Which primer and why?

[DaveA37]

Loading for my 300 Win mag and now the 300 H&H mag has caused me to ponder, which primer is "right" and why I should be using one type versus another. Reloading manuals seem to differ for the same loads.

I've been loading 71 gr of 4350 pushing 165 gr PT's for my 300 Win mag for a number of years, using the Win "WLR" primer with good results. I've also used the same primer for the 180 gr PT's.

So, I've decided to ask the experts, "Do I use WLR or Mag primers and why?" Granted, slower buring powder may demand a hotter primer but how much difference is there between the WLR and the Mag primers?
Where is that imaginary line between the two?

Just curious.

 

[JD338]

DaveA37


I have always used Federal GM215M match grade primers and they have always performed well for me.

JD338

 

[DrMike]

Cold weather calls for magnum primers. In general, ball powders benefit from magnum primers. Long powder columns with charges exceeding 60 grains will benefit form magnum primers. The reason for this is to permit consistent ignition. You can get away with large rifle primers in warmer weather, but the qualifying statement is "get away." There is always a measure of risk of inconsistent ignition in longer powder columns. Whilst it is true that you can use large rifle primers in the short magnum cartridges due to the shorter powder column, none are harmed by the use of magnum primers. Where you are loading for the 300 WM and the 300 H & H, magnum primers are undoubtedly your best choice. JD338 has steered you straight in recommending GM215M primers. However, if they are unavailable, CCI250, or WLRM, or even R9.5M primers can be used with confidence. Remember to work up your load whenever you change components.

 

[Divernhunter]

I use mag primers in all my hunting loads except my 204ruger. I use mag primers in all my pistol loads. One reason for mag primers is I never know what weather the hunting may be in. I also do not have to stock a bunch of different primers and try to remember what one goes in what cartridge(I do write it down) of the 30+ I load for. Only make one primer type for the 50bmg so that is decided for me.
I have used reg primers in fun ammo when it was hard to get mag primers or I get a super deal on reg ones.
Never had any problems using mag primers in any of my loads.

 

[shoots_5]

I know that the load data in the Nosler #6 RG is using Magnum primers in the H&H load data. I don't see a down side to using magnum primers in a magnum cartridge but there are some potential issues for not using one. Just makes more sense to go with the magnums to me. I have been using CCI 250's in mine with no issues. I prefer federals, but that's kind of like finding a gold nugget laying on the sidewalk right now in my area. I can regularly find the CCI's or Remington primers so that's what I use. If it goes bang then I guess it works right? :lol:

 

[spires5d]

I use alot of 4350 powder in my 7Mag and all I use is Mag Primers that I can get my hands on. The only time I use LG.Rifle Primers is when I load for my 30-06 and >308. also I have heard from a friend that by using mag primers,you can gain a few more FPS. I feel this way,If you shoot a mag rifle, then use mag primers.



7Mags Forever!

 

[FOTIS]

Federal GM215M match grade primers

alleviates variables. If the rifle does not shoot with this one then it is problematic. This is my experience, not necessarily yours.

 

[DaveA37]

To all who have responded, I appreciate your comments and recommendations. I'll move to the mag primers and see where that goes.

None-the-less, I still have some questions.

DrMike; You stated, "Cold weather calls for magnum primers."
I have no disagreement with your statement but curosity still has a hold of me.

Is there a chart or scale that defines what is "cold" and what is not cold? For example: Some living in south Texas may think that "cold" is somewhere around 25-30 degrees F but where I live (Northern Wisconsin) "cold" is MINUS 20-30 degrees. Lots of difference in temperature there.

As I stated, using the WLR for years has never failed me and much of my "cold weather" hunting is done in late November (here in Wis.) where the temps run considerably less than 10-15 degrees F.

PS.......In college, some of my profs liked me to ask serious questions and some thought I was a real "pain". Hope your all in the first catagory. :grin:

 

[JD338]

DaveA37

Glad you are asking the questions, there is a lot of shooting and loading experience here and everyone is always happy yo help. I guess that puts us in the "first" category. :wink:

You are right, cold is a relative term. The use of magnum primers in standard 30-06 case size calibers in cold temperatures would relate to sub zero temperatures.
Magnum primers will give more consistent ignition in larger magnum cases.

JD338

 

[1Shot]

I think that Winchester changed their LR primers a few years back. They used to only make one primer and it said on the box something like for regular or Mag use. It was a hot primer because all of Winchesters powders were ball powders. Ball powders really need a hot primer to light. Primers do make a difference in accuracy of a load. I usually change primer brand and type when I run into problems finding the accuracy I want out of a load. I found that CCI 250 mag primers shoot the best group with my pet load of IMR 4350 in my 25-06. Like has been said the Federal mag primers are the hottest primers made. If a Federal mag will not set it off your powder is wet.

 

[Richracer1]

I'm with the others on the use of Fed GM###M primers. Theses are the only primers I use in my rifles.

 

[Elkman]

In my 300Win Mag I have been loading 72gr. of 4350 with 180 Sierra BT for practice and 180 Partition for hunting. Remington cases with CCI Magnum primers. Best three shot groups are around .300 at 100 great elk killer. Been my primary elk rifle since 1970.

That works in my gun may not work in yours!!!!!!!!!!