Standard Primers...Bench Rest Primers

Bluedog

Bluedog

New member
What kind of difference can I expect when going from a standard large rifle primer(CCI) to a Bench Rest primer(CCI)? I loaded up some 22-250 loads, with the same powder/bullet combination that has worked excellent for me in the past, but instead of the standard primer I went with the bench rest primer. Can any one tell me what differences I will notice with this new combination? Thanks
 
The only real difference that I know of is in how they're manufacturered. The BRs are run through the factory at a slower rate and only people who've proven to be consistent in the priming process work that line, which should improve consistency and lower ES and SD just a bit. I could be mistaken, but I'm pretty sure the BRs are the same in other respects.
 
Bluedog, I have both and have never been able to see any difference in accuracy. Good benchrest shooters with very accurate rifles could possibly see a difference? The BR stuff is manufactured at a slower pace and a little more quality control is used, thats why they cost a little more than standard primers.
 
You'll see a big difference on a chronograph (SD) more than anywhere else, unless you have a really accurate rifle.
 
I now use CCI BR-4's when loading my .223 NEF. I have used other small rifle primers and found a slight difference in some of them with the POI (point of impact). I now tell people that I use primers that have my own monogram stamped on them. ("B" for "Bill")...LOL....At Gander Mountain, standard CCI small rifle rimers are $2, BR-4's are $3. A small price to pay when seeking perfection.
My .223 NEF handloads shoot very accurately.
 
Hi Bill,

Have you checked out the Sportsmans Warehouse at Moorland and Beloit. I stopped in and they have lots of stuff that Gander doesn't carry and some of the stuff is cheaper. I even picked up a Tally-Ho and may get out this weekend and try it out.
I picked up some FGM SRP when I was there.
I had several Rem. 7 1/2 missfire during matches this year and will not be buying anymore of them.
 
tcusparky,
If you had several misfires you need to look for the cause. It is very unlikely that it was bad primers. Anything is possible but bad primers from the major makers just don't happen except for some extremely rare freak thing.

The most likely causes of misfires are: resizing brass too far, not enough firing pin protrusion, a gunk buildup in the bolt(this really shows up in cold weather), not having the bolt completely closed, and contaminated primers.

I have been reloading for 45 years, many times shooting over 10,000 rounds a year and have never had a misfire with a centerfire round. Not one ever, except when I loaded a 221 round in a 223, but that is expected.

Jack
 
I found a slight reduction in group size in my .22-250 (like 1/8th inch or so) with fewer flyers. Enough that I use BR-2's exclusively in that round and also in my .243 coyote loads (not that it's really necessary there).

Jack, you must have a lot less greasy fingers than me, I've had about 1-2 dud pistol primers, 3 dud rifle primers long ago when I first started loading ('77 or so, almost certainly due to having sizing lube residue on my fingers while poking around at primers), and one dud Federal rifle primer a few years ago that I can't easily explain. Hmmm.
 
I recentally had a friend who is a benchrest shooter tell me that the latest trend by a lot of the benchresters is to use the standard Winchester large and small rifle primers. Nothing fancy or special. If it works for them, who are trying to eek out the last hundredth of an inch, what am I going to argue about? I think that there are other things you can do that have a greater effect on accuracy than primers.
 
Hey Mike..thanks for the tip about Sportsmans Warehouse. I have been meaning to stop in and check it out. I was out for yotes this am..but nothing. It was a beautiful morning to be out. Will try again early this evening. Good luck to you with that new caller. Give me a call soon. We need to get out together for some yote hunting...Bill.
 
I used to use several different primers. Match primers for competition, magnum primers for large cases, etc. About 10 years ago I started using only regular Winchester primers for everything. I haven't seen any accuracy loss or increase in extreme spread of the velocity. Sure simplifies stocking too.

Jack
 
I haven't had good luck with the Winchester Primers...they seem to seat too easily for my liking. I prime by feel, and the CCI primers really seem to seat well, while the W's have little to no pressure on the prime stroke.

I did some shooting with the rounds that I had loaded for my 22-250 today, and it was really shooting well. It was the same load as far as powder, bullet, and brass...but I did use the CCI BR primers. I really liked the way it was shooting, and I think I'll stick with it! Thanks for all the input!
 


Write your reply...
Back
Top