CCI Primer fact check

[soldierbilly1]

Do I have this right:
CCI small rifle primers are soft
but CCI small pistol primers are hard.

Is it right or do I have this screwed up?
Billboy

[shaune509]

My thinking is that you have it reversed, as rifles on average have a stronger firing pin spring.
Shaune509

[Der Gebirgsjager]

I'd guess that 90% of the primers I've used since I first started reloading in 1966 have been CCI. I've heard many times that they are harder than Win. or Rem., but I've never experienced any difficulty with them whatsoever.

[mac60]

I was having a problem with a Marlin 336. Before I ordered parts, I tried WLR primers. I was told the cup was softer than the CCI200's I was using. This turned out to be true. No more failure to fire - 100% reliability.

[RandyLahey]

I'm having fits using CCI #400 primers in my LnL progressive press. Small crescent shaped brass/nickel shavings gumming up my primer slider. I've swaged my 5.56 military brass and primer gauge is fine, but with these primers they are catching something on the old crimp and effectively trimmer a small shaving of the primer as it seats. After 10-20-30 shells, enough build up to stop the press. UGH!!!!! It's part primer, part press issue(indexing), and part swaging not totally removing the crimp. I'm going to try the Hornady primer pocket trimmer/reamer on my Frankford arsenal prep center and see if the gives enough of a bevel to allow that sharp edge on the CCI's to seat w/out shaving that brass/nickel. They perform great and I like seeing the nickel primer and brass shell. Helps me to pick out my shells from other range pickup. Plus I've had no duds.

[Bzcraig]

Remington 1 1/2 and Fed 100 are softer in SP anyway. I have a couple of revolvers with reduced springs in them and the two above are the only ones the reliably go bang every time.

[M-Tecs]

http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2012/03/primers-and-pressure-analysis-by-james-calhoon/

http://riflemansjournal.blogspot.com/2009/06/primers-small-rifle-primer-study.html

[claude]

Nickel plating on the edge of the primers is hard and sharp, the edge doesn't roll like unclad copper, it cuts.

I have no evidence of that outside of experience, and supposition, but believe it to be true.

[dragon813gt]

In regards to the OP's question, you have them reversed. The pistol primers have a softer cup.

[wrench man]

some info on CCI primers here too,
http://www.shootingtimes.com/ammo/ammunition_st_mamotaip_200909/

The one and only issue I've ever had with primers was the ***! Taurus revolver, not the primers, Winchester, Remington and Federal all had IDENTICAL issues.

[David2011]

Agreeing with Bzcraig. If you're looking for a soft primer for light main/hammer springs, go with Federal 100 or Remington 1-1/2. I also had a revolver with Bullseye springs in it and would only ignite Federal 100s. Finally installed a Wolff mainspring which is still much lighter than factory but reliable on CCI and other more stubborn primers.

David

[str8wal]

My thinking is that you have it reversed, as rifles on average have a stronger firing pin spring.
Shaune509

And usually operate at much higher pressures.