Primers and Load Velocity: CCI-BR2 vs. Wolf in .308 Win
We are often asked “Can I get more velocity by switching primer types?” The answer is “maybe”. The important thing to know is that changing primer types can alter your load’s performance in many ways — velocity average, velocity variance (ES/SD), accuracy, and pressure. Because there are so many variables involved you can’t really predict whether one primer type is going to be better or worse than another. This will depend on your cartridge, your powder, your barrel, and even the mechanics of your firing pin system.
Interestingly, however, a shooter on another forum recently did a test with his .308 Win semi-auto. Using Hodgdon Varget powder and Sierra 155gr Palma MatchKing (item 2156) bullets, he found that Wolf Large Rifle primers gave slightly higher velocities than did CCI-BR2s. Interestingly, the amount of extra speed (provided by the Wolfs) increased as charge weight went up, though the middle value had the largest speed variance. The shooter observed: “The Wolf primers seemed to be obviously hotter and they had about the same or possibly better ES average.” See table:
| Varget .308 load | 45.5 grains | 46.0 grains | 46.5 grains |
| CCI BR2 Primers | 2751 fps | 2761 fps | 2783 fps |
| Wolf LR Primers | 2757 fps | 2780 fps | 2798 fps |
| Speed Delta | 6 fps | 19 fps | 15 fps |
You can’t extrapolate too much from the table above. This describes just one gun, one powder, and one bullet. Your Mileage May Vary (YMMV) as they say. However, this illustration does show that by substituting one component you may see significant changes. Provided it can be repeated in multiple chrono runs, an increase of 19 fps (with the 46.0 grain powder load) is meaningful. An extra 20 fps or so may yield a more optimal accuracy node or “sweet spot” that produces better groups. (Though faster is certainly NOT always better for accuracy — you have to test to find out.)
WARNING: When switching primers, you should exercise caution. More speed may be attractive, but you have to consider that the “speedier” primer choice may also produce more pressure. Therefore, you must carefully monitor pressure signs whenever changing ANY component in a load.
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Plenty of CCI-BR2 and Wolf Large Rifle Primers in Stock
If you’re looking for either the CCI BR-2 or Wolf Large Rifle Primers, Wideners.com currently has both in stock. The CCI BR2 primers (item CCIBR2) cost $42.50 per 1000. The Wolf LR Primers (item QQQLR KVB-7) cost $29.50 per 1000 OR $142.00 per 5000.
Similar Posts:
- How Changing Primers Can Affect Velocity in the .308 Win
- Changing Primer Types Can Alter Load Velocities and Pressures
- Yes Both Velocity and Pressure Can Vary with Primer Choice
- Changing Primer Type CAN Alter Pressure and Velocity
- Switching Primer Types CAN Change Pressure and Velocity
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A very nice article with a wealth of good, sound advice for the reloader looking for top performance from their loads. I would simply add that even changing lot numbers of the same make of primers ( or powder!) will have dramatic effects on the performance of your ammo.
Always, ALWAYS, check and recheck when changing components. It will save you a lot of grief in the long run.
Roy
This was an interesting article, although the data is statistically insignificant. I combed my reloading records for similar, recent comparisons; they are noted below. All primers and powders were purchased this year and the groups are five shots. My data is also anecdotal. It would be necessary to fire a large number of primers with as many powder types and guns as possible to derive a significant sample population.
H4895 .22-250 36.5 37.0 37.5
CCI BR-2 3924.8 3972.6 4014.8
Wolf KVB-7 3921.9 3981.6 4069.7
Velocity Delta -3.0 9.0 54.9
RL17 .22-250 39.0 39.5 40.0 40.5
CCI BR-2 3530.9 3639.3 3692.0 3773.7
Wolf KVB-7 3612.9 3655.5 3702.9 3796.0
Velocity Delta 82.0 16.2 10.9 22.3
H335 .223 25.0 25.5 26.0
CCI BR-4 3281.4 3346.7 3428.3
Wolf KVB-5.56M 3268.7 3349.2 3371.0
Velocity Delta -12.7 2.5 -57.3
H335 .223 25.0 25.5 26.0
Fed 205M 3308.0 3364.1 3397.2
Wolf KVB-5.56M 3268.7 3349.2 3371.0
Velocity Delta -39.3 -14.9 -26.2
Varget 6mm BR 29.0 29.5 30.0
Fed 205M 2776.1 2825.2 2874.7
Wolf KVB-5.56M 2795.4 2831.1 2876.3
Velocity Delta 19.3 5.9 1.6
The velocities are low for a Palma load. For 47gr of Varget in a 30″ barrel, expect about 2950fps