What primers for N140 & N135

[Rogc]

I have run out of large rifle primers, so need to pick some up this weekend. However im also using a new powder N140 in my 308 reloads, and N135 in my 223. So a question for those much more experienced than me, what make of primer should i use with the N140 for my 308, and will CCI primers be ok with the N135 in my 223 as I have about 800 still to use.

Many thanks

[mark@mbb]

Large rifle primers in my 243 and small rifle primers in my 223 i dont think the makes are any different i have never had any problems where one has failed whatever the make of primer

[Rogc]

Its reccomendations for the make of primers im after. As ive not used the powder before im not sure if cci are ok, or whether another make would be better.

Thanks

[Harnser]

Any large rifle primers will do ,but not magnum primers . I have been loading my own for many ,many years and have never been able to discern one primer from another and believe me I have tried them all . CCI will be just fine I have used thousands in .308 over the years with vit 140 .

Harnser

Edited June 21, 2013 by Harnser

[Rogc]

Any large rifle primers will do ,but not magnum primers . I have been loading my own for many ,many years and have never been able to discern one primer from another and believe me I have tried them all . CCI will be just fine I have used thousands in .308 over the years with vit 140 .

Harnser

Thankyou, just the info i was after.

[Vince Green]

N140 is not a fussy powder, primers don't make much difference to it. Over the years I have bought just about every make of primer you could name. CCI, Federal, S&B, Privi, Winchester, Remington etc and if there is a difference I haven't noticed it.

 

Anyway, these days you buy what you can get.

[rem708]

I have to agree with what most people have said. Does changing the primer have an effect - definitely! Can you tell the difference - unlikely. I often switch primer manufactures, albeit not in the same batch, and see no difference to the group. I'm sure if I put them on the chrono I would be able to detect a difference but the delta change is about the same as you taking up a different shooting position.

 

The biggest difference I have found is the hardness of the primer cup. Federal are very soft and great for weapons where the firing pin strikes lightly. On the opposite end I have found Magtech very hard.

 

Since my pistol days were I would shoot at least 1000 rounds a week a lot of other variants have popped up. I personally like Remington primers (some people hate them) the last box I purchased were 'bench rest' What's the difference - not a clue - same price as standard primers!

 

A couple of golden rules. Never substitute magnum for normal primers and vice versa. If loading right to the limit (signs of primer deformation) maybe consider pulling your powder back a few tenths of a grain.

 

On cases that have been reloaded many times you might find some primers fit better than others (I've had primers fall out as I've opened the weapon)

 

CCI - good primers

[cooter]

The only thing I have found with primers is that some are softer than others.

 

Be aware of this if you think that the primers are dishing (pressure signs).

 

A good read here.

 

http://www.accurateshooter.com/technical-articles/primers-and-pressure-analysis/

[Bewsher500]

well the obvious issue with switching primers is the ignition heat rating.

some primers run much hotter than others

 

if you are running a max load at close to the pressure limit with a cooler primer and switch to a hot then you could see pressure signs with no other change.

Is it likely? probably not

but for the sake of working three or four rounds up to your current powder charge it is not worth the risk

 

this is a guideline at best but gives you the idea

Edited June 25, 2013 by Bewsher500

[fieldwanderer]

what's the difference with a magnum primer, what do they do, what are they used for etc etc?

[Kes]

I use federal competition primers in my .223 and they work - however, I've never tried any others so they would probably work equally well.

[Harnser]

what's the difference with a magnum primer, what do they do, what are they used for etc etc?

 

Magnum primers are used in magnum loads . They burn hotter than normal primers to ignite the larger powder loads . Not to be trifled with in standard loaded cartridges as they can up the pressures in the barrel .

 

Harnser.

[fieldwanderer]

Thanks harnster

[Beretta28g]

Remmington 91/2 primers do not seat properly in some cartridges. be carefull. I now use CCI

[Vince Green]

I am just working through a box of CCI magnum primers that my mate gave me when he changed calibre. To be honest I have just used them as if they were standard primers on my regular load and I have noticed absolutely no difference what so ever.

 

I think a lot of magnum primers are not as 'magnum' as we would imagine. Probably because the manufacturers are far too smart to sell something that's going to get them sued. Best to avoid them though if you don't have to use them, but sometimes with shortages funny things happen. If that was all I could get in future it wouldn't bother me at all.

Edited June 27, 2013 by Vince Green

[sixhills 69]

I use cci 400 in my 223 with N130 and federal match in my 243 with N140

Edited June 27, 2013 by sixhills 69