Hi all, normally I shoot nothing but Fed 215M's in all my Magnums from 7mmRM on up to 416RM, I am still having a hard time finding them up here, but I can find lots of 215M Match grade.

My question is this, would I need to lower my current powder charges, if so what do you suggest? 5%? Are these primers ALWAYS interchangeable with the normal 215M? Typically speaking is it the ignition rate of the primer, or do they burn hotter? whatsthe diff?

Seeing as I can find alot of these right now (several thousand), I wonder if I should just buy 'em up & use them in all my magnums from this day forward? very soon I will be taking hold of a new 458 Lott, maybe it could use nothing but the Match grade 215"s?

Thanks

The only real difference is the quality control of the primers. That said, there could always be a slight difference in how hot a primer is from one lot number to another just as in gun powder. Load a few of the match primers with 1gr less powder and compare velocity if you have a means to. Then, work from there. I never assume anything when it comes to lots of pressure near my face.

Woody

Federal 215 and 215M primers would be interchangeable. There is no need to download for safety in cartridges of the size you're reloading for when switching between these primers.

I use Fed 215 M in all my Large rifle mag primer reloadings.

They both have the same burn rate. As someone mentioned the QC is the only difference.

Good Luck

Reloader

I've tried magnum primers in a few 30 caliber magnum barrels but standard ones always gave the best accuracy. The mildest large rifle made delivered the best accuracy; RWS5341. The RWS magnum large rifle primer may be the hottest ones ever but they didn't produce accurate ammo.

While "match" grade primers may well produce smaller muzzle velocity spreads than standard ones, using a stronger firing pin spring pretty much even out any differnce. Primers tend to get very uniform when smacked really hard by the firing pin. As firing pin springs weaken over time, their detonation (very fast burn rate) tends to get erratic and accuracy goes south. I'd replace firing pin springs at least every two years; use one rated 10 to 15 percent stronger for better accuracy.

quote:

Originally posted by Bart B.:
While "match" grade primers may well produce smaller muzzle velocity spreads than standard ones, using a stronger firing pin spring pretty much even out any differnce. ...

I really can't see how using a Stronger Spring will compensate for "more" Priming Compound in a Magnum Primer compared to a Non-Magnum Primer. Obviously time for the old

quote:

I shoot nothing but Fed 215M's in all my Magnums from 7mmRM on up to 416RM, I am still having a hard time finding them up here, but I can find lots of 215M Match grade.

We need to clear up the nomenclature here a bit I think.

Federal makes Large Rifle primers designated as Federal # 210 primers. They make a "match grade" large rifle primer designated as Federal # 210M primers (the "M" meaning "match grade").

They also make Large Rifle Magnum primers designated Federal # 215 primers. They make a "match grade" large rifle magnum primer designated as Federal # 215M primers (the "M" meaning "match grade").

So...if you were shooting Federal # 215M's before...you were already shooting "match grade" primers.

My bad on the M designation, I didnt mean to put it on the 1st time, prior to now my primers have all been just 215

Thanks for all the replies folks, looks like it will be 215M for everything going forward.

I use Fed 215's and Fed 215M's interchangeably, just not mixed in the same batch of reloads. Have noticed no difference.

The Fed 215 is the best primer there is IMO, and you don't have to get a super sized extra strong firing pin spring to get all the ignition you need!



that's almost as good as the time you said if you hold your rifle tighter it would give you more velocity Bart!


x2

Mike form old North Fork bullets told me once in all of the load work he had done with chronographs...that could never tell any difference between Fed # 215's and # 215M's.