Primer question

bananaman

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I just bought a brick of Federal Large Match Pistol Primers. Is the match something special, or just a name they threw on it.
I like CCI best, and DISLIKE Winchester MOST, Fiocchi ok too.
I have never used Federal. You buy what you can get your hands on. Bob
 
Match components are "supposed" to have tighter tolerances, but for 99% of shooters they'll never notice any difference downrange.
 
Couldn't tell you if there's anything special about match primers. I've used Winchester, CCI, Federal, Tula and Wolf primers and the only difference I've noticed is the Russian primers are a little tougher to seat than the American made primers. Other then that they've all gone bang.
 
Match primers might be noticed if you are capable of and trying to make Master in Bullseye competition. Otherwise, your wiggles wipe out any increase in ammunition consistency.
 
Match components are "supposed" to have tighter tolerances, but for 99% of shooters they'll never notice any difference downrange.

Tighter tolerances based on what specifications is the question.

Yes you should expect that a primer or loaded ammo that says "Match Grade" (or something similar) on it should mean that manufacturer either makes that item with a process that uses tighter tolerances (i.e. less variation from one to the next) or that they sort the output of their standard process and package the resulting pieces that fit the tighter tolerance separately from the rest.
However, I don't think there is any accepted third party definition of exactly what those higher standards or tighter tolerances should be - and even one manufacturer to another might have different definitions of what it means to have a higher tolerance.
The idea being that the less variation there is from round to round in every parameter that can be controlled should translate into less variation in the hits on the target - of course there are many variables outside of the round itself whenever you shoot - target or match grade should simply remove the ammunition itself as a variable.
In other spaces - such as automotive - higher grades might mean brake pads that wear longer - or a flywheel that is more finely balanced. Makes me wonder if anyone out there is advertising (for hand loading or as complete ammo) projectiles that are harmonically balanced so they spin perfectly. Its one thing to have a set of projectiles all with the same weight - but if they are not also the same shape aerodynamically and evenly balanced etc they might "fly" differently. Even a small difference in hardness that affects contact with the rifling will have an effect.
You could likely fill a couple pages with all the potentially variables. Some of which are going to have tiny effects and some of which are going to have large effects on the outcome of a shot fired. Some of which will have inexpensive ways to improve and some will have very expensive ways to improve.
In the end it depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
For a primer it could be as simple as the recipe used provides a more reliable or consistent ignition - or it could be as simple as an individual inspection to ensure that not a single "bad" primer makes it into the box (by "bad" I am thinking primers with no anvil or the wrong amount of explosive might have slipped through the automated process but is excluded from the "match grade" package, which would mean there is no difference at all in the construction or formulation just extra checks for defects).
 
"Gold Medal® Primers are manufactured to exacting tolerances, so if you load your own you know you're getting the same high-quality primer components and optimum ignition that make our Gold Medal cartridges the choice of match shooters everywhere.Knowing this will give you the extra confidence you need."

Makes you feel good all over.;)
 
The match primers are made on the same equip as std primers, same compounds & components. The diff supposedly are the QC folks. The "better" primers are supposed to go to the match packaging, based on the spot checks by these exp QC people. That is my understanding of the process, as explained by a Fed rep. They load the same. Whether they are "better" & justify the higher cost, only shooting will tell. I have had std primers beat match primers for accuracy in given rifles, so I assume nothing.
 
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I was just curious!!! Large pistol primers have been eluding me for months. This was the only box that Jays had of any kind. Cabelas sells them for $48, I got these for $40. I will just use them. I'm sure the rounds will go bang. I only use large primers for 45 ACP, nothing else. Thanks to everyone that responded! Bob
 
I've been told by those in the industry that when a certain machine operated by certain employees is found to turn out more consistent primers, those manufactured on that machine by those employees are labeled "match."

Since they don't cost much more than non-match primers, I use them - it's a "feel good" thing, I'm sure.

Ed
 
Depends on what game is in town............

90% of shotgun loaders go with w209 for trap and F209A for
field or steel loads.

Most rifle loaders go with CCI unless into comp. shooting or the M1 type thing.

The Federal is a good primer for most pistols and revolvers but if you need a magnum primer things may change.

They will all work..........
some better than others........... just glad to see you have some on the shelf.
 
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