Primers

[thughes]

Any practical experience in recommending one brand over another? I'm talking SPP, LPP, SRP, LRP. I get CCI when I can but F&S in Henrietta usually has Peshiltaloads of Winchester primers in all sizes and flavors for really decent prices. Hate to pay a $10-15 premium for CCI when I can get something else and they're readily available.

Note: I have found that my old (1948) marlin 336 tends to have trouble lighting off CC! primers, I sometimes have to recock the hammer and strike them twice to get ignition but don't have the same problem with Winchester LRP. (seated to same depth)

Thoughts?

[Cgrutt]

Nothing to ad but I'd be interested in learning about shelf life too. Assuming primers are good for a long time if they are kept clean and dry. I know they keep when loaded but was thinking exposure to air/humidity might be a factor while they are loose. Nice topic thanks for posting.

[dsdmmat]

If you know you have problems with CCI, it would be silly to buy them. I use CCI, Remington and Winchester depending on what is available at the time. A majority of primers in my cabinet are CCI ( standard and magnum). But I do have a good amount of the others I mentioned in my cabinet as well.

[RandallOfLegend]

I have only used CCI and Winchester. I will stick with Winchester considering they are $10 cheaper per 1000 at F&S. Both go bang for me. I have heard people complain about Remington, but I have never used them.

I would say that your Marlin might need a new hammer spring. Did you ever cut some coils? Generally people don't with 336s, they aren't usually running matches with them. Or the CCI seat deeper than the Winnys.

[thughes]

Have not modified the Marlin, just got it recently from the previous owner and for all I know the hammer spring is 68 years old. Only happens maybe once for every 50 rounds, no biggie as I'm just plinking and the CCI's function fine on all the other guns. I'm thinking the CCI primers might be a bit "harder" than the Winchesters?

[Meketrefe]

Nothing to ad but I'd be interested in learning about shelf life too. Assuming primers are good for a long time if they are kept clean and dry. I know they keep when loaded but was thinking exposure to air/humidity might be a factor while they are loose. Nice topic thanks for posting.

C,
I just used some surplus primers from 1974 and they worked like day one.
I always keep a decent amount (like around 80K to 100K) in air tight ammo cases. Like most stuff around firearms if stored properly in a dry and cold place in this case like powders, these components will last for a long time.

[Cgrutt]

Good idea on ammo cans. Thanks.

[Morts]

C,
I just used some surplus primers from 1974 and they worked like day one.
I always keep a decent amount (like around 80K to 100K) in air tight ammo cases. Like most stuff around firearms if stored properly in a dry and cold place in this case like powders, these components will last for a long time.

Only 80-100K why so few??