Large magnum rifle primers - brand preference?

[Edster]

The CCI#250 work for me. When they are in short supply and I can find CCI#34 those work as well

 

[Uncompahgre]

I have used Federal Gold Medal Magnum Match 215 primers for several years now. I really like the consistency I've seen with velocity and SD across a wide spectrum of calibers and powders.

 

[davidg8480]

Fed 215m

 

[KEC]

CCI or Federal for me! Winchester had an issue years ago with large rifle and large rifle magnum cups splitting which caused gasses to burn between the cup and primer pocket causing bolt burn & erosion. My new (at the time) Cooper 300 WM suffered some burns with pitting. Winchester examined my brass and primers and took responsibility but only paid for half of a new bolt. I paid the other half as I could not stand seeing the damage to the bolt on my new rifle.

 

[Rare Breed]

My local Sportsman's Warehouse has three different brands of large magnum rifle primers available. From everything I've seen, they seem to be hard to find.

They have Remington 9 1/2 M, CCI No. 250, and White River Energetics which is a newer brand. I didn't realize the White River Energetics were on the market yet. I spoke with them in 2023 at the SHOT Show and they were still building a plant in Arkansas.

I will eventually be loading for .375 H&H, .358 Norma Mag, 9.3x62, and .308 Norma Magnum.

I only use Federal 215

 

[ftrovato]

Whatever you can get!

Back in the day I always used Fed 215's. As of late I've been using CCI 250's.

I've had no issues igniting 100+ grains in 470 & 500 NE. All velocities over chronograph support that observation.

Same is true in 416 Rigby & 340 Weatherby with a little less powder.

 

[meigsbucks]

Federal 215’s are my first choice. CCI 250’s as a second choice.

 

[jwp475]

I use Federal 215

 

[CoElkHunter]

Whatever is obtanium for me. I prefer Federal 215s @ $27/K like five years ago. LOL

 

[skydiver386]

Whatever is obtanium for me. I prefer Federal 215s @ $27/K like five years ago. LOL

Now it's like $127, BUT they are available again. Lets hope prices come back to a reasonable level.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

Now it's like $127, BUT they are available again. Lets hope prices come back to a reasonable level.

Scheels recently had the 215’s at $89/brick and $119/brick on the GM215’s. I think the CCI’s were the same price as the Federal’s or even $5/brick cheaper

 

[CoElkHunter]

Whatever is obtanium for me. I prefer Federal 215s @ $27/K like five years ago. LOL

Oh yeah, and powder at $26-27/lb.

 

[CoElkHunter]

Scheels recently had the 215’s at $89/brick and $119/brick on the GM215’s. I think the CCI’s were the same price as the Federal’s or even $5/brick cheaper

Not close to $27/K FIVE years ago. Keep trying. LOL

 

[375er]

Historically I’ve preferred Federal. But all I’ve been able to get lately is Remington. I’m hoping they work out I haven’t used them yet. The fact no one mentioned them here isn’t encouraging.

I have had good success with Remington 91/2. Picked up more a few months ago when I found them.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

Not close to $27/K FIVE years ago. Keep trying. LOL

I can guarantee you’ll never see prices like that again. If that’s what you’re waiting for, you’re going to be waiting a LONG time.

Was just saying you can find Fed 215’s for less than $127

 

[sniper7]

Federal is what I started with but had issues with my subsonic .308 reloads. CCI 250 is all I use now in those, .300 WM, .375 H&H and .458 WM. Next up is .470NE

 

[Javaman]

I like Federal 215M assuming I’ve stocked enough, Winchester equivalent in a pinch - W’s seem to work well for me in .416RM.

 

[Woodcarver]

I used to use CCI for everything, but I have used all of them at some point. To date, I have not seen a discernable difference in any load that had a different primer used. Everything gets run over a chronograph, and if there's a velocity change, I can't see it. Haven't had a pressure issue that could be attributed to a primer either. After 40+ years of reloading, I have decided they are interchangeable.
Good to hear there's a new player in the game. I'll have to try some of these White River primers. My expectation is they will be another interchangeable option.

 

[krish]

Midway usa has lrm federal 215 in stock.
Both regulsr and gold medal.
Krish

 

[grand veneur]

My local Sportsman's Warehouse has three different brands of large magnum rifle primers available.
...
They have Remington 9 1/2 M, CCI No. 250, and White River Energetics...
...

One can recommend a lot, but ultimately it is about what we can read above. @jpr9954 has the choice between this three primers.