By Lane Pearce, Shooting Times:
https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial ... rass/99417Altogether, I tested 16 batches of test loads and discerned a definite "better" performance bias with most of the Small Rifle primers. With a couple of exceptions, there was very little difference in average velocities, but the small primers almost always delivered reduced standard deviations and improved accuracy. I consulted Dave Emary, Hornady's chief ballistician and originator of the 6.5 Creedmoor, to share the good news.
He promptly poured cold water on my results.
According to Emary, "Typical 6.5 Creedmoor powder charges are simply too large to reliably ignite with Small Rifle primers under all conditions. They're just fine for .223 and similar capacity rounds; however, we're talking about nearly twice as much propellant. A Large Rifle primer is definitely needed to assure reliable and consistent ignition. If the throat is eroded and a round hang-fires, the bullet will plug the bore, and the reigniting propellant will likely fully burn before the bullet can began moving again. Skyrocketing pressures may damage the rifle and possibly injure the shooter."
I told him I appreciated his insight and that I'd get a second opinion.
Gotta love that last line
Now Bill, you should have at least provided the entire quote in context
If the "6.5 Guys" (
https://www.65guys.com/) are getting 22+ loads from a single Lapua case at reasonably high velocities ("hot load" in their own words), then I would suggest the biggest advantage to using small rifle primers is brass life.
I've read 6.5 Creedmoor shooters complaining about case life with Hornady brass – specifically loose primer pockets after 5-6 refirings. Perhaps that explains why Hornady is so defensive
Personally, I'm happy to use srp brass at moderate velocities for several reasons:
We live in Australia – it never gets below 0 where I live.
Lapua brass is good . . . and expensive. The more life I get out if it, the better.
Starline srp brass is almost identical to Lappy brass, so provides a cheaper alternative for hunting. I have 200 Lappy cases and 50 Starline cases for this reason, I don't care if I lose Starline brass in the bush – it's cheap. The biggest difference is in the finish: Lappy flash holes are drilled, Starline flashholes need deburring; Starline mouths are usually rough and need trimming. Lappy brass is good to load out of the box (though I always FL resize for consistency). The only other difference is in the flash-hole size: 1.5mm for Lappy, 2mm for Starline.
I love my A7 Creedmoor and have no intention of shooting the barrel out of it. I've got a mild 123gr load for targets and a medium 143gr load for everything else. If I was an F Class shooter, maybe I'd push the boundaries with pressures and velocities. In which case I'd naturally be using srp brass.
FWIW, I use BR4 primers.
The laws of physics do not apply to politics.