Can primers and bullets other than stated from a certain load from a particular load book be switched? For example, if a 22-250 Rem load calls for a Winchester WLR primer and it uses a Hornady 55gr V-Max bullet, can the components be switched to a Fed 210 primer and a Nosler 55gr ballistic silvertip? If this is ok than any Large Rifle primer and any 55 grain bullet would be ok to use in the load. Thanks for any help.

All components are not the same and do not react the same. If you change any component, you should reduce the load, and work back up.

I have seen a lot of differences in pressures from same weight bullets from different mfgs. and the same goes for the primers. Some primers have softer cups and some harder. Some have more explosive ignition than others changing the burn of the powder.

Just start at the bottom of the recommended charge and you should be OK for that particular bullet weight.

Components are individual items, especially with a load close to maximum. In projectiles, look at the difference in length and bearing surface on say a .30 caliber 180gr Hornady RN, Winchester Failsafe, Barnes X, Sierra Spitzer. All variables can change your load. For what it's worth I've found less of a difference amongst primers and do occasionally substitute standard primer for standard primer, magnum for magnum, but only if I have to.
Cheers...
Con

As mentioned, bullet contours are different from brand to brand. I have one rifle where the bullet engages the lands .100" sooner with Hornady than with Speer. If I were to load the Hornady to the same length as I do Speer, I'd be putting the bullet snug up against the lands, and getting ugly pressures.

In the experiments I've done, I have found no pressure difference switching primers. That doesn't mean there is no difference. It just means that I've only checked a few cartridges.

So, as stated, when you change a component, back off, and work up.

Always try to follow the spec. given in the reloading manual - the writers/developers picked certain items for a reason.

If you decide to make a change, that's ok, but you need to reduce the load to ensure that it is still safe for your gun.

Changing primers can have a big effect on accuracy and pressure. Changing from a standard to mag. primer is like adding alittle extra powder.

Mag. primers tend to be "hotter" than standard primers. So if you change from a mag. to a standard, the standard primer might not be "hot" enough to properly burn the powder.

You mentioned interchanging win. and fed. primers. I have experimented with this change (while looking for an accurate load) and found no real difference between these two primers. This change might be ok, but again I would back off the max. listed load to ensure that the change does not effect pressure.

The other point I would make is change only one item at a time - this way you know what the change result is attributed to.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Gurrie

I agree changing bullets can change the pressure dramatically. For example, switching a stiff, all-copper bullet (i.e., Barnes or LRB) for a more pliant Sierra Gameking can cause a marked increase in chamber pressure - resulting in a blown primer or stuck case. If you switch bullets start from scratch with your load and work-up from a lower powder charge.

I've heard the same with different primers - infact, don't assume any two manufacturers are the same. Winchester tends to make hotter primers than CCI, etc. However, when I've checked - that is, magnum primers vs. regular primers - I've noted very little difference with most powders, sans H870. H870 has shown better performance with magnum primers in my reloading.

I always use benchrest, match, or competition primers, hoping to get the best quality and consistency.

In thirty years of reloading I have never had a case where a change of primer seemed to cause any load to exhibit signs of excess pressure. I'm not saying it can never happen but there are many better ways to get yourself in trouble.

A lot of answers, here is my 25+years exp. Changing primers can affect pressure if you are running a load right @ max. especially if using small cap. cases. As the other guys said, some primers are hotter than others. I drop 1/2gr if trying a mag. primer where I have been using a std.(maybe a full grain in small cap. cases).
If the bullets have a sim. length bearing surface & sim. const., sim. ogive, it will PROBABLY not affect pressures, again if you are not running near max. I drop 1gr of powder wt. & try the new bullet in my "pet" load. A chronograph helps you see the vel. increase/decrease (possible pressure problems). It's not rocket science, but you do have to be carefull. Changing components will almost always affect the accuracy of your load. All guns are diff. so everyones pet load is diff.