Primer Selection

[qballs]

Hi, I am new to the world of reloading and was a bit confused on the subject of primer selection.  Some manuals seem to stress the type used for every recipe, while other info seems to say that it it ok as long as you work the load up slowly.  Specifically I am looking to load a .243 Win with a CCI 200 primer, IMR 4350 powder, and Nosler Ballistic tip 95 grain bullets.  Any thoughts??

[PA-Joe]

That should work. You may want to consider 4064 powder. I like to get a lot of data then average the lowest and start there.

[Questor]

For high pressure rifle rounds, I like to use what the load book recommends, but I don't always use the exact brand of primer.  In those cases, working up from a starting load is the best way to go about it.  As long as you're relying on a major manual for your data, and not varying the components (except maybe the primers), then you'll be OK.  Attention to details like overall length of the cartridge and bullet weight and type are quite  important, however, because they can affect pressure significantly.

[Donna]

Hello qballs,

There are slight differences between sum brands of primers. But I selected CCI brand of primers long time ago and they offer a good selection of primers from regular to magnum (higher octane), benchrest to military grade, from small rifle and pistol and up to fifty caliber, and to fit handguns, rifles, and shotguns oh yes and muzzle loaders too. CCI has always preformed well for me, in my onion you are starting off right. Your load sounds as good as any for starting with as long as you start on the low end and work up slowly and watching out for pressure signs. If you don’t know what pressure signs are ask before firing your loads.

Donna :wink:

[qballs]

Thanks very much,  I wanted to be cautious.  I doubt if this will be my last question

[Rmouleart]

I have found using the 243 Win, Federal Gold Match GM210M primers worked the best for my handloads, The CCI's came in a close second, I use a lot of CCI's in my rifles and revolvers as well, but for some reason in my Remington 700 all weather, the Federals GM210M GoldMatch Primers were the best all around for the 243Win. Aim small hit small RAMbo.

[Graybeard]

I really hate to use the coarse stick powders like the various 4350s. So I save them for use when I just can't find anything else that will work as I wish it to. I generally start with a ball powder or one of the smaller stick powders.

For my .243 Win, a Browning LW, I use the Nosler 90 BT and CCI200 primers in mostly RP but some Hornady and WW cases with 42.0 grains of W760. This has given me an average velocity just a few fps below 3100 fps at 15 ft from the muzzle. Groups usually hover around 1/2" at 100 yards for three shots. I'll have as many under as over.

I've not used the 95BT so can't say for sure if the above load is a tad much or not. Generally tho I don't reach max book loads with my loads so it might be. Check a manual or two first to be sure. But I've found nothing that can compare to the accuracy of this combination in a hunting weight bullet yet for mine. I have used that same powder charge (42.0 grains of W760) with bullets ranging from the Barnes 85X to Nosler 95 PT however and have so far seen no reason for concern in my rifle. It hasn't proven nearly as accurate with any other bullet than the BT however. It just might do well for your 95BT.

[Rmouleart]

I also like the Hornady's, I use 100 gr BT\FB Interlock SP both shoot one hole at 100 yards, I like RL19/H4895/IMR4895 these are the powders that work the best for my scoped Rem700 243 win using the Fed GoldMatch GM210M primers, Lee factory crimp, this combo I could not beat, running around 2700 FPS. In saying this every rifle is different even of the same type, so try out some of these powders recommended and look for the sweet spot;) I load for accuracy, plenty of power even at the start load, The 243Win is basically a neckdown 308cart, I prefer the 100gr Bullets due to they are not affected bye wind as much as the lighter weight bullets and most are designed for deer like game, good drive & penetration.Aim small hit small. RAMbo.