J. Yuma
Single-Sixer
I read somewhere that Federal primers are "softer," and could help with "light strikes."
Any thoughts?
Any thoughts?
Federal primers
- Thread starter J. Yuma
- Start date
I’d say that’s true, with CCI being the hardest
It's true.
OP
J. Yuma
Single-Sixer
appreciate both of you replying
needsmostuff
Blackhawk
Best help for light strikes, better springs.
So they say. I haven't used Federal primers so no actual experience.
Yes they are softer, I compete USPSA and ICORE and Cowboy Action shooting. Using Federal primers allows you to use lighter springs for a lighter trigger. Example, a stock S&W revolver may have a 12lb trigger pull in double action, a trigger job and lighter springs can bring it down to 6lbs or less.
Yes, Federal primers are softer. I use them in most of my pistol/revolver reloads.
Almost all of these rely on lighter springs. I had to relegate over 1,000 primers to Plinking/Non Carry Duty!!! I specd outta 50% stronger stiker spring for my Max9 from Wolfe. I'll probably be doing the same for all my striker guns.Perhaps better yet, an action job
bobski
Hunter
softer means they can pierce with strong firing pin springs, so just remember the other side of the coin.
contender
Ruger Guru
I concur with the posters above. The Federal primers ignite much easier & with reliability in match grade revolver handguns.
I have a few revolvers I use in USPSA competition, & unless I use Federal primers,, I experience mis-fires too often. That will KILL a competition time & score.
I have a few revolvers I use in USPSA competition, & unless I use Federal primers,, I experience mis-fires too often. That will KILL a competition time & score.
OP
J. Yuma
Single-Sixer
well, to test several of the suggestions on this thread, I picked up 25 rounds of factory ammo, PMC specifically, 240 grains. I also picked up two trays of federal primers, actually match primers and put together 30 rounds this morning before going off to shoot again.
All 55 rounds ignited with no problems (other than the shooter
)
Last night I ordered a brick of federal Magnum primers that I will dedicate to the Anaconda.
I have been loading with Winchester and CCI primers, unbeknown to me that CCI primers are particularly hard. These primers will be for Ruger Ammunition.
All 55 rounds ignited with no problems (other than the shooter
)Last night I ordered a brick of federal Magnum primers that I will dedicate to the Anaconda.
I have been loading with Winchester and CCI primers, unbeknown to me that CCI primers are particularly hard. These primers will be for Ruger Ammunition.
OP
J. Yuma
Single-Sixer
it's like sticking your finger in the dyke, every time you plug one hole another hole opens! Anyway, the federal primers worked fine this morning
OP
J. Yuma
Single-Sixer
well, since I bought the thing last week, I'm a little reluctant to send it to kolt with only about 100 rounds shot through it. Hopefully my luck with factory ammo and federal primers will hold out.
If you are talking revolvers, first thing is to look at any primer that didn't go off. Is there a firing pin strike towards the edge of the primer? If so the revolver is out of time
OP
J. Yuma
Single-Sixer
stonebuster
Blackhawk
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2017
- Messages
- 646
I've got a finicky Dan Wesson revolver that is unreliable with CCI#500 spp. it doesn't like S&A Argentine primers either. It reliably ignites Winchester spp though as well as Sellier & Bellot /Czech Republic.
That would be cheating, and not a trait of the good revolversmiths
My experience with Federal and CCI primers is as follows. With the Federal primer in a standard pressure 38 special handload (158 XTP with 4.0 grains of W231), the primers have very mild deformation, not signs of overpressure, but the primers are definitely deformed. Using the same load but with CCI primers, the primer cups have no deformation and the firing pin strikes aren't as deep as those on the Federal. All had reliable ignition. The pistol used was an SP101 with factory springs and no trigger job other than a reasonable amount of use on the range and dry firing. Normally I use Federal but tested some CCIs to make sure that I had reliable ignition with the revolver.
