I know I could google this, but I want to hear what the voices of experience have to say on the topic. I value your opinions more than something I could find some where random on the 'net. So my question today is:

 

If load data suggests a certain large rifle primer type, could you substitute another large rifle primer if you don't have the suggested?

 

Example: load data says to use Winchester Large Rifle Primers, but you don't have any. What you do have is Federal, CCI, etc. Could the WLR be changed out for another primer?

 

 

Yes.

Yes.

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Doesn't work that way for shotshells, though.  Substituting primer brands makes a much bigger difference in published pressure figures.  Ditto for substituting wads, or hulls.    Shotshells are just fussier--you need to dig through more loading data to find something for your your exact mix of components.

 

This wasn't a big deal during happier times when you'd find a load you like, and just keep buying the same components over and over.   It's more of a headache now, when limited component availability requires some flexibility.  

Doesn't work that way for shotshells, though.  Substituting primer brands makes a much bigger difference in published pressure figures.  Ditto for substituting wads, or hulls.    Shotshells are just fussier--you need to dig through more loading data to find something for your your exact mix of components.

 

This wasn't a big deal during happier times when you'd find a load you like, and just keep buying the same components over and over.   It's more of a headache now, when limited component availability requires some flexibility.  

 

 

I've used primer brands interchangeably for shotguns as well.  However, there are 2 caveats to watch out for.  1) 209A primers != 209 primers.   2)European primers are a tad bit larger so if you use those in your reload, the hull won't accommodate American primers as snugly next time around. 

The debate begins with small rifle primers and ar15's.

Just remember that with LRP's some are "hotter" than others, and also come in magnum varieties as well. Magnum primers are hotter. To match load data to get your desired results, try to use the primer listed. Magnum primers are hotter to ensure positive ignition with large cases and big doses of slow-burning powder.

 

 

Large Rifle Primers starting with the "hottest":

FED 215
WLRM
CCI 250
REM 9 1/2M
WLR
FED 210
CCI BR2
CCI 200
REM 9 1/2        ---->  considered the "coolest"

 

In a pinch, you can use magnum primers in place of standard primers, just remember to back down a few grains or so of powder when using max. charges. But don't expect accuracy results as good as your favorite load that you had worked up and developed for your rifle.

 

 

 

 

Shotshell  primers are no different. Some are hotter than others. You will change pressures and patterning results just with the change/substitution of a primer. 

 

Fed 209A -------> "hottest"
CCI 209M
Fiocchi 616

Fiocchi 615
Cheddite 209
W209
Rem 209P
CCI209 ---------> "coolest"

 

Fed 209's and Fed 209A's are not the same. Some folks still have a good supply of the older Fed 209's. There are now Rem 209 STS primers that are slightly warmer than their standard 209P. I try to keep things as simple as I can. (Although I still have Rem #57 & #97 primers laying around for certain hulls, which can be confusing.)

If you are going to employ best practice...You should always start with the published starting load.

 

If you start with the starting load data in rifle /pistol loads, I don't see primer brand being an issue.

 

Shotgun I don't know about but that has been my experience with rifle/pistol.

 

Of course don't use magnum instead of standard.

If you are going to employ best practice...You should always start with the published starting load.

 

If you start with the starting load data in rifle /pistol loads, I don't see primer brand being an issue.

 

Shotgun I don't know about but that has been my experience with rifle/pistol.

 

Of course don't use magnum instead of standard.

This has also been my experience. Maybe not the starting load but well below max. I have used CCI primers almost exclusively for about 40 years. I never reloaded shotgun ammo.