Primer question for .204 ruger

Share information about reloading the 204 Ruger.
User avatar
TEXAS222
Senior Member
Posts: 291
Joined: Sun Oct 19, 2014 8:09 pm
.204 Ruger Guns: custom build AR 15-Rem 700 .204 VARMINT- .204 Kimber Pro Var
Location: Southeast Texas

Primer question for .204 ruger

Post by TEXAS222 »

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
User avatar
futuretrades
Senior Member
Posts: 835
Joined: Sat Aug 25, 2007 11:16 am
.204 Ruger Guns: HOWA 1500 .204 Ruger Varmint, Bull Bbl, Lupy 6-18x40 custom

Re: Primer question for .204 ruger

Post by futuretrades »

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! :eek:
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
NRA Benefactor Life member
HOWA 1500 Varmint 204 Ruger, Bull Barrel, Hogue Overmold Stock, Leupold VXII 6-18x40mm AO LRV Custom Reticle Timney Trigger
Cooper Mdl 21 20VarTargW/Leupold VXIII, 6-20x40AO Varmint Hunter reticle.
User avatar
Rick in Oregon
Moderator
Posts: 4942
Joined: Thu Dec 01, 2005 4:20 pm
.204 Ruger Guns: Sako 75V, Cooper MTV, Kimber 84M, Cust M700 11 Twist
Location: High Desert of Central Oregon
Contact:

Re: Primer question for .204 ruger

Post by Rick in Oregon »

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
Semper Fortis
Rick in Oregon
NRA Life/OHA/VHA/VVA

Oregon, East of the Cascades - Where Common Sense Still Prevails

Image
Bill K
Senior Member
Posts: 2324
Joined: Tue Jan 18, 2011 10:00 am
.204 Ruger Guns: also now, a Savage switch bull barrel in 204R. 23 inch SS
Location: Lake Forest, Ca.

Re: Primer question for .204 ruger

Post by Bill K »

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
Jim White
Moderator
Posts: 1406
Joined: Mon Nov 03, 2008 2:06 pm
.204 Ruger Guns: CZ-527, Remington 700 VLTHSS

Re: Primer question for .204 ruger

Post by Jim White »

User avatar
TEXAS222
Senior Member
Posts: 291
Joined: Sun Oct 19, 2014 8:09 pm
.204 Ruger Guns: custom build AR 15-Rem 700 .204 VARMINT- .204 Kimber Pro Var
Location: Southeast Texas

Re: Primer question for .204 ruger

Post by TEXAS222 »

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
Travelor
New Member
Posts: 41
Joined: Fri Nov 28, 2014 7:03 am
.204 Ruger Guns: Cooper and Remington custom
Location: Central Arkansas

Re: Primer question for .204 ruger

Post by Travelor »

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.
07yzryder
New Member
Posts: 12
Joined: Wed Dec 17, 2014 10:00 am
.204 Ruger Guns: AR 15

Re: Primer question for .204 ruger

Post by 07yzryder »

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!
User avatar
TEXAS222
Senior Member
Posts: 291
Joined: Sun Oct 19, 2014 8:09 pm
.204 Ruger Guns: custom build AR 15-Rem 700 .204 VARMINT- .204 Kimber Pro Var
Location: Southeast Texas

Re: Primer question for .204 ruger

Post by TEXAS222 »

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the information. JD Southeast Texas
Shady99
New Member
Posts: 10
Joined: Tue Jan 13, 2015 10:08 pm
.204 Ruger Guns: Tikka T3 Lite synthetic (Non Stainless)

Re: Primer question for .204 ruger

Post by Shady99 »

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