrider]

Re: Primer Selection for 5.56 Accuracy Load

Jason, those test results would be awesome. Thx.

 

[Casey Simpson]

Re: Primer Selection for 5.56 Accuracy Load


Find out what primer the Army Marksmanship Unit uses.

Some believe primer performance changes brand to brand from time to time.

Call or email Glenn Zediker and ask him. He's always keeping up with that kinda stuff.

 

[Graham]

Re: Primer Selection for 5.56 Accuracy Load

If your long range/accuracy load is dependent on primer choice, you're a Rockstar!

Seriously, get a bunch of good primers and (because primer choice will affect pressure) adjust your load accordingly.

 

[2clicks]

Re: Primer Selection for 5.56 Accuracy Load

My experience with the CCI #41 in AR's is that they will produce higher velocity about 50fps. I've heard something about them being more like a magnum primer to light off ball powders ???
Just one guys experience.

I liked the #41 primers. I ran out a few years ago and have been using Winchester primers since with excellent results. Had MOA experiences with cci 400 standard small primers & RL15 at 600 with 69 smk's last week too. 2 went high maybe it was the Sierra 2nds, the CCI 400 primers. Most likely, it was just me... 20" AR 1-8 twist RRA barrel.

 

[Hedge]

Re: Primer Selection for 5.56 Accuracy Load

<span style="font-weight: bold">2clicks -</span>

I noticed you said you used CCI400s. I started using them and was running into primer cratering with mild loads. Understand that 'mild' loads in a .204 still run 40k psi. Did some research and found that the 400s have a thin cup compared to say Rem 7 1/2.

Here's an article you might find interesting.
http://www.jamescalhoon.com/primers_and_pressure.php

 

[elephantrider]

Re: Primer Selection for 5.56 Accuracy Load

Graham - I hear you, but like I said before, my OCD gets the better of me.

2clicks - Yes the #41 primer is supposed to be more of a magnum primer. Supposedly the ball powder loads, especially at 5.56 pressure, work better with mag primers. Not sure if it's 100% true, or why that would be, but that's what I've read from a few sources on the errornet.