Primers interchangeable?

[thefitter]

I'm new to reloading. A guy at the range said that he substitutes all primers with CCI BR primers.

I thought load data was very specific and that all the components are working together and you should not change anything. Or if you do you need to start at the bottom and work back up for safety.

Are primers interchangeable? Will any large rifle primer work in the published load data. Or should you always use the primer published in the spec?

Thanks

[mif_slim]

FOr a starter....stick with what the book says.

For me, I use CCI SRP for all my SRP and SPP loads.

[Chief-7700]

Bench Rest primers are built to exact tolerances and more expensive. Run with the published loads to stay on the safe side.

[Ahhnother8]

Are primers interchangeable? Will any large rifle primer work in the published load data. Or should you always use the primer published in the spec?

Thanks

Any primer will work just fine. Velocities will vary and group sizes will change from one primer to another, everything else remaining equal. In very cold temperatures or with very large cartridges, a magnum primer may be necessary to ignite the powder charge. Conversely, a magnum primer can be used in any small cartridge.

[XDRoX]

If all primers were completely interchangeable, then they wouldn't make different primers.

If someone thinks they are, they are an idiot.

If your shooting mouse farts, then sure, a small rifle primer in a 9mm will surely work. It'll probably increase the pressure, therefore velocity, a little.

But if you already loading at the top end and you switch primers something bad could happen.

[thefitter]

... Conversely, a magnum primer can be used in any small cartridge.

????

[thefitter]

If all primers were completely interchangeable, then they wouldn't make different primers.

If someone thinks they are, they are an idiot.

If your shooting mouse farts, then sure, a small rifle primer in a 9mm will surely work. It'll probably increase the pressure, therefore velocity, a little.

But if you already loading at the top end and you switch primers something bad could happen.

This is what I thought. So if I have a published load in the Hodgdon manual that calls for FED 210. I could switch to CCI BR, I just need to start at the low end on the powder range and work up. Right?

[Divernhunter]

I do not sub pistol or rifle for each other. I do sub brands of primers without any problems. I also use mag primers in all my hunting loads and most all other loads. I use reg primers for plinking etc when I have bought them super cheap. I have reloaded since the early 1960's. You can change reg for mag for match etc as well as brand changes and not worry. IF you are loading max then you may want to back off some and then work back up to max. "I" personally have loaded max loads and sub mag primers for reg primers.

[mif_slim]

"primers are not interchanable...they wouldn't make different primers..."

Uh, can someone say "wildcats"?

[XDRoX]

"primers are not interchanable...they wouldn't make different primers..."

Uh, can someone say "wildcats"?

I'm not following you. Are you saying that they make different primers just so people can load wildcats?
Wildcats are loads which there is no known or very little data for. I don't see how primers being interchangeable and wildcats relate
Please elaborate.

When someone uses the term "interchangeable," that means that one can interchange primers, which may not be OK in some instances.

It sounded to me like the OP may be new to reloading. For someone to tell him that primers are interchangeable, is not wise. You must agree with this, right

[Ahhnother8]

This is what I thought. So if I have a published load in the Hodgdon manual that calls for FED 210. I could switch to CCI BR, I just need to start at the low end on the powder range and work up. Right?

Yep.

Actually the pressure/velocity differences between primers are not that great, so back off a little from your regular load and start there. Yes, I have tested this with a variety of primers, while not changing anything else.

I use CCI 450 magnum primers for all my .223 ammo. This is for loads with 55 grain Sierra's to 90 grain Berger's, and shooting 100 to 1000 yards.

[Ahhnother8]

For someone to tell him that primers are interchangeable, is not wise.

Primers ARE interchangeable.

[Divernhunter]

The interchange you want to try is fine. I think you will find little,if any, difference in the way the ammo presorms with benchrest primers vrs reg primers.

[Divernhunter]

The interchange you want to try is fine. I think you will find little,if any, difference in the way the ammo preforms with benchrest primers vrs reg primers.

[XDRoX]

Primers ARE interchangeable.

Apparently are interpretations of "interchangeable" aren't the same.

Any primer will work just fine. Velocities will vary and group sizes will change from one primer to another, everything else remaining equal.

You admit yourself that velocities will vary. Guess what, if velocities are going to vary so will pressure.

If someone is already loading to max pressure, then swapping primers could lead to trouble.

I think what you mean, is that different primers can be used within the same caliber as long as you work up the load. You should say this instead of, "Primers ARE interchangeable."

You guys should take more responsibility in some of the things you post. Reloading isn't rocket science, but you have to be careful.