Remington 6 1/2 primers?

[doninva]

Went to SW this evening and they had small rifle primers, Remington 6 1/2. Will use them to load for my .223 AR. Any issues with these primers. I might go get another thousand if they have them tomorrow. Thanks, Don

[terryrudd]

Don,


I bought 2000 of these earlier this year, and then did some research where they are only recommended for lower pressure uses like 22 hornet and the like. Some internet wisdom and pictures out there of pitted bolt faces in AR from them not holding up to the high pressure loadings.


They've been working great for 38spl and 357mag for me for my plinking rounds with Titegroup, WSF, and 2400. They don't seem quite hot enough for LilGun, leaves some unburnt powder in my 6" revolver.


Hope that helps,
Terry

[doninva]

Thanks, going to take them back tonight. Don

[doninva]

Took them back and got 2 boxes of 60 gr. Hornady SP. Don

[LaOtto222]

For years the 6 1/2 was the only small rifle primer Remington manufactured. When they were in development for the 17 Remington, they discovered that the 6 1/2 did not hold up with the pressures experienced with the hot 17. They developed the 7 1/2 primer with thicker cups to stand up to the higher pressures. The 7 1/2 is my favorite small rifle primer. I do have a few 6 1/2 primers for the 222 Remington, 22 Hornet, and 22K Hornets. It works well in the 223 if you do not push the pressures up to the ragged limit as well.

I want to add that AR's are difficult when it comes to primers. Commercial loadings and military loadings intended for the AR have special primers with thick cups to prevent slam fires which makes the 6 1/2 unsuitable for their use. There are better choices. The 6 1/2 is OK for the 223 if not in an AR and you are not running the pressure way up and you are not using a hard to ignite powder (ball powders for instance). So if you are shooting a bolt 223 with a medium load of stick or flake powder the Rem 6 1/2 might be a very good choice for an accurate and reliable load.

Good Luck and Good Shooting