I have a question and would like some comments on: What are the main differences between Fed 215 and Fed 215Match and Fed 210 and Fed 210 Match primers? Do the match primers burn hotter or just made to a tighter tolerance? I guess I would ask the same for CCI 200 vs BR200. The reason I'm asking is that I'm working up some new loads for a new gun and most of the loads same use Fed 215 primers instead of Fed 215Match. I have quite a few match primers so a little wisdom for you guys would be nice. TIA
Match vs regular primers
- Thread starter Pineman
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RL338
Handloader
- Mar 23, 2017
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My understanding is the Match are produced by the more experience workers.
highoctane
Beginner
- Apr 20, 2018
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What RL338 said.
From my understanding they test each lot and those that have the tightest tolerances are segregated and labeled "Match" and they use the "most experienced" primer makers to achieve this.
From my understanding they test each lot and those that have the tightest tolerances are segregated and labeled "Match" and they use the "most experienced" primer makers to achieve this.
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I agree with the other guys . I've read this numerous times .
I've used both 215 and 215M and never seen a difference in them . I've loaded a few of both and shot them in the same string of fire and didn't see any difference , on the target , or the chronograph .
I've used both 215 and 215M and never seen a difference in them . I've loaded a few of both and shot them in the same string of fire and didn't see any difference , on the target , or the chronograph .
300WSM
Handloader
- Dec 24, 2011
- 1,136
- 730
I used to be employed in the industry and heavily involved with Federal executives. Spent a lot of time talking shop, specs and talking deals. Some in the office and some while enjoying entertainment with refreshments.
Gold Medal Match primers are definitely different.
It isn't a marketing ploy.
Back in the day they also had some Gold Medal 22 LR that was thought of as top of the line by many rimfire competitive shooters.
It too was different. (No longer made)
The manufacturing of the GM primers is more meticulous than other primers. That's not to say the others are lousy but the Gold Medal primers are made with the very best materials and with the most stringent tolerances.
I have seen a difference but not in everything.
You may not see a difference but you might.
Do you have a reason not to use them?
Gold Medal Match primers are definitely different.
It isn't a marketing ploy.
Back in the day they also had some Gold Medal 22 LR that was thought of as top of the line by many rimfire competitive shooters.
It too was different. (No longer made)
The manufacturing of the GM primers is more meticulous than other primers. That's not to say the others are lousy but the Gold Medal primers are made with the very best materials and with the most stringent tolerances.
I have seen a difference but not in everything.
You may not see a difference but you might.
Do you have a reason not to use them?
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here is a write up on the CCI 200 vs the CCI BR2
natchezshootingsupply.com
Comparison: CCI BR2 Primers vs CCI 200 - BR2 Bench Rest Primer Analysis
Discover the unparalleled precision with our in-depth comparison of CCI BR2 Primers vs CCI 200 - BR2 Bench Rest Primer Analysis from Natchez Shooting Supply. Master your shooting with the best
natchezshootingsupply.com
Idaho53
Full Blood American
- Feb 5, 2023
- 127
- 388
I have seen a difference with ES/SD with M vs Standard primers. Honestly, I believe we would only see a measurable different when shooting groups under 1/4 MOA...for super precise shooting. For me, neck tension and seating depth have shown more results on target vs primers grades.
- Thread starter
- #8
Thanks for the replies. Over the past few years I've been able to buy Match primers over standard primers. It just seems most of the reloading manuals use regular and not match primers (maybe because they only had regular primers). What I normally do is to work up a load with each type and see if there is any differences in groups, SD's etc.. I'll report back after my findings on the new load developments.
If your rifle isn’t capable of bench rest rifle groups, it probably isn’t worth the expense. I did a bunch of match prep on brass for a factory 223 varmint gun with a heavy barrel and composite stock. I did not see any difference even off the bench. In a hunting rifle it seems like a total waste. Unless that is all you can find.
300WSM
Handloader
- Dec 24, 2011
- 1,136
- 730
Whatever primer they have available at the time is what they throw in for testing.
Maybe I'm the black sheep but I have no issue using a GM215M in place of any mag primer.
Lastly...
Sometimes people don't have the equipment or simply not good enough to see a difference using a match primer.
The only way you know for yourself is comparison.
All that said I can say this...
I've never seen a non match primer shoot better than a match primer. NEVER.
I've definitely seen match primers shoot better. Not always, but at times I've experienced it.
Again, would any reason prevent you from using match primers?
Idaho53
Full Blood American
- Feb 5, 2023
- 127
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Agreed, only reason I wouldn't use a match primer is because of availability...especially with 215's being so scarce the last couple of years. I do use match grade 210's and 215's....just to eliminate any accuracy variables.
300WSM
Handloader
- Dec 24, 2011
- 1,136
- 730
Yep..
Same same
Charlie-NY
Handloader
- Mar 11, 2005
- 1,448
- 942
An awful lot of competitive benchrest shooters use CCI 450 (non-match) primers in their 6mmBR and 6mmDasher rifles. Just a thought.
300WSM
Handloader
- Dec 24, 2011
- 1,136
- 730
I hear ya...
but...
I know a lot who will only use BR-2 or GM205M ...
Asking them they'll act like their rifle won't even fire without a match primer.
There was a test done awhile back you can see the results but this is the results of the rifles that were used for that test.
www.rifleshootermag.com
Of course weather and guns used can change all the results for someone else trying to do the same test. I got quite a bit of F210M and F215M primers because I bought them in spring of 2020 when they had sales going on. Just a few months later the hoarding started and the stock of primers dried up.
Match-Grade Rifle Primers: Are They Better and Worth the Extra Expense? - RifleShooter
Jospeh von Benedikt conducts a test to see if match-grade primers really make a difference.
www.rifleshootermag.com
wvbuckbuster
Handloader
- Nov 5, 2015
- 2,827
- 2,804
I switched to CCI 450 mag primers in my 6BR when I was still shooting benchrest. Gave just as good of groups and withstood the pressure if you wanted to run it up some. Just me. Dan.
