Primer ???

[Blucollar]

I'm having trouble finding Winchester LR primers

The question, If I change to another brand will I have to go through every load I have?
I'm not a bench shooter, I hunt deer, varmints & paper.
I'm not out yet but the last few times I went to pick some up they were out.

Just wondering how much difference I would see or if one of the other brands are closer to WLR than the others?
thanks

[Dand]

the answer somewhat depends on the cartridge, rifle, and loading you use. I interchange primers some but only when I'm not at full max loading.  I tend to use loads that are about a grain to 1.5 grains or more BELOW max and I think that can give you a little cushion in most cases. If you are uncertain, drop down a 1.5 to 2 grains and work up.

Now if another poster knows better, I'll defer to them.

Places I'm real careful are loading for 9mm Luger, top loads in my 41 mags, and 300 win mag. I don't have a lot of experience loading the 40S&W yet but I'd be careful there too since its my impression that these high pressure, small case loads are more sensitive to slight changes in powder - or primer. I have interchanged CCI Large rifle Mag, Fed 215, and Win Large Rifle Mag in my favorite 300 win mag  loads with no noticeable differences, but I'm a grain down from max I think.  HTH

[Grumulkin]

In rifle cases the size of 7mm/08 and larger, I frequently interchange primers and can tell you that I've never had a problem with excess pressure (even when using magnum primers) though accuracy is frequently better with one brand than with another.

Remington primers, which I don't use much, may be an exception.  Recently I tried them in a 257 Weatherby Magnum and had to increase my load about 1.5 grains to get an equivalent load to other large rifle primers.  So, if you're using Remington primers at a maximum recommended load and want to switch to WLR primers, you should probably back down a bit.

Handgun cases are another story.  I tried various primers including CCI 250 large rifle magnum primers in a 44 Rem. Mag. with H110 and found I had to decrease my load about 1.5 grains compared to loads with CCI 350 large pistol magnum primers.

[jhalcott]

EVERY manual I've read says to drop back down and rework your load when ANY component is changed. Lot to lot variances can be more than a grain or 2 of powder change. The norm is about 10 per cent reduction and care fully go back up. Just because the "book" says they got XX grains of powder in their cases doesn't mean YOU can. Drop back 10% and work up for YOUR safety and those bystanders!

[Steve P]

Your WLR Primers will be a little hotter than CCI 200, CCI BR-2, Federal 210, and Remington 9 1/2.  You should be ok to switch brands as long as you are not shooting a maximum book load.  If you are shooting a maximum load, I would drop several grains before switching any primer. 

If you go with a magnum primer like CCI 250, Federal 215, Remington 9 1/2M etc, you will need to drop at least 2.0 grains or 5% (whichever is higher) of powder and work your way up testing loads. 

I have several reloading manuals that I reference when seeking a primer change.  One company may use Primer A and the other company Primer B.  You may find a primer available that is an even swap for the load(s) you seek.

Good luck, be safe.

Steve

[Blucollar]

Thanks for the info,   What I load is pretty basic, (.270, .308, .243, mauser 7x57) with only one at max.

Just wondering what I was in for, never used anything but WLR.