Small Rifle vs Small Magnum Primers in .223

Matchshot

I have a ton of small rifle primers. I have been using them for .30 cal. carbine, but sold it and am concentrating on .223. Loading 55gr SP on 25gr H335. Can I use the small rifle primers in my .223 loads? Have always used magnum primers.

I know I sound like a dope but I am not sure what the difference is.

mrbruce

About the only time I use mag primers are if they are called for, but there is no real need for them in a .223..
Maybe in sub zero temps, or with a powder that is hard to ignite....
Other than that no problem at all with using a standard primer in your .223

dcs shooters

I've never used magnum primers in any 223loads. I've used four different powders for AR'S and bolt guns.

I have seven AR'S and have never had a slam fire. As long as the carrier and bolt is kept clean and lightly lubed it shouldn't happen.

Matchshot

quote:Originally posted by dcs shooters
I've never used magnum primers in any 223loads. I've used four different powders for AR'S and bolt guns.


I read something about "slam-fire" with AR's? Doesn't sound like this is a big problem. Or is it?

Pearyw

All my manuals call for a small magnum primer in a 223 with H335. That is what I load. I load a lot of 223 with IMR4895 that will work with a standard small rifle primer

colt423

Been useing h335 for years in 223 with sm rifle primers . no problems.
i have found groups tighten with 25 gr 335 and cci small rifle bench rest primers if you want to try .

BHAVIN

I have shot many, many thousands with the same load of H335 and have never used a magnum primer. Very accurate.

Wulfmann

I usually use SR but have used magnum when I got some cheap.
I have even used small pistol primers for 223 and not once had a problem (Not recommending them just relaying)

Interestingly Wolf has 3 SR primers:
SR
SRM
SR-223

The small rifle magnum is the same as the regular small rifle but has a thicker cup to prevent slam fires (It was actually designed specifically for the AR15)
The SR-223 also uses the same thicker cup but has a magnum solution.

This brings up an interesting point which is there is no real standard by which any manufacture rates their primers.

One can not assume all SR are the same when in fact some SR may be harder and more potent than some other make of SRM.
One must test and always use a starting load when switching to a different brand of primers.

BTW, I have switched to Wolf primers for both LP (1911s) and 223 (LBC and Daewoo) They are as good as any brand I have used

I have about 10K left of Federal and Winchester LR for my 308 snipers and will compare Wolf later to them to see if I switch to Wolf LR as well.

Wulfmann