Any Difference Fed primers?

[Fide686]

I’ve been loading with Fed SP Match primers for .38’s. I’m running low. STD Feds are less expensive. Any real difference.
Thanks.

 

[Spokes]

I can't tell..
Used them both.
This don't mean there is not a difference. But for my use no difference..

 

[rockquarry]

I can't tell..
Used them both.
This don't mean there is not a difference. But for my use no difference..

If you're at all experimentally inclined in your handloading, it's interesting to try different primers from an accuracy perspective. Often, it doesn't matter, but sometimes there's an advantage to using a particular primer.

 

[hammer 1]

Fed primers are all I use, and I have not noticed any difference. And I only use federal, because I ended up with a large stock of them back in 2008, and developed all my loads with them

 

[Protocall_Design]

I've been shooting matches since 1979. Mostly Federal since mid 80s. Can't tell any accuracy difference between std. and match. Mag primers average about 15 fps faster, other than that no diff. for target loads.

 

[Fishinfool]

I have read the only difference between the match & standard primers is the match versions are made on machines by operators that are more consistent in testing. I have not noticed any real difference in testing in handguns, though I have noted a positive difference in some accuracy rifle loads.

Larry

 

[OKFC05]

Match primers have a smaller standard deviation of performance.
If you can shoot .38s well enough to measure the difference in range accuracy, I want to congratulate you.

If you can't, don't waste your money. I use std primers, even for bullseye.

 

[DWalt]

About the only thing that can be said for sure is that the difference between match/bench rest and ordinary primers is tighter quality control during manufacture to increase performance consistency. And the QC for ordinary primers is fairly tight already. It is extremely unlikely you will be able to detect any difference.

 

[Benchrest1]

I've done a lot of testing with Fed match and non match primers and have never found any difference between the two.

I've always heard the same thing that DWalt is saying.

 

[boatbum101]

+ 1 on no detectable difference between Fed 100 & match . Shot thousands of 38 spec HBWC loads both Bullseye & PPC . Even 50yd testing didn't show anything . Many things that'll payoff in CF rifle don't seem to matter much in most handgun applications . Tighter ballistic spreads , all the case prep , weighing charges do payoff at longer ranges .

 

[Nevada Ed]

I can have a difference in my 38 and 357 magnum loads with fps and accuracy even with the same brands with std and WLP primers... (for example).

It is slight and you just have to select a load to use, no big thing.

However..............

My rifles are a different story.
A certain primer will work a lot better in accuracy than the others
and one case, like my 30-06 rile, when I use a full hunting load
with IMR4350 powder with a 180 or 200 gr JSP/BT bullet, it cuts the group in half if I use a WLR primer, over a Federal or CCI brand.
My 270 likes the cci 250 mag primer with it's full loads with 130 and 140 gr bullets.
The little .22 is a nightmare.....!!
52 to 70gr bullets use all types of primers and OAL and it takes lots of notes, to get top accuracy.

One time I really like to load revolvers or pistols.

 

[Fide686]

Thank you for the advice. Much appreciated!

 

[rkittine]

For Benchrest shooting at 1,000 yards I use Federal 205M probers Esther than 205s as pointed out he match grades are inspected during the manufacturing process more closely. On top of that I weigh sort mine after sorting them by height. At a thousand yards a slight variation in ignition can give you vertical while trying to hold groups under 3 inches.
For pistol shooting even from a Ransom Rest , at pistol distances, I doubt you would find any difference at all.

Can be a Huge difference with shotgun primers and their lower pressure points .

Bob

 

[Jeff423]

I have used every different primer I could find and the only difference I ever saw were some made in Brazil (PMC?) that were either oval or oversize and did not seat well in my 650.

As far as performance they all went bang, whether match or magnum or "normal". Maybe if I was BR shooting at 1000 yards there would be a difference. But for my 100 yard BR and pistol shooting they all work the same.

 

[jjfitch]

This!

I’ve been loading with Fed SP Match primers for .38’s. I’m running low. STD Feds are less expensive. Any real difference.
Thanks.

Not all firearms are going to perform the same with the same ammo.

My Alan Tanaka PPC Grade III Open Revolver did like the FedSPMatch primers beyond 25 yards.

Does it really matter? I won the State Championship in my classification by 1 X! 15 or so years ago.

 

[Nevada Ed]

WOHA Baby..................

Don't even get talking about different shotgun primers.................

Better pack a lunch and have lots of popcorn on hand
if you get into steel pellets!!