Federal Gold Medal match small pistol primers opinions

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p5200

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I was able to find the CCI 500 primers locally for a while but, that seemed to come to an end. I did manage to find 1000 of the Federals but, I've heard they are pretty soft and one person had problems with crushing them while trying to press into the cases. Did I screw up getting these? I don't load max. charges I just load for group shooting 15-25yds. range. This is for a S&W M&P 40FS with a KKM 40-9MM conversion barrel. Thanks for all opinions! :)
 
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Federals are the most consistent and accurate primers you can buy. They are a little softer and easier to set off, that is why they are recommended for match guns with light loads. I've probably loaded over 200,000 Fed. primers and have never had a problem. I use Fed primers in everything because they are the most consistent, and that includes high pressure 22-250 loads around 3900 fps.
 
I have an RCBS hand priming tool and find the Federal primers seat much easier than CCI. I pick range brass and have had occasional problems with CCI primers seating high. Not with Federal. I've started ordering Federals to replace the CCI when I run out but, having said that, otherwise I have had no issues with CCI.
 
H Richard pretty well said it. Federal primers are at least as good as any others on the market, and better than most. I have been loading for over 50 years and 1 million rounds, and as a result have developed some pretty strong preferences as a result of personal experience. Federal first, Winchester second, CCI probably third, Remington large primers next, and foreign brands only if nothing else was available and I was extremely desperate! No, you didn't "screw up".

Anyone can crush any brand of primers be being inattentive and heavy-handed, it isn't ever the fault of the primer any more than it is the fault of the screw or nut when someone not paying attention gets it cross-threaded and destroys the fastener by trying to force things!
 
My main brand of primers are Federal. I have NEVER had a problem with them - NEVER.

That said, I have also used Remington, Winchester and CCI. I did not buy the CCI's, someone gave me a few thousand, and I will admit that I stopped using the Winchester's because they discontinued the Nickel plating. The plating is nothing more than cosmetic, but I just like Nickel primers.

I have had excellent luck with ALL the brands above, but the Federal's seats easily & correctly, work every time and look good. By the way, they also just happen to be the least expensive, but I would buy them any way even if they were a few bucks more.

Now the ONLY GRIPE I have with the Federal Primers is the "WAY TOO BIG" boxes they come in! They simply take up too much space. Ohhhhh the pains we must endure! :)

Chief38
 
Hey chief38, in my neck of the woods(GA) Federals seem to be the most expensive, especially those Gold Medal match ones. Even the regular Federals are higher than the other brands.
 
chief38 said:
I will admit that I stopped using the Winchester's because they discontinued the Nickel plating. The plating is nothing more than cosmetic, but I just like Nickel primers.

Chief38
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And now I know I'm not alone:D:D

Wish I could afford enough primers at one time that the size of Federal packaging was a storage issue. Have to disagree on this one.
 
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