Remington Small pistol primers

kmw1954 · March 13, 2017, 02:25 PM

Looking for feedback on Remington small pistol primers.

I have one pistol that does not like CCI primers. I'm getting very small dimples with them and FTF, never an issue with this gun using Winchester primers.

Unfortunately I'm unable to find any Winchester WSP locally but I have located one shop that has the Remington in stock.

I have no experience with Remington primers which is why I'm asking.

Sevens · March 13, 2017, 02:53 PM

In 25+ years at the bench and loading in high volume over the last decade, it just so happens that I have used nearly every primer offered EXCEPT Remington, so I can't help you with Remington.

I can tell you that CCI is what I have used most over decades and I trust them 100%. If I had a handgun that would not detonate a CCI primer, I would address the handgun and not the primer. The one exception is a well, well known scenario of a highly tuned S&W custom revolver with the lightest possible double action and it simply requires a Federal primer.

kmw1954 · March 13, 2017, 03:31 PM

Thanks, that was helpful!

The only ammunition this gun has a problem with is with CCI primers. Every load, factory or otherwise has all fired in this gun.

reddog81 · March 13, 2017, 04:25 PM

I've always thought CCI and Remington were the hardest, then Winchester and then Federal being the softest. This is based on nothing but what I've read on the internet.

I use CCI or Winchester. i did note that when using a lighten recoil spring in my GP100 the CCI primers wouldn't ignite while Winchestors would work. However this does nothing to help your situation, however my experiences mirror yours.

BigJimP · March 13, 2017, 11:27 PM

Probably about 10 yrs ago I bought 1,000 Rem small pistol primers ....and I had some issues getting them to seat without some distortion / they seemed a little out of round....so I probably discarded close to 10 out of a 100 ...that didn't seat properly...../ and i had at least 10 FTF probably relating to the seating....even though they all looked deep enough....some fired on 2nd strike ...but some did not detonate.

So I discarded the remainder ...and went back to CCI ...with Win as my backup. For what it's worth, I reload and shoot about 25,000 handgun rds a year, almost exclusively with CCI ...and I've never had a misfire ( mostly 9mm )...in a variety of guns.....1911's and Sigs....

I would replace springs in the offending gun....and go back to CCI...vs Rem....

kmw1954 · March 14, 2017, 09:45 PM

So I've had it suggested to use Magnum Small Pistol primers to replacing the springs in the gun. Are the Remington primers really that bad or is it another case of brand loyalty?

This gun functions just fine with all factory ammunition I've put thru it and not a single FTF with any hand loads using Winchester primers.

Seems to me to be more logical to alter the offending primer than to alter an otherwise functioning gun.

MarkGlazer · March 15, 2017, 02:39 AM

I've just finished loading my final 250 rounds of 9mm with Remington and won't go back. I was fortunate to get them during the shortage and used them in practice rounds. The failure rate for my Taurus G2 was moderate, 4-5 rounds per session.

That being said, I really think that it isn't the primer so much as it is the gun and how it works/matches with the primer. What I mean is this, my Tula primers have a higher than normal failure rate when loading for my Canik Stingray and my wifes' CZ 75 P-01. Yet they are virtually flawless when I load rounds for the G2.

I do understand that seating is always a variable. I use a Lee hand press and don't have any issues in that regard.

When it comes to SD/HD rounds, CCI only. I have been loading for about 5 years now, have had exactly 1 failure with a CCI primer during that time.

Be safe.

Jeffm004 · March 15, 2017, 05:33 AM

http://www.cabelas.com/product/SELLI...CK/2002898.uts

You could try these. I like them but I have no soft strike firearms either. I read they are softer than CCI.

kmw1954 · March 15, 2017, 10:48 AM

I agree 100% that there is nothing wrong with these primers other than my 92 doesn't like them. They have worked as supposed to in revolvers and the 9mm XD. Not a single FTF. In the 92 the failure rate is almost 50%.

With this gun I get nice deep, well formed dimples in all the primers that have come out of it accept for the rounds with the CCI primers.

Sevens · March 15, 2017, 03:27 PM

I would caution you against making conclusions about what you visually see in a dent in a primer. When a cartridge goes off properly, the full pressure of the round will fill that primer cup with pressure around the firing pin when all goes off -- and a primer that doesn't go off won't have that appearance.

kmw1954 · March 15, 2017, 03:58 PM

Sevens I can't dispute in any way what you stated. Though the few empty cases I'd found that fired after a double strike the primer strike in both locations still looked lite.

I tried to take a few pictures but my camera won't focus close enough.

So I found some luck this morning with a local shop that does have some Winchester in stock though they are a bit pricey at $40.00 per k. and they are about an hour away.

Jim Watson · March 15, 2017, 04:05 PM

Remington small pistol are not reliable in my Colt. They do all fire - so far - in my SA but indents are ironed out and scraped.
Both guns are fine with CCI, Federal, and WW.

armoredman · March 15, 2017, 09:34 PM

Been using the Remington 1 1/2 SPP in my CZ pistols for some years now. No issues. Have had issues with CCI and Winchester, but not Remington. The only issue I have with Remington primers is the 9 1/2 LRP seat with great force in 7.62x39mm, but they go bang every single time.

kmw1954 · March 16, 2017, 01:29 PM

So I just got back from the range and took the 92 and the XD along with an assortment of loads with both the CCI and WSP primers.

Before leaving for the range I thoroughly cleaned the 92 paying extra attention to the firing pin and channel. This helped some but still had about a 10% FTF with the CCI primers and not a single FTF with the WSP.

The XD shot everything so I do not believe it is a primer seating issue as all rounds were loaded at the same time and an equal amount of both were shot thru each gun.

At this time I have 800 CCI primers left and will load them for use in the XD and look for something else for the 92. Most likely more WSP as all the feedback I've received on the Remington primers is all over the board.

rock185 · March 16, 2017, 02:27 PM

Yea, all over the board, but I have personally used thousands of the Remington #1 1/2 primers over good many years. I discontinued using them a few years ago. In 9MM, I've had them pierce with standard pressure reloads and with Remington factory standard pressure ammo. If it happened in just one gun, I'd say OK, it's just the gun. But I've had it happen in different pistols, by different manufacturers. I suspect the 1 1/2 primers would be fine for use in lower pressure cartridges, .38 Spcl. standard pressure and +P for instance. If I were to use Remington SP primers in future, I would use the #5 1/2. I have used the 5 1/2 in past and the primer cup seems to be a little tougher, with no piercing or other issues. The federal # 200 and CCI #500 also resist pressure much better than the Remington 1 1/2 within my humble experience. I haven't used Winchester SP primers in some time, but recall no issues with those. I've had no misfires with any of these primers in any of my guns. I've also had no issues in using small rifle primers in 9MM, 38 Super and 9X23 Winchester.......ymmv

March 13, 2017, 02:53 PM	#2
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	In 25+ years at the bench and loading in high volume over the last decade, it just so happens that I have used nearly every primer offered EXCEPT Remington, so I can't help you with Remington. I can tell you that CCI is what I have used most over decades and I trust them 100%. If I had a handgun that would not detonate a CCI primer, I would address the handgun and not the primer. The one exception is a well, well known scenario of a highly tuned S&W custom revolver with the lightest possible double action and it simply requires a Federal primer. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

March 15, 2017, 02:39 AM	#7
MarkGlazer Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2013 Location: Atlanta, Ga Posts: 329	I've just finished loading my final 250 rounds of 9mm with Remington and won't go back. I was fortunate to get them during the shortage and used them in practice rounds. The failure rate for my Taurus G2 was moderate, 4-5 rounds per session. That being said, I really think that it isn't the primer so much as it is the gun and how it works/matches with the primer. What I mean is this, my Tula primers have a higher than normal failure rate when loading for my Canik Stingray and my wifes' CZ 75 P-01. Yet they are virtually flawless when I load rounds for the G2. I do understand that seating is always a variable. I use a Lee hand press and don't have any issues in that regard. When it comes to SD/HD rounds, CCI only. I have been loading for about 5 years now, have had exactly 1 failure with a CCI primer during that time. Be safe. __________________ non ministrari sed ministrare

March 15, 2017, 03:27 PM	#10
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	I would caution you against making conclusions about what you visually see in a dent in a primer. When a cartridge goes off properly, the full pressure of the round will fill that primer cup with pressure around the firing pin when all goes off -- and a primer that doesn't go off won't have that appearance. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

March 16, 2017, 02:27 PM	#15
rock185 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2001 Location: Out West in Rim Country Posts: 1,091	Yea, all over the board, but I have personally used thousands of the Remington #1 1/2 primers over good many years. I discontinued using them a few years ago. In 9MM, I've had them pierce with standard pressure reloads and with Remington factory standard pressure ammo. If it happened in just one gun, I'd say OK, it's just the gun. But I've had it happen in different pistols, by different manufacturers. I suspect the 1 1/2 primers would be fine for use in lower pressure cartridges, .38 Spcl. standard pressure and +P for instance. If I were to use Remington SP primers in future, I would use the #5 1/2. I have used the 5 1/2 in past and the primer cup seems to be a little tougher, with no piercing or other issues. The federal # 200 and CCI #500 also resist pressure much better than the Remington 1 1/2 within my humble experience. I haven't used Winchester SP primers in some time, but recall no issues with those. I've had no misfires with any of these primers in any of my guns. I've also had no issues in using small rifle primers in 9MM, 38 Super and 9X23 Winchester.......ymmv __________________ COTEP 640, NRA Life

March 13, 2017, 02:25 PM	#1
kmw1954 Senior Member Join Date: June 11, 2016 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 1,524	Remington Small pistol primers Looking for feedback on Remington small pistol primers. I have one pistol that does not like CCI primers. I'm getting very small dimples with them and FTF, never an issue with this gun using Winchester primers. Unfortunately I'm unable to find any Winchester WSP locally but I have located one shop that has the Remington in stock. I have no experience with Remington primers which is why I'm asking.

March 13, 2017, 03:31 PM	#3
kmw1954 Senior Member Join Date: June 11, 2016 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 1,524	Thanks, that was helpful! The only ammunition this gun has a problem with is with CCI primers. Every load, factory or otherwise has all fired in this gun.

March 13, 2017, 04:25 PM	#4
reddog81 Senior Member Join Date: October 16, 2014 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,634	I've always thought CCI and Remington were the hardest, then Winchester and then Federal being the softest. This is based on nothing but what I've read on the internet. I use CCI or Winchester. i did note that when using a lighten recoil spring in my GP100 the CCI primers wouldn't ignite while Winchestors would work. However this does nothing to help your situation, however my experiences mirror yours.

March 13, 2017, 11:27 PM	#5
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	Probably about 10 yrs ago I bought 1,000 Rem small pistol primers ....and I had some issues getting them to seat without some distortion / they seemed a little out of round....so I probably discarded close to 10 out of a 100 ...that didn't seat properly...../ and i had at least 10 FTF probably relating to the seating....even though they all looked deep enough....some fired on 2nd strike ...but some did not detonate. So I discarded the remainder ...and went back to CCI ...with Win as my backup. For what it's worth, I reload and shoot about 25,000 handgun rds a year, almost exclusively with CCI ...and I've never had a misfire ( mostly 9mm )...in a variety of guns.....1911's and Sigs.... I would replace springs in the offending gun....and go back to CCI...vs Rem....

March 14, 2017, 09:45 PM	#6
kmw1954 Senior Member Join Date: June 11, 2016 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 1,524	So I've had it suggested to use Magnum Small Pistol primers to replacing the springs in the gun. Are the Remington primers really that bad or is it another case of brand loyalty? This gun functions just fine with all factory ammunition I've put thru it and not a single FTF with any hand loads using Winchester primers. Seems to me to be more logical to alter the offending primer than to alter an otherwise functioning gun.

March 15, 2017, 05:33 AM	#8
Jeffm004 Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2013 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 255	http://www.cabelas.com/product/SELLI...CK/2002898.uts You could try these. I like them but I have no soft strike firearms either. I read they are softer than CCI.

March 15, 2017, 10:48 AM	#9
kmw1954 Senior Member Join Date: June 11, 2016 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 1,524	I agree 100% that there is nothing wrong with these primers other than my 92 doesn't like them. They have worked as supposed to in revolvers and the 9mm XD. Not a single FTF. In the 92 the failure rate is almost 50%. With this gun I get nice deep, well formed dimples in all the primers that have come out of it accept for the rounds with the CCI primers.

March 15, 2017, 03:58 PM	#11
kmw1954 Senior Member Join Date: June 11, 2016 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 1,524	Sevens I can't dispute in any way what you stated. Though the few empty cases I'd found that fired after a double strike the primer strike in both locations still looked lite. I tried to take a few pictures but my camera won't focus close enough. So I found some luck this morning with a local shop that does have some Winchester in stock though they are a bit pricey at $40.00 per k. and they are about an hour away.

March 15, 2017, 04:05 PM	#12
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,539	Remington small pistol are not reliable in my Colt. They do all fire - so far - in my SA but indents are ironed out and scraped. Both guns are fine with CCI, Federal, and WW.

March 15, 2017, 09:34 PM	#13
armoredman Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 5,299	Been using the Remington 1 1/2 SPP in my CZ pistols for some years now. No issues. Have had issues with CCI and Winchester, but not Remington. The only issue I have with Remington primers is the 9 1/2 LRP seat with great force in 7.62x39mm, but they go bang every single time.

March 16, 2017, 01:29 PM	#14
kmw1954 Senior Member Join Date: June 11, 2016 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 1,524	So I just got back from the range and took the 92 and the XD along with an assortment of loads with both the CCI and WSP primers. Before leaving for the range I thoroughly cleaned the 92 paying extra attention to the firing pin and channel. This helped some but still had about a 10% FTF with the CCI primers and not a single FTF with the WSP. The XD shot everything so I do not believe it is a primer seating issue as all rounds were loaded at the same time and an equal amount of both were shot thru each gun. At this time I have 800 CCI primers left and will load them for use in the XD and look for something else for the 92. Most likely more WSP as all the feedback I've received on the Remington primers is all over the board.