CCI primers Versus Federal primers

[Tater Pickens]

I have always used Federal Large Pistol primers in reloading  black powder in my 45-70 trapdoor, 73 and 92 winchester rifles and 1st generation Colt SAA's but can't get my hands on any. A friend has advised me he has some CCI large pistol primers I could use. Are they good primers? I have always used federals and have no experience with any other brand. Hopefully some of you may have some valuable insight here.

[Professor Marvel]

Greetings My Good Tater

In the bad old days of my callow youth, I used CCI primers exclusively in everything, small and large, rifle, pistol, and shotgun. I even favored CCI percusion caps over any others. Good stuff, never a problem.

Now as I enter my third century  more senior years I pretty much use whatever I can get. You know what? As long as I am not doing that long range 1/4 inch group shooting it doesn't seem to matter, they all go bang and I almost always hit the side of the barn.

Hope this helps
Prof Marvel

[Major 2]

I'm in agreement with the good Prof.   

any  CCI large pistol primers your friend has would be most welcome on my bench

[Dave T]

Ditto to the Professor and the Major. Unless your are looking for the last degree of accuracy (BPC Silhouette out to 500 meters or NRA Long Range at 800, 900, & 1000 yards) any primer brand will ignite black powder. It's not hard to get it burning.

Dave

[Coffinmaker]

  WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEE (BURP) I'm In 

CAVEAT:  Except . . . . TA DA!!  There is absolutely nothing wrong with CCI Primers.  EXCEPT:  If one is running guns with more competitive (Gamer) Main Springs, there WILL be an ignition problem.  One will experience the sound of SILENCE.  As in ... Ah "Click" > > Silence.  You see, CCI Primers have really heavy, thick, resistant, unmoving Primer Cups.  They require lots of Whackada to go BANG.  Federal, not so much.

PROFESSOR MARVEL:  Excellent points.  HOWEVER:  Is it the "SAME SIDE"  of the BARN!!!   

Remember:  In your holiday travels, Stay Away From People.
Stay Safe 

[Tascosa Joe]

CCI primers seem to be a little bit harder, than Federal or Winchester.  If you are shooting short stroke pistols, they probably will not work.

[David Battersby]

In the 44WCF using Swiss 2F CCI#300 primers give me the best accuracy and thinnest fouling.
As for CCI primers being hard..... I had a problem in my Uberti 1873 Winchester. The firing pin extension was binding in the bolt.  I was getting misfires, pulling the hammer back and a 2nd strike would fire the gun.  The misfires only happened with Winchester WLP, CCI #300 and #350 primers never misfired/needed a 2nd hammer strike.

[Major 2]

Just an aside...I have never missed the side of a barn...course I shoot from INSIDE !

[Abilene]

Just an aside...I have never missed the side of a barn...course I shoot from INSIDE !

Unless maybe the window is open?   

[Tater Pickens]

Thank you gentleman for all your feedback. I feel safe in using the CCI Large Pistol Primers in my 45-70 trapdoor, 44-40 winchesters and 45 Colt SAA's