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primers

jiminky
What is the big deal with primers? You drop the hammer and they go BANG. Why are Eley better than others? Any difference in function with rim or center fire?
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7 comments

Date Votes
  • jiminky
    Have been using CCI 200 Large Rifle primers, WantTo switch to Winchester LargeRifle 8 1/2 any difference in size and preformance.
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  • perry shooter
    For the most part Many ammo companies used one color primers for factory loaded ammo ant the other color for any reloading components they sold . IMHO all that went out the window a few years ago and now factory ammo could have either color.
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  • jiminky
    Thanks for info. However, what does IMHO stand for? Is there any other way to distingush factory ammo from reloaded ammo? Thanks
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  • 11b6r
    IMHO- computer shorthand- In My Humble Opinion. You will also see IIRC- If I Recall Correctly, and AFAIK- As Far As I Know, and BTW- By The Way. Difference between factory new and reloads- for COMMERCIALLY reloaded- darned little. Mixed headstamps are, of course, a giveaway, as are marks on case that run vertically (from dies). Commercially remanufactured ammo may show none of those. Frankly, as long as done professionally, ICCL. (I could care less) Amatueur reloads I avoid unless I share DNA with the reloader.
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  • heavyiron
    Hi Jiminky,

    The primer is only a piece of the puzzle to determine if a cartridge is from the factory or is reloaded. Some reloads can use factory components and be indistinguishable from a factory load. It takes a keen eye and knowledge of available components such as bullet type, bullet design, case, primer, crimping, overall length, and bullet shape to determine if a cartridge may be a reload or from the factory.

    One of the most telltale signs of a reload are tool marks on the casing and bullet that indicated the cartridge has been reloaded. For example, if the cartridge has fine lines parallel to the long axis of the case it indicates a reload. The lines are caused by the casing being pressed into a sizing die which scrapes the brass at points most often around the cartridge base. The mouth of the case can also show signs of being worked where it was expanded and/or crimped.

    Primers can be silver in appearance but are really made from nickel.

    I have some old original Winchesters cartridges in my collection and they have nickel primers and some are brass. I don't think there is any pattern of primer use by the manufacturers that can be relied upon. My belief is that whatever component is available and cheapest at the time is what is used.

    It is more difficult to tell the difference in recent years because many of the major manufacturers are making "custom" or premium ammunition where they use another manufacturer's bullets.

    Regards,

    Heavyiron
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  • jiminky
    Thanks for the info- great help. I am learning a new language---computer shorthand. Jim
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  • Duck Head
    One other thing. If the case mouth is chamfered on the outside it's definately not a common factory loaded shell.Longitudinal scratches on "used" shells could be made from going through a magazine while loading the shell into the chamber.An experienced eye could tell the difference between that and sizing marks but you might not.A slight bulge above the web of the case is a sure indicater of a reload unless they used a small base die. They could steel wool the shell to make it look new but an experienced eye usually can tell easily.Hope this helps
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