SmallCaliberCentral

Hello shooters. I've got a few questions about primers I'd like some help with. I normally use Rem 7 1/2 BR or Fed 205 in my 204"s & 223's but was given several thousand CCI BR4's. My questions are:
1. Can you change primers without starting load development over if using the same cases & powder?
2. Do any of these primers cause more pressure than the others?
3. Have you heard of any problems using the BR4's?
Thanks for any help you can give me & I would like to hear what primers you prefer. Thanks,
JD Southeast Texas

TEJAS JD wrote:1. Can you change primers without starting load development over if using the same cases & powder?

Anytime you change a component in your loads, it is always best to start new load work-up. You may find that you can still use the same load. Always better than causing yourself a serious headache!
As for question 2, I can't help you.
As for question 3, never heard of problems with BR4's, and as far as the second part of your ?, I use WSR primers in my 204 and 223, but in my VT I went to the Rem 7 1/2's

JD: For the 204R, the favored primers seem to be the Rem 7-1/2, Fed 205M and the BR-4, partly due to their thicker cup being able to withstand higher working pressures that the 204 generates. These are considered 'warm' in the grand scheme of things and give very good results in the 204R. Other primers may work of course, but these seem to give most users the best consistency without any piercing or gas leaking worries. Winchester primers have the thinnest cup of the domestic lot in their WSR.

To better understand primers and their differences, check this out then decide for yourself:

http://www.jamescalhoon.com/primers_and_pressure.php

I will just add, that anytime you change something, especially primer or powder, start a grain or so below and work back up. Primers can make a difference. You can most likely find a load with the CCI's, but it could be a lower charge, as they might pierce or leak compared to the Rem 7.5 . Play safe. Bill K

Here is a couple of interesting articles on the subject;

http://riflemansjournal.blogspot.com/20 ... study.html

http://riflemansjournal.blogspot.com/20 ... study.html

Thanks fellows for the information, I value your opinions more than you know. I'm still un decided about these primers but may try some but will probably stick with the rem 7 1/2 & use these in my AR 223's. Thank you for the help. Jim D

I use Wolf SRM primers in my 204R as my ES is smaller than with Rem 7 1/2 or Fed GMM. I have found this to be true with my 6mmBR as well as the large primer cases such as 308 and 284. I shoot Long Range High Power and have a High Master classification, so they are working well for me.

But as said above, changing ANY component requires you to work back up to your previous loads.

i run br4s in most my AR calibers (223 204 and 300blk) and they work great. I would say test a few out see if they work. You may find they work a little better you may find they dont'. erither way you get some time shooting out of it!

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the information. JD Southeast Texas

CCI br-4
Winchester small rifle
These two are my go primers for the 204 ruger, depending which are available.
they shoot practically identical