Please don't tell me to read the manual. I'm getting an order together to order everything at once. Manuals, press kit, powder, and bullets. No stores near me sell any reloading stuff.I want to be able to at least load something when everything comes in.
I'll be loading 3006 and 7mm mag to start using nosler 150 silver ballistic tip. Please don't think I'm dumb, I just want to make sure and order the right thing. I know the 3006 will take a large rifle primer. Will the 7mm mag need the magnum primers or will the large rifle work OK. Seems like some of the primers had numbers instead of just large and small. Please give me your suggestions. Plan on using IMR powder

Thanks

WB,

I have to admit, that I use both fairly frequently in all calibers I load for...

They have both always provided excellent accuracy, and I haven't seen any difference at point of impact using either on the same loads...

The only differentiation I make between them, is that the Winchester is softer...

So when I am loading surplus military brass that might have a tighter primer pocket, then I use Winchesters exclusively...

I even use regular large rifle primers when I load magnums also.. they always work just fine in my experiences...

cheers..
seafire

Since you have an AC556 go with CCI -specifically their #41...

What powder/powders do you plan to use ? Some powders need the extra kick of a mag. primer to burn efficiently for certain cartridges.

Winchester Large rifle will get you by in both calibers. The 7 MM will need a magnum only in extremely cold conditions,or if the powder charge is compressed behind a light bullet. That is my opinion.

I've exclusively used CCI primers for 30 years, never tried the Win primers I did try the soft Federal primers once and was deeply disappointed so I am staying with the CCI's. They have been a great and consistant primer for all my reloading.
I may be different than some but I play them by the book, Large Rifle primers in the 30/06 and Magnums in the 7 Magnum. Never a doubt that way.

For the bullet weights you describe, IMR4350 would be the top choice if you are going to use only 1 powder. One of my best loads in the 7mag is IMR4350 and the 150 grain Swift Scirocco.

I now only use Federal Gold Medal match primers, but I've had excellent results with the WW primers in the past. I have only used the Federal primers in the last several years b/c I found several bricks on sale from a guy who was retiring from the business. I bought so many, I doubt I'll need to buy any more in the next 5 years.

I prefer to use magnum primers in magnum calibers and standard primers in regular large rifle calibers. I have a safe full of Fed GM 210s and 215s.

If you plan on using additional IMR powders, try IMR4831 in the 7mag. That powder has produced my best load to date with the 150 Btip. And, it will work in the 30.06.

quote:

Please don't tell me to read the manual.

Why not read the manual? It will tell you what primer was used for given load data. Inherent in that will be whether the primer was a standard or a magnum. With that information, should you desire to use a different brand, you will at least know if the data provider felt a magnum primer was necessary with that charge.

quote:

Seems like some of the primers had numbers instead of just large and small.

Knowing the different primers is very important. As you have noted, there's no consistency with the nomenclature between manufacturers. However, you must learn this as it is very important. If you don't know this, I would suggest that you slow down a bit.

All that said, you've gotten some good advice in the other posts.

LWD

After many years of shooting thousands of rounds I use only Federal primers, they give me my best accuracy. I used to worry myself senseless by the time I used them all and compared, they I did a target count for accuracy and decided to rid mlyself of that problem. That has been several years ago and I have never regreted the move. Good shooting.

You can use the same primer for both if you use the same powder or close to it. For me, I would start w/ Fed. 210M for both. Powders, IMR4831 or H4831sc will perform well in both. For max. vel. in the 7mag, you would want to go abit slower IMO, like RL22 or IMR7828.