Fed 205M

[AzDak42]

My collection of once fired FGMM .223 brass has grown to the point that I picked up dies, powder and primers in anticipation of starting to reload for them...

But I've run into a pickle, and would like to find out folks opinion about primer selection for AR shooting. Since I've had good luck with 210M primers for my .243, 7mm-08 and .308, I figured I'd just grab a box of 205M while I was there.

I didn't realize at the time, that they make a harder small rifle primer for AR shooting. I'm now sitting on a 1000 205Ms that I'm not sure if I can/should/will use.

Are the harder AR primers necessary? Is that more of a full auto thing or is it really unsafe to use the 205Ms in a slow firing SDM type AR? (Then again.. maybe it doesn't really matter. Either way, the bolt is popping forward under the same spring pressure and the firing pin is running forward right?)

 

[muleman]

AzDak42,
Can't speak for others but I've put about 600 rounds(223) down range using Fed205s and haven't had a problem.

Scott

 

[Wincheringen]

AR15s have a captured firing pin, they will make a tiny mark, but no where near the force required to set them off. The harder cup is for semi/select with floating pins like the AK/M1/FAL/etc.

 

[C.Smith]

All the ARs that I have played with all have free floating firing pins. But I have used standard primers in mine with out any issues so far. They do make them for a reason. I would try some out and have very good muzzle disapline when loading and see what happens. In fact load a round and then eject it and look at the primer and you will see where the primer was actually struck by the firing pin when loaded.

Corey

 

[SJB358]

All the ARs that I have played with all have free floating firing pins. But I have used standard primers in mine with out any issues so far. They do make them for a reason. I would try some out and have very good muzzle disapline when loading and see what happens. In fact load a round and then eject it and look at the primer and you will see where the primer was actually struck by the firing pin when loaded.

Corey

I am sure standard primers would work fine and I have used them in AR's before without a hitch, for the personal safety aspect, I would rather run the thicker cupped primer and run on the safe side. With extreme heat and high rates of fire, I would feel a little safer. I have seen M4's slam fire in the past, so I guess that is why I would be a little more cautious..