Primer Question

[Blue]

Is it ok to use #41 in place of WSR or other small rifle primers?

How about #34 in place of WLR or other large rifle primers?

Have an opportunity to load up on them at a great bargain price.

Never used the 41 or 34 and would like to do the right thing.

Thanks,

[Bud Helms]

There are generally speaking 3 different "types" of primers: benchrest, general use (hunting) and military.

They will all substitute for each other in basic function, but are made with certain characteristics that give performance specifically advantageous to their intended use.

If you have been using Winchester primers and have loads worked up, then change to a different primer, back off a little and work back up to where you were.

I believe the CCI #34 and #41 primers are intended for military use. You can google them and find out for your self. Milspec primers are harder, to be resistant to slam fires in military weapons. If your firing pin spring is weak, it sometimes shows up using milspec primers because of this.

All this info can be found in a good reloading manual. You should have several. They are great reading and very educational.

[Unclenick]

The #41 and #34 are basically just military primers that have had the primer cups nickel plated and have not gone through DOD certification. They are magnum primers (the military worries about cold temperature ignition) and if you are using a regular primer, I would back the loads off at least 5% and maybe a full 10% and work them back up carefully.

The harder cups on these primers are for preventing slam fires in semi-autos. Be sure they are seated firmly.

[Blue]

Thanks to all. I would not have been even considering them but for this opportunity that popped up to get them cheap.

I appreciate the information and will be careful when I use them. I have seen them referenced in my manuals but I don't recall seeing any information on their "burn". In my normal loading I go by the book and have had good success. I will treat them as "magnum" primers and adjust accordingly,

Its good to have a place to ask this type of question and to get these quality responses.

[Sport45]

Thanks to all. I would not have been even considering them but for this opportunity that popped up to get them cheap.

If you don't mind my asking, where did you find them?

[Blue]

10 Ring (Houston) has them. (Yesterday - at least) saw them in the store.
Great little shop. Have (had powder too) picked up some 231 and imr 4831.

[firewrench044]

CCI #41 and #34 primers (as stated ubove)are mil. spec. primers,
are magnum primers and do have a harder cup

I have used them,, they work very well !
I use them in all but one load (cup is too hard for my M-1 carbine )
I use them in 30-06, 308, 223, 303, 7.62X54R, 6.5X55, 7.92X57

if your load recipe is for a standard primer, reduce the
amount of powder and rework your load

magnum primers work better than standard primers in
some applications
( better ignition with ball powders, in cold weather, high
presure loads, and with 80% or less case fill will give
more consistant ignition )

harder cup helps prevent slam fires in rifles without a fireing pin spring
( mostly military type rifles- M-1, M-14, AR15, AK47 and others )

[Bud Helms]

Milspec primers are harder, to be resistant to slam fires in military weapons.

The harder cups on these primers are for preventing slam fires in semi-autos.

harder cup helps prevent slam fires in rifles without a fireing pin spring

Interesting, the differences in these three statements. They are all true, to an extent, but I think the last one is the most correct, technically.