Primers for reloading 5.56

GymB

Picking it up slowly.
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just curious if ya’ll actually pay the premium for CCI #41?

I’ve been happy with S&B primers for Pistol, but have never used their SR primers, or is the equivalent SRM?

Or maybe just use CcI #400 SR primers?

I know, could try them out and see what I like, but I’d rather just buy a bunch at once and be done, and I know that in this group is the combined wisdom earned from countless mistakes to provide solid guidance.

Oh, and ammo will be fired in both bolt guns and AR’s, and maybe with different loads.
 
I have had no problem with CCI small rifle primers


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I've used a bunch of the S&B SRP in .223 with no issues at all. But I only make go-bang ammo. If you're loading precision ammo I can't offer you any feedback.
 
Precision ammo requires precision components assembled very carefully. Sure, you can cut corners but you won't be satisfied with the results.....
 
I have some #41s, I don't use them.
I have used thousands of Winchester Small Rifle with no primer related issues. At one time Black Hills used the WSR not sure if they still do.
 
I use CCI #400 small rifle for bulk and BR4 for precision rounds
 

Ouch!!

Good news is that I sincerely doubt that I am a good enough reloader or shooter to distinguish performance from them. Maybe if I see them below $50/k I’ll put some on the shelf.

The #41 seem to be about $6/k more than #400, and the S&B SR are $9/k less than the #400. Given my past good experience with S&B I think I’ll get a bunch of them and keep an eye out for the BR4s on sale for the bolt guns someday when I think they’ll matter.
 
I run the 41's, the brass is thicker for the AR platform's floating firing pin.
The 400's and Win small rifle primers ding a lot more when the bolt is sent home, thicker primer cups are also a bonus if I've made an overcharge.
 
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I use CCI 41. I don't do high volume shooting, not worried too much about the slightly extra cost.

Bolt action does not require the harder cup.
 
Well, then I found some CCI #41 for .03155 delivered, place called Hi-Tech Ammunition that is hopefully legit, so I bought some of them and I’ll swing by Cabellas tonight on the way home.

Soon to start the search for bullets.
 
Well, then I found some CCI #41 for .03155 delivered, place called Hi-Tech Ammunition that is hopefully legit, so I bought some of them and I’ll swing by Cabellas tonight on the way home.

Soon to start the search for bullets.

What kind?

55gr FMJ? Ask @Butter
 
Ive used cci 400, 450, and 41. I like the 450s the best. Tried some remington 6.5s thst I bought w/o thinking about it, and they worked fine despite being for lower pressure rounds. All my loads thur far were 52gr HPBT and 55gr FMJ with Win748.
 
Ive used cci 400, 450, and 41. I like the 450s the best. Tried some remington 6.5s thst I bought w/o thinking about it, and they worked fine despite being for lower pressure rounds. All my loads thur far were 52gr HPBT and 55gr FMJ with Win748.

So my internet-based understanding is that CCI 41, 450, and BR4 have the same chemical composition and volume, they function the same. 41’s have a tougher shell and BR4 might be more consistent. Anyone have a different understanding?
 
I use CCI 41s in my 6.8. 400s for 223, and the CCI LR for the 308.

So my internet-based understanding is that CCI 41, 450, and BR4 have the same chemical composition and volume, they function the same. 41’s have a tougher shell and BR4 might be more consistent. Anyone have a different understanding?

41s are for the lack of better terms "mil standard". They are equivalent to 450s but a thicker cup. So they will handle higher pressures and allow you to run a bit hotter. Hence why I used them in my 6.8
 
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So my internet-based understanding is that CCI 41, 450, and BR4 have the same chemical composition and volume, they function the same. 41’s have a tougher shell and BR4 might be more consistent. Anyone have a different understanding?

Consistency between the 400s and BR4 in terms of priming compound/mfr process from what I’ve read.

Here’s a long YT video of some different primers and powders in 223:
 
There is also the Federal 205MAR. Small rifle match primer, with harder cup for AR. Good luck finding them, though.
 
just curious if ya’ll actually pay the premium for CCI #41?

I’ve been happy with S&B primers for Pistol, but have never used their SR primers, or is the equivalent SRM?

Or maybe just use CcI #400 SR primers?

I know, could try them out and see what I like, but I’d rather just buy a bunch at once and be done, and I know that in this group is the combined wisdom earned from countless mistakes to provide solid guidance.

Oh, and ammo will be fired in both bolt guns and AR’s, and maybe with different loads.

No I wont pay premium for CCI AR primers. I had nothing but problems with S&B primers for rifle or pistol. All I have used for years in my AR's are WSR primers. No slam fires or duds. Cannot say the same for FGMM primers but they are still my go to match bolt gun primers. I shoot CCI BR primers in two BR guns based on reccos from my gunsmith and other much more experienced shooters. I also am shooting Remington 7&1/2 BR primers in a new BR gun but will probably try CCI BR primers in my next loading. The remington 7&1/2's have a different feel to them in my RCBS Universal priming tool that I do not like.
 
BR4, 205M, CCI41, WSR in that order depending on powder.
 
I have used 10k+ WSR primers in AR’s with no problems. Spend your money on whatever you want though....

Agreed. I went through way more 400s than 450s, and the only diff i noticed was 450s werent as flat..whuch is to say they had more of a rounded edge for same load <shrug>
 
For the record, I should know better than to ask for everyone’s opinion! All are valid, and I appreciate the explanations, but it’s kinda like asking for suggestions for icecream, I just gotta figure out what I like.

For testing I have CCI 400, 450, 41 and BR4, S&B SR, and just a few thousand WSR from an old trade. The S&B are the cheapest so I’ll start with them.

I’m sure that Federal makes a fine product, but who has that much storage space?
Really don’t see Remington on the shelf.
Tula, maybe next time.

Hope to load a few on the single stage this weekend, then get it moved to the progressive later in the month.

Thanks all, will report back in a couple months.
 
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