mechdriver
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Is there any need to use military primers when loading 308 for a semi-auto?
Military primers
- Thread starter mechdriver
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No, maybe. 
Not really, just make sure your primer is seated slightly below level of the case head.
But, I buy the best car insurance I can...and I like CCI #34 primers.
‡ And here's where you put the usual "it's the innernets and don't blame me if you blow yourself up" disclaimer.
Not really, just make sure your primer is seated slightly below level of the case head.
But, I buy the best car insurance I can...and I like CCI #34 primers.
‡ And here's where you put the usual "it's the innernets and don't blame me if you blow yourself up" disclaimer.
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As Tom mentioned, make sure there are no high primers. My limited experience has been that you are more likely to get a slam fire from a high primer than from a floating firing pin igniting one.
I did have a slam fire with a Mini 14 several years ago and determined that it was from a high primer. I corrected the problem with my loading technique and have not had one since. I have been shooting Garands since the 1960's and mini 14's since the 1970's and have never had a slam fire with standard primers that were fully seated.
That being said, I generally load my 223, 308, and 30/06 with CCI Military primers even though it may not be necessary.
I did have a slam fire with a Mini 14 several years ago and determined that it was from a high primer. I corrected the problem with my loading technique and have not had one since. I have been shooting Garands since the 1960's and mini 14's since the 1970's and have never had a slam fire with standard primers that were fully seated.
That being said, I generally load my 223, 308, and 30/06 with CCI Military primers even though it may not be necessary.
Never had issues with slam fires using CCI200 in my M1A or FAL. Been using WLR for my Garand with out issue. Have loaded thousands using the 200s and no issues.
I use whatever is on hand for .223 though..no probs with CCI 400s, but prefer 450s. Hell, used some Rem 6.5s once too..a little flat but no pribs from my ARs.
I use whatever is on hand for .223 though..no probs with CCI 400s, but prefer 450s. Hell, used some Rem 6.5s once too..a little flat but no pribs from my ARs.
reloader762
Boolit Master
I use the CCI #34 as well as Winchester WLR primer in my SKS rifles both are hard enough for use in semi autos with free floating firing pins. If you have a primer in question just take a primed case no powder or bullet and do a bolt drop test to see how large a dimple or lack there of is left on the primer. This is not your normal operating procedure when loading a mil spec rifle as you always let the rds. be stripped from the magazine but if you were to have a high primer it can tell you just what you might expect for primer strike standpoint.
Here is a good article on primers which also has a list of various small and large primer that are suitable for semi auto mil spec rifles.
http://www.sksboards.com/smf/index.php?topic=56422.0
Here is a good article on primers which also has a list of various small and large primer that are suitable for semi auto mil spec rifles.
http://www.sksboards.com/smf/index.php?topic=56422.0
"Semi-Auto" is a little too vague to answer that question. Why you would want to use a "military primer" is that the particular gun has a floating firing pin. The inertia of the firing pin when the bolt slams home would cause the firing pin to strike the primer with some force. If you don't have a floating firing pin, then you absolutely don't need to use military primers. If you do have a floating firing pin - well..... maybe. Like @Tom7 said, "insurance".
I use CCI #41 in my .223/5.56 loads, since all my guns that shoot that round are AR platforms, with floating firing pins.
I use CCI #41 in my .223/5.56 loads, since all my guns that shoot that round are AR platforms, with floating firing pins.
OP
mechdriver
Resolved
Thanks for the link. Interesting article packed with information.