Primer Sticker Shock

[Warren Sear]

I may be wrong but it seems to me #34 and #41 are nothing but Large rifle mag and small rifle mag...at a higher cot of course

My understanding is that these primers are harder to ignite (primer cup material is harder, or thicker, or the anvil is set farther from the firing pin to prevent slam fires in autoloading rifles, or whatever other theory is out there). I don't believe the primer should be considered as a magnum, but I am open to correction. These were the only large rifle primers in stock.

I will be using them in FAL semi-auto, and Mauser bolt action rifles. I hope they work in both.

 

[AJ]

Not primers, but powder. I just emptied this can of Unique. I looked at the top and the original price sticker was there. I paid $17.95 for it in Jan. 1983 if I read the sticker right. The can I just opened is priced at $21.99.

 

[zeke]

I just bought 1000 CCI No. 34 large rifle primers for $110. I'm happy to have them.

.

In 308 am using W748. If memory serves,No 34's produced slightly more velocity than Fed 215's, and made to accomodate military semi actions. Am using the No 34's almost exclusively but the prices have gone up more than others lately. For the loads am using, very pleased with the No 34's, and believe they are considered comparable to magnum primers.

 

[Skeet 028]

Most of the powders currently used in both military calibers are ball powders and most makers recommend mag primers. As far as harder cups that may be possible..I've never had a slam fire on any military rifle(ok yet)...and I was always told/read/heard mag primers met those criteria for `military rifle use. Maybe old wives tales

 

[zeke]

pretty easy to go to website and look

Buy Mil-Spec No. 34/7.62 Primer for USD 12.99 | CCI

 

[cruiserdan]

.

In 308 am using W748. If memory serves,No 34's produced slightly more velocity than Fed 215's, and made to accomodate military semi actions. Am using the No 34's almost exclusively but the prices have gone up more than others lately. For the loads am using, very pleased with the No 34's, and believe they are considered comparable to magnum primers.

I use 34s for loading .30-06 for use in the M1 Garand.

 

[AJ]

pretty easy to go to website and look

Buy Mil-Spec No. 34/7.62 Primer for USD 12.99 | CCI

At $12.99 a hundred that is $129.90 a brick. Not a good price in my estimation.

 

[slickracer]

Paid $335 for a case of Winchester small pistol primers and I’m happy to have them.

 

[BC38]

pretty easy to go to website and look

Buy Mil-Spec No. 34/7.62 Primer for USD 12.99 | CCI

Sure, if you want to pay $129.90 a brick for them.
Like I said, they are about double what other sizes are going for ($60-$80 a brick).

 

[BC38]

Paid $335 for a case of Winchester small pistol primers and I’m happy to have them.

$67 a brick is OK in today's market. Still 2x-3x what they were just 4-5 years ago though...

 

[lougotzzz]

Anyone buying primers at current prices has more $ than brains!

I just finished a pound of clays powder marked 17.99. Opened another with same price tag.

As for current prices of primers approx 80 per thousand here in PA. I am topping off. One day you might not be able to get them and you would love to pay 80 per thousand. If you think primers are going back down to 40 per thousand or lower you will not reload anymore once your stash is depleated.

With everything being inflated why do you think primers would be exempt. Yes maybe 80 or more a bit high but 65 not out of the ballpark with our dollar worthless. So for about 15 dollars a thousand you are going to chance not having enough primers.that means all you invested in the hobby is worthless and good luck selling it if people don’t have primers to reload.sounds like you are going to waste more money not topping off at current prices then not buying.

If you have a lifetime supply God bless you but some of us don’t have that much stuff. Once it’s paid for it’s forgotten about.
Your mileage may vary

 

[zeke]

Sure, if you want to pay $129.90 a brick for them.
Like I said, they are about double what other sizes are going for ($60-$80 a brick).

the purpose was to link to a description, not promote buying from the factory. Imo, CCI No 34's are mag strength (not the correct technical definition). By the factory's definition they are built to mil spec standards.

 

[zeke]

I just finished a pound of clays powder marked 17.99. Opened another with same price tag.

As for current prices of primers approx 80 per thousand here in PA. I am topping off. One day you might not be able to get them and you would love to pay 80 per thousand. If you think primers are going back down to 40 per thousand or lower you will not reload anymore once your stash is depleated.

With everything being inflated why do you think primers would be exempt. Yes maybe 80 or more a bit high but 65 not out of the ballpark with our dollar worthless. So for about 15 dollars a thousand you are going to chance not having enough primers.that means all you invested in the hobby is worthless and good luck selling it if people don’t have primers to reload.sounds like you are going to waste more money not topping off at current prices then not buying.

If you have a lifetime supply God bless you but some of us don’t have that much stuff. Once it’s paid for it’s forgotten about.
Your mileage may vary

In the future, $80/1000 may be the good old days. And they appear to be getting more expensive right now. In the future, may be lucky to get them at all.

 

[reddog81]

Not primers, but powder. I just emptied this can of Unique. I looked at the top and the original price sticker was there. I paid $17.95 for it in Jan. 1983 if I read the sticker right. The can I just opened is priced at $21.99.

I ordered a 4 lbs jug of unique from powder valley in 2017 for $72. That’s $18 a pound.

 

[Empe]

Anyone buying primers at current prices has more $ than brains!

Really ?? So those of us that started reloading in the last 2 years since the price of primers and powder went up should never have started in the first place ?
Even at todays prices I can reload .45ACP, .357 magnum and .38 Special for .25 cents or less per round using my own brass.

 

[Skeet 028]

I have been looking for imported powders at cheaper prices..I have found some at 30 dollars and under in 1 pound containers. Much of the old standbys are up in the rarefied upper 40s and more...esp Unique. Luckily I recently scored an 8 lb Universal clays...cheap...and some older powders for 10 bucks a can...2 metal cans 2400 and a can of Unique for 15 and a cardboad container of Herco for 5 bucks...If at a gun show and you see older powders...make an offer. I'm still using pre war through the 60s powder...even in riflesYou see Reloader 10-11-12...works good in 223 RD GD Herco BD heck I even have at least 5 pounds of HS-5 ...good pistol powders. Still at present...primers are the problem. If you see primers you can use for 70 dollars and under delivered...NOW is the time to buy. Even if they go down in price you can still price average...so scrape that last buck outta your reloading stash. Forewarned is forearmed

 

[lougotzzz]

One thing I find very funny about some reloader. They measure every reloading cost against 9mm. They forget most other calibers loaded ammo is very expensive. Look at some popular calibers and loaded ammo is rather high in price.you now have to factor in shipping and tax.
308
223 better but getting expensive
45 colt
44 mag
38 special
357 mag
300 win mag
These are examples of loaded ammo cost to current primer powder and projectile cost it’s still better to reload.plus better ammo and self reliant which is priceless.

 

[Skeet 028]

Talked to a friend today and he quoted prices that were fairly reasonabl in a shop back east Rem LPs 5M for under 350 dollars LRP for about 360 or there abouts. The name is Shyda's gun shop in Lebanon Pa...In store prices only I guess. Gotta be some of you guys live in that area. They must have a website

 

[Dfish1247]

Had an odd conversation at Christmas dinner. My uncle said it cost about $7-$8 to fill the tank in his 442 in the early-mid 70’s when gas took off in price. He also said they made about $3/hr or so. Couple hours work to fill the tank, same thing now. Couple hours work to fill the tank.


Now, I’ve seen this mentioned and thought the same thing. People have it stuck in their heads to keep comparing reloading costs of everything to bulk 9mm range blammo. It stinks you can’t reload your 375 H&H for $.60, I’m being extreme here, but it sets the point.

I see and participate in griping about primer and powder costs, I rarely ever hear about projectile costs. They are one time use as well. Bought any matchkings lately? They’re rivaling bergers.

Not to forget the OP, what museum of the before time did you take those primers from,lol?

 

[cmj8591]

the purpose was to link to a description, not promote buying from the factory. Imo, CCI No 34's are mag strength (not the correct technical definition). By the factory's definition they are built to mil spec standards.

Those are mil spec primers. The main difference is that the cups are made from thicker/harder material. There may be some other small differences in construction but hey are designed to prevent slam fires in military guns. Mostly the full auto ones. You can imagine the violence that a round is subjected to as it makes it's way into the chamber of say, a 240SAW. Some military guys use them exclusively but in the civilian world I don't believe they are necessary. I think the priming composition is the same as a magnum civilian primer. Which would make sense if you consider the large range of conditions that they must operate in.