Primers

[Daany]

Iv only just started reloading for a 223, a freind I no has given me a few boxes off primers but they say pistol primers on the box, he reckons they will be fine for rifles, is he right in saying this I don't want to use them and damage my rifle or even worse myself thanks Danny

[kent]

The metal used in the primer cups is thinner in pistol primers, the energy is less. You should not do this in a .223 rem, however utilising the correct powder / bullet charge they may be used in some of the smaller c/f cases like .22 hornet etc. but still only with certain powders etc. Still its best left to those with a better understanding.

 

The risk is a punctured primer, possibly a ruined gun, maybe a face full of hot gasses and being hit by some gun bits as the pressure blows back into you face. Now you might get a punctured primer and get away with all this - do you want to risk it? Do you in the words of Clint "feel lucky punk?"

[rem708]

I must agree partly with what has already been said. Rifle cartridges operate at higher pressures to those of pistols. I seem to remember in the distance past talk of thicker primer walls for rifle which supports the higher pressure.

 

If you are inexperienced in reloading quite simply don’t! If you have been reloading for a while and you KNOW how to inspect a case for overpressure of other signs of stress then maybe give it a try but start with slower powder at the minimum manufactures load.

 

I’ve had many primers rupture on me but never caused an issue with the weapon. This said NEVER get into that situation. Inspect every primer after firing with a new load. Once you see machine marks in the primer surface you are getting to dangerous territory. Note this may not be the first sign – depends on the weapon construction.

 

Primers are the cheapest component in reloading. Whilst the price is still ridiculously high in this country I personally would put them aside and use the correct type.

 

ps. 223 is no different to other cartridges. I used in a hand gun - what a pussy cat!! There is an interesting debate between the subtle difference of .223 rem and 5.56 nato

[rem708]

One other aspect I thought of is the firing pin strike. It's much harder on a rifle and it itself could weaken an already weak primer.

 

I also just checked the Saami site for case pressure and .223 has one of the higher working pressures therefore I must now strongly recommend against their use.

[Daany]

I won't be using them now il just go and buy the proper primers, it's not worth risking thanks for the info lads

[Livefast123]

Good choice, for the small price it's going to cost you for proper ones is it worth placing 50,000+ PSi next to your face with an inferior product.

 

There are things to save money on and this isn't it!

[Daany]

I wasn't looking at saving money pal I'm not one for that, and would not think off doing that when it comes down to reloading rifle ammo, like I said a freind offerd them to me