Is it necessary to use mil spec primers when reloading for AR 15s or will normal small rifle primers work? Thanks!
After all these "slam fires" started showing up a couple years ago, I took 5 different AR's that were in the shop and spent a day cycling rounds through them trying to get a "slam fire". Couldn't get one. I even wedged a firing pin in the forward position with gunk and couldn't get one. I was so interested, I tried it on 3 different M1's too since they were having them all the sudden (I have been shooting reloads from mine since the late 60's and never had or seen one, never even heard of a "slam fire" till maybe 7-8 years ago), Couldn't get more than the tiniest of dents and never could get a slam fire from any of them.
I am NOT going to weld a firing pin forward in a bolt to find out.
I am of the opinion that the "slam fire" is becoming the excuse of choice for ND's these days. If I ever see one for myself, my mind might change.
I'll just keep using ordinary rifle primers and keep it pointed in a safe direction and refuse to worry about it. I'll keep single loading too.
Sam
I use 'em for insurance, but they're probably not necessary with the AR.
Many High Master HP shooters swear by Winchester primers for this rifle. Others like the Remingtons.
I wouldn't use Federal for a gas gun as they're too sensitive, but otherwise, just make sure that you seat them deep enough that they aren't protruding.
There is more discussion on this in the .223 reloading thread.
I use Winchester primers on my 5.56/.223 loads. I have never had a slam-fire, even after using them in a half dozen different AR's. Never had a problem with them out of a Mini-14 either.
I have heard people talk about it happening, but never seen it happen myself.
This is my experience, yours may be different....
On the subject of .223's, I've only shot a hundred or so rounds of my reloads through on AR and my mini14 = no slam fires.
On the other hand, many years ago a put a few thousand reloads through my M1A with Federal Bench Rest primers with no slam fires. Why Federal BR primers? First, that was all that I could get locally and second was no one told me they were bad for slam fires (apparently someone forgot to tell the primers they were too sensitive, too).
SamD, you may be on to something there. After all, these days, no one is ever at fault, it's always the equipment or the supplies or the training that is at fault.
.
Winchester (WSR) and Remington 7 1/2 primers as well as CCi is what is recommended. I use Winchester myself.
Most primer caused slamfires come from primers improperly seated, that is, they stick up.
Like Old Dog, I've heard that Federal BR primers are the most sensitive (they are the most accurate anyways), but have yet to see or hear of a legit slamfire from them.
I use CCI 400s for my AR and never a problem. Doesn't matter what the primer is, it won't save you from a poorly-prepped case...one with a high primer is asking for trouble. So, just don't shortcut on case prep for your autoloaders and you should be fine.
If anyone has ANY primers that they're afraid to load due to the chance of the mythical "slam fire" I'll buy them from you. Say $15 / K, delivered?? That way you get some money and can sleep at night without worrying about ever having a slam fire. ;D
But seriously, I've loaded many thousands of rounds for AR's, Mini's & other semi's and never had an issue. If it's the right size primer I don't care who made it. They all work just fine if loaded properly.
Ed
I have reloaded many thousands of 223 fired in both AR15s and Mini 14. Add to that a few hundred in a friends HK93 many moons ago. I have used Federal, CCI, Winchester and Remington primers and guess what? Not a single slam fire.
I have had a few failures to fire (actually failure to fully close the bolt) from high primers when I used a Hornady progressive press a long time ago (I use a Dillon now for progressive reloads).
Your results may vary.
Cheers
Same here, just loaded up some 308'S with cci 200 made sure that primers where seated deep enough. :~
Anyone,,,have you tried the newer copper colored Winchesters' ? And if so, how do you find them ?
My RRA with their standard trigger doesnt like the new Winchesters. with the heavy hammer spring they put in from the factory it will poke through one out of a hundred of the new winchesters. I mainly use Wolf small rifle magnums and dont have a problem with them. And I am glad because I got 20,000 of them on the shelf. In a few other Ar's with match triggers which includes a lighter hammer spring I have not personaly seen any problems with the new winchesters. Prep your brass right, make sure your primers a seated properly, and most all AR primer problems go away.
Woody
It sounds like almost all "reports" of slamfires are the creation of Internet tales and gun rag warnings.