Primer hardness

[Timb0]

Would anyone have a list or an opinion on what's the hardest to softest large rifle primers?
Only really interested in common brands ; Winchester, CCI, Federal etc.
Thanks.

[tarnagulla]

Among pistol primers at least, Federal are considered the softest. I can't say for sure if that also applies to their rifle primers though.

[Warrigul]

Among pistol primers at least, Federal are considered the softest. I can't say for sure if that also applies to their rifle primers though.

They are not actually much softer, they ignite a lot easier as the compound is more volatile when struck.

Something to consider when reloading.

[tarnagulla]

Well, for all practical purposes, is that not much the same thing?

[Chronos]

A simple guide is that "Match" primers like the CCI BR4's and Federal match primers are harder. the use a harder (thicker?) cup to resist the harder impact of a heavier firing pin string used in competitions rifles to shorten lock time. As for which are harder than the other i have no idea apart from internet heresay and rumor
'
Chronos

[Warrigul]

Well, for all practical purposes, is that not much the same thing?

Yep,

[vonfram88]

Strangely enough the CCI and Federal primers are made at the same factory. Federal pistol primers are definitely easier to ignite than the CCI. Most people who have done a trigger and spring job when they were using federal primers will experience misfires if they switch to CCI requiring them to wind up the leaf in the revolver or put stronger springs back in their autos.

There was a chronic shortage of the federals recently. It was because demand in the US was out of control. I used to supply some raw materials to the ammo component manufacturers and tried to get some extra lots of primers into the country but they insisted on honouring the exclusivity deal with their Australian distributor.

[sneaker]

A simple guide is that "Match" primers like the CCI BR4's and Federal match primers are harder. the use a harder (thicker?) cup to resist the harder impact of a heavier firing pin string used in competitions rifles to shorten lock time.

What's shortening lock time?

[Chronos]

A simple guide is that "Match" primers like the CCI BR4's and Federal match primers are harder. the use a harder (thicker?) cup to resist the harder impact of a heavier firing pin string used in competitions rifles to shorten lock time.

What's shortening lock time?

lock time is the time between when the trigger is pulled (the sear is released) and when the primer is struck.

The heavier the firing pin spring the faster the pin moves forward and the shorter the lock time. in almost all situations a shorter lock time will improve the accuracy of a rifle, particularly in slower moving cartridges like in rimfire rifles

Chronos

[Jack V]

Remington primers have the hardest to dent cup and withstand more pressure than most . Federal about next then I would rate CCI LR and Winchester LR about the softest to dent . Cup thickness in LR primers is about the same on most common brands . It's the material they are made out of that makes them harder or softer.
There is more variation in SR primers I think.

[sneaker]

The heavier the firing pin spring the faster the pin moves forward and the shorter the lock time. in almost all situations a shorter lock time will improve the accuracy of a rifle, particularly in slower moving cartridges like in rimfire rifles

I see so it's about withstanding the pin.

[headspace]

Have a look at http://www.jamescalhoon.com/primers_and_pressure.php.

He did some great research on the subject.

I only use CCI primers and BR4 in small rifle exclusively.

JD

[Lorgar]

I only use CCI primers and BR4 in small rifle exclusively.

BR2 for me (large rifle).