BR4's vs 205M's

[Hawkeye Joe]

Yesterday morning it was a crisp 17degrees so I decided to head out and do some primer testing. CCI BR4's vs Fed GM205M's. I had 50 rounds of each loaded with 26.6gr Benchmark,WW brass,2.260 OAL, and of course the 35gr Berger's. The rifle used is my Savage Predator with 22 inch barrel. Here are some of the Chrony numbers. The ES results were VERY consistent in all the 5 shot groups with the 205's holding within 35fps. The CCI's ES average was more than double that of the Feds at 72fps. Here's a sample:

Fed GM205M
#1- 3539 fps
#2- 3522 fps
#3- 3517 fps
#4- 3504 fps
#5- 3513 fps

CCI BR4
#1- 3521 fps
#2- 3516 fps
#3- 3505 fps
#4- 3578 fps
#5- 3540 fps

The biggest surprise during this test was the pressure signs on the primers. The thicker cup BR4's were flattened and the Fed 205M's looked like new with the only distortion being the firing pin dent! Point of impact and accuracy was the same with both primers all the way out to 300 yards. With the Feds being plentiful it looks like my Predator rifle is getting a new diet. I hope I have the same success weaning my LRPV off the BR4's.

[acloco]

My primer test in my 204.

205M 205M10 205M20 205 BR4 Win 400 41 450 Rem 7.5

3970 3966 3992 3926 3928 4043 3946 4085 3903 4051
3983 3991 3988 3976 3950 3983 3939 4071 3944 3897
3995 3952 3991 3975 3984 3989 3959 4082 3963 3931
3979 3941 3959 3935 3975 4048 3963 4053 3939 3944
4012 3972 3988 3954 4008 4002 3954 4040 3913 3928

3987.8 3964.4 3983.6 3953.2 3969 4013 3952.2 4066.2 3932.4 3950.2
14.5 17.1 12.4 20.3 27.6 27.2 8.7 17.2 21.7 52.7

27.8 gr H4895
32 gr VMax
2.250 OAL
Winchester Brass (new)

[Hawkeye Joe]

looks like your test was done with a 26 inch barrel. Do you recall what primer showed the least amount of pressure?? By the looks of the BR4's in my test load, I wouldn't want to push them any faster. Now the thinner cupped Fed 205M's on the other hand were begging for more .

[acloco]

No, too long ago.

But, I know that I only use CCI450's in just about every small rifle caliber that I shoot.

[jo191145]

Well Mike.
I've been playin with my new 6ppc with Fed205M's and of course N-133. Theres three competitive nodes in the 6ppc with 133.
The first is a smidge over book max. The second and commonly used is higher yet. The third is considered by some to be absolutely crazy and is never spoken of openly I've visited them all. The F205M's had no problems. Sure they're flat but thats to be expected in the 6ppc. OK different cartridge and a custom action. Still I was probably running 70-80,000 psi. (just quessing)
Not the kind of pressure one wants to run in a factory gun.

FWIW In my expierience the standard 205's show pressure sooner.

[Hawkeye Joe]

Thanks guys. Just gave the last of my CCI 450's to my brother. I think i'm going to see if I can safely get them 35's up to about 3700fps in my 22" barreled Predator for a hunting load. I have a bunch of ladder loads for my LRPV ready to go as well. This year my Savage Predator in 204 is going to get about 1000 rounds of club match shooting shoved down it's throat . 300 yard prone with sling,Three Position, and 100 yard Off-hand. It's the only expendable lightweight rifle I have . I think it'll do us proud!!! On double match days my M1 Garand will also get the nod/tag in. Still no 300 yard bench or egg shoots I guess I need to make it happen or it won't!!