The Prime(r) Directive

Big Caliber · October 20, 2007, 11:42 PM

My shootin' partner & I have been working up test loads for a pair of .308 "tactical" Savages. I've always used Winchester WLR's with great success. We wondered if anybody out there ever had a pet rifle load and changed only the brand of primer used. I once tried some CCI BR2 benchrest primers but noticed no change in target pattern. My buddy wants to try Federal primers with his recipes. Do you suppose we'll see much of a difference? We test at 100yds. but want to push out to 300-600+yds.

Shoney · October 21, 2007, 01:17 PM

Over the years, I have experience changes in load performance with changes in primer brand in several different weapons I have loaded. I have also had many load/weapon combinations that had no effect by changing primer brands, It seems to be the old rule, Each weapon is an entity unto itself.

hhrgprez · October 21, 2007, 01:49 PM

Don't forget to go back to starting load data! Especially if you are close to maximun charge!!

Linear Thinker · October 21, 2007, 10:02 PM

My rule of thumb - Win LRPs are equivalent to Fed 215s. So, if your partner switches to Fed 210s, there may be a slight decrease in velocity. You won't see it at 100 yards, but probably will at 600. Definitely at 900, when .308 turns subsonic.

Usual precautions apply - if you want consistency, you must eliminate the variables. One rifle, one bullet, one brass make, sorted by weight, trimmed to same length, one primer type, one powder charge, one lot of powder, one COL, one crimp type.
LT

Big Caliber · October 22, 2007, 08:16 PM

All are very valid points. I'll mention the velocity change to my friend. He'll probably want to chrony the loads. I rarely do max loads, but always start over with any component change.

Wildalaska · October 22, 2007, 08:26 PM

http://www.castingstuff.com/primer_t..._reference.htm

Just google primer brisance

WildsparkysparkyAlaska ™

October 20, 2007, 11:42 PM	#1
Big Caliber Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2006 Location: S. CA Posts: 421	The Prime(r) Directive My shootin' partner & I have been working up test loads for a pair of .308 "tactical" Savages. I've always used Winchester WLR's with great success. We wondered if anybody out there ever had a pet rifle load and changed only the brand of primer used. I once tried some CCI BR2 benchrest primers but noticed no change in target pattern. My buddy wants to try Federal primers with his recipes. Do you suppose we'll see much of a difference? We test at 100yds. but want to push out to 300-600+yds.

October 21, 2007, 01:17 PM	#2
Shoney Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2002 Location: Transplanted from Montana Posts: 2,311	Over the years, I have experience changes in load performance with changes in primer brand in several different weapons I have loaded. I have also had many load/weapon combinations that had no effect by changing primer brands, It seems to be the old rule, Each weapon is an entity unto itself. __________________ I pledge allegiance to the Flag - - -, and to the Republic for which it stands….Our Forefathers were brilliant for giving us a Republic, not a democracy! Do you know the difference??? and WHY?http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissue...les.asp?id=111

October 21, 2007, 01:49 PM	#3
hhrgprez Member Join Date: November 17, 2006 Posts: 18	primer change Don't forget to go back to starting load data! Especially if you are close to maximun charge!!

October 21, 2007, 10:02 PM	#4
Linear Thinker Senior Member Join Date: February 10, 2007 Location: Blue State, NE US Posts: 202	My rule of thumb - Win LRPs are equivalent to Fed 215s. So, if your partner switches to Fed 210s, there may be a slight decrease in velocity. You won't see it at 100 yards, but probably will at 600. Definitely at 900, when .308 turns subsonic. Usual precautions apply - if you want consistency, you must eliminate the variables. One rifle, one bullet, one brass make, sorted by weight, trimmed to same length, one primer type, one powder charge, one lot of powder, one COL, one crimp type. LT

October 22, 2007, 08:16 PM	#5
Big Caliber Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2006 Location: S. CA Posts: 421	All are very valid points. I'll mention the velocity change to my friend. He'll probably want to chrony the loads. I rarely do max loads, but always start over with any component change.

October 22, 2007, 08:26 PM	#6
Wildalaska Junior member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: In my own little weird world in Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 14,172	http://www.castingstuff.com/primer_t..._reference.htm Just google primer brisance WildsparkysparkyAlaska ™