Bear with me for those that have not read my posts before. I'm new here.If a load calls for say Federal 215 and remington 9 1/2. Then the next line says Primer size Large rifle. Can you only use the Federal or Remington Primers? Is there a difference between Large rifle primers or is it preference by the loader?

You should try and follow the load recipe,however any make of primer will work as long as you work up to max loads.

You can basically use any large rifle primer if that is what the case you are loading accepts. There are small and large rifle primers and magnum primers too. 270 is large rifle primer. Same with 30-06 etc. Then a 416 Mag is a large rifle Magnum primer etc.

The book is stating what primer manufacturer ( i.e. Fed 215) they used to achieve the load results they are stating . The book is a good safe guideline in most circumstances so following it is a good idea. But sometimes in primers you have to substitute based on availability etc.

There are indeed differences in the primers and their outputs between the various manufactures.

There are numerous primer threads here and articles all around.

After you get some good loads and experience then you might try different make primers to see what effect they have. But beware especially if you are up near max loads . The correct way to work the loads is to work back up anytime you make a change ( i.e. in primers) .

If you achieve very good loads in terms of accuracy and velocity then I would leave it alone.

The availability issue is where I was headed. I have a load worked for a gun that calls for the 215 primer my lyman book calls for winchester 8 1/2-120.... then again large rifle?

You can look this stuff up on the manufactures sites. And you should for your particular application.

A 215 is a Federal Magnum large rifle primer . A 8 1/2 Win could be either way . I would prefer to differentiate them as Large rifle or Large rifle Magnum . I believe Winchesters designation is WLR for Win Large Rifle . A Win WLRM is a Win Large Rifle Magnum primer. A Federal 210 is a large rifle primer. Or a Standard large rifle primer . Meaning non magnum.

If it calls for a 215 then it is calling for a Large Rifle Magnum Primer with that particular loading. So a Large rifle Magnum primer of any manufacture should be the starting point for that loading. But you could expect somewhat similar results to those that the book gives IF you use the primer they show. With others you may get the same or better or worse . But in general use a (any reputable company like Win, Fed, CCI or Remington) large rifle magnum primer that you may have and work your load up as it suggests.

You do know that your results in your rifle will not likely be identical to their results shown in the book for a given loading. There are too many variances. It is just how it works.

Thanks guys will do some more looking appreciate you guys taking the time to help. I guess I didn't realize components would be such an issue. I was hoping to look in the manual start in the middle and play with different loads. That is why I was asking how to or could i substitute primers when every web site i went to order them from they were out. Will learn more with time.

Based on experience, I buy primers in lots of 1000.
1000 small rifle
1000 large rifle
1000 large rifle mag----WHEN I can find them !
When you need them, you will have them.

You should let us know what you are loading for (caliber, rifle,ect,ect) so some one could give you a more educated answer, or at least what we think to be educated .

Thanks Ray this one in particular was Cal. 22/250 52 grain nos hp Fed 215 primer 32 Gr IMR 3031. The reason I know this is when I bought this rifle all the info and loads came with it. I have reloaded in the past but I had everything givin to me. All the work was done by somebody else i just replicated what they told me. There for I'm kinda ignorant to the basics. Thats why I asked about the primers? I have another question I'm afraid to ask because it will be stupid for you guys but foreign to me. Are all 30 caliber bullets the same? Like 30.06 uses the same bullet as say 300 winchester mag?

please understand that magnum and standard mean NOTHING from brand to brand.. there is no real standard brisience scale ..

for example brand X magnum primers means it is hotter and/or longer than brand X standard .... but brand Y magnum may be cooler... or longer burning...

The 30-06 and a 300 Mag bullets are indeed the same caliber. Which is 30 caliber or .308 size.

But a 300 Mag may require a more premium bullet (i.e. bonded core or something like the Barnes) to perform at its best on game due to the increased velocity over a 30-06. But bullet and powder selections are highly individualized both by rifle and by owner/reloader.

But don't get too hung up on it. Just choose moderately heavy for caliber bullets say like the 180 gr or maybe even the 200 grain for a 30 caliber and load and shoot and see what works best.

I have loaded for the 22/250 but never used magnum primers as sutch I have used match primers witch people say are the same as magnum primers. As far as being stupid not so the only stupid question is the one you dont ask and it gets you or some one else hurt, The only thing about a .30 cal. bullet that is the same is the .308 diameter, they come in all kinds of shapes, materials and weights. the one you use depends on the firearm you are loading for.

quote:

The book is stating what primer manufacturer ( i.e. Fed 215) they used to achieve the load results they are stating . The book is a good safe guideline in most circumstances so following it is a good idea. But sometimes in primers you have to substitute based on availability etc.

What Tex says is significant because it happens - and considering that someone else worked up the loads in the rifle, I would be careful around max charges, especially if you have to substitute some components.

Out of all the components of reloading a cartridge (case, bullet, powder) the primer is the last consideration. Outside of target rifles, you're not going to see much of a difference between a Fed 215 and a Rem 9 ½ M in a hunting rifle. The primer should only start the explosion, not be a part of the explosion.

I have tested using different primers with the same load in cartridges, there was no unsafe differences between primer makes or Mag vs standard. Some worked better than others though.

Don't substitute the unplated Winchester primers. The WLR's that I have are undersize on diameter and fit loose or fall out of primer pockets.

They measure less that .210"

Someone told me that his Rem. 9/1/2's are undersize.

quote:

Originally posted by MickinColo:
Out of all the components of reloading a cartridge (case, bullet, powder) the primer is the last consideration. Outside of target rifles, you're not going to see much of a difference between a Fed 215 and a Rem 9 ½ M in a hunting rifle. The primer should only start the explosion, not be a part of the explosion.

I have tested using different primers with the same load in cartridges, there was no unsafe differences between primer makes or Mag vs standard. Some worked better than others though.

What he said.

I've read in cyberspace where a change in primers caused a spray and pray group to turn into a one holer but I've never experienced that. And only with my most precise target rifle am I able to see any significant difference between primers.