Stocking up on Large Pistol Primers.....Opinions Please

peppercorn

peppercorn

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If you were going to stock up on primers ,LPP, which ones would you choose and why?

I have been using CCI, Federal and Winchester and just recently a few Remington Large Pistol primers. I've not noticed a significant difference per say in my short, so far, reloading experience.

As such I would like to buy some in bulk as the LGS is hit and miss on supply. Right now I am leaning toward both Winchester and Federal just because I have used those the most. I use the Winchester primers in my 44 mag loads behind 2400 and the Federals behind most everything else.
 
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Right now, I'm stocking up on Winchester primers.

I won't get caught in the next primer shortage.

I remember calling from store to store, only to be told they didn't have any
and didn't know when (or if) they'd have them again.
 
Started with CCI, and have not had any primer issues, will continue purchasing them.
 
I believe either Winchester, CCI or Federal would serve you well. A nearby LGS sells out of SP primers, all brands, quickly but I noticed LP don't seem to sell out and are usually available.
 
I honestly don't think it matters much so long as you've had good experience with them.

I would stay away from any stating that they are "toxic metal free" as I have been told they are the only ones that have about a five to ten year shelf life- not intentional mind you, but that's what I've been told. I accidentally bought some and they worked fine, but velocity was noticeable lower and they smelled a bit strange compared to regular loads. They were some Russian "TMF" primers by Murom. I kept 200 of them to try in a few years to see if what I was told is correct. I've shot a lot of the regular primers by Murom, which are either packaged under their name in white and red boxes, or rebadged under the Wolf or Tula branding.

I like the Fiocchi primers pretty good- they come in 1500 count bricks, and they seem almost as soft as Federal Gold Metal primers but a good bit cheaper!

If I could just get a deal on more percussion caps....
 
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I use Federal in all my revolver loads (my revolvers have lightened DA trigger pulls) and Winchester in all my semi auto pistol loads.
 
It may boil down to buying what you can find. I have had difficulty ordering small pistol primers of any brand for my shop for the past two months. The distributors either show them out of stock or a message on their websites stating "Call Rep for Availability".
 
I just bought 6K LPP, 2K small and 1 lg Rifle of Federals from Powder Valley. Great price, quick shipment. Now up to 12K LPP 4K sm P and 3K Large rifle.

Should be ok for awhile
 
Local caster has tons on the shelf, not going to stockpile anything and maybe supply and demand will get the price back down to were it was before the last self induced panic. I keep only a few thousand and buy as needed, buying more will only shorten supply and drive the price up.
 
Since I reload just about everything, I keep all sizes of primers on hand. I won't have a shortage of any kind myself. I mainly keep Winchester and Wolf. I've pretty much ran through all of my CCI's. If you have a light hammer/striker...then you'll want to keep Federals on hand, as the three I use are medium to hard.
 
As Tsquared implied-Federal is a little easier to light than others, so they would be preferred in cases requiring that ability. I use only Winchester Large Pistol primers, as they are the only ones that are made for both Magnum and regular loads-in small rounds, I use CCI or Feds if I can get them at a good price.
 
Winchester first choice.

CCI second simply because they don't seat as easily on my press as Winchesters. I have to really lean on the lever to get them to seat fully. I've fired thousands without a problem not caused by not fully seating them.

I would avoid Federals simply because of the lame megabulky packaging.
 
For versatility in LP, I prefer Winchester since they state they are for standard or magnum loads. Rem and CCI are compact in packaging, work well, but you may need two kinds. I've had good luck with Rem. I used a lot of CCI at one time, but I observe they seem a little overdimensioned and can enlarge the pockets after several uses, not to mention I have found some of them backing out from ammo loaded many years ago. Feds are very good primers, often specified for when you have lightened hammer springs, but could they *BE* any bulkier?? Any you may need standard and mag.
 
I stocked up on some Fiocchi large pistol primers that were on sale last month, picked up 4 bricks of 1500 each. I have only burned through about 500 so far but they are working well and I'm thinking I may need another 4 or 5 bricks.
 
Anyone ever have issues w/ 500 s & w mag, starline brass & Winchester large rifle primers? By issues, I mean light primer strike / miss fires.
 
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