Federal vs Federal Premium Primers

[mtscott]

Hello, my dad picked me up some primers this week. My IMR reloading data calls for Federal Premium Primers (PN - GM215M) and he got me the non-premium ones (PN - 215). These are for a 300 WTB Mag.

Can someone tell me what the difference is between the two and if I can use the non-premium primers for my 300 WBY Mag?

PN - 215: http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...eitemid=586171

PN - GM215M: http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...eitemid=184351

Thanks!!!

[aubie515]

Some people swear by all the top dollar items...I guess they need to justify spending more money and if it says "tactical" or "premium" on the box it can sell for more. I have some of the FGMM primers, but I also use Federal's regular primers and they work just as well. You must decide if it's worth paying more for the premium stuff. Why not load 5 rounds of regular primers and 5 with the premium and test to see which load shoots better.

[mtscott]

So you are saying they both will work in my 300?

[Spitnine]

Originally Posted by mtscott

Hello, my dad picked me up some primers this week. My IMR reloading data calls for Federal Premium Primers (PN - GM215M) and he got me the non-premium ones (PN - 215). These are for a 300 WTB Mag.
Can someone tell me what the difference is between the two and if I can use the non-premium primers for my 300 WBY Mag?
PN - 215: http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...eitemid=586171
PN - GM215M: http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...eitemid=184351
Thanks!!!

I suspect the Federal #GM215M primers are "magnum" primers, similar to Remington's #9 1/2M primers.
Magnum primers, which are a little "hotter" than standard primers are often recommended for magnum calibers with large case capacities.
Some also use them in reloads intended for use in very cold weather.
I've used both (Rem) in .308 Winchester and never noticed any difference.
There is some buzz out there about possible pressure problems with magnum primers in non-magnum cases. Don't know if it's accurate or not.
I would say that you are safe to use magnum primers in your 300 Mag.
Thanks.

[Farbmeister]

Unless your load data calls for magnum primers do not use them. They will increase pressures.

Magnum primers are for hard to ignite powders.. mainly ball type.

All the other reasons to use magnum primers are old wives tales.

[mtscott]

Both of these boxes are Magnum primers.

The first box that my load data calls for says this on it:

Federal Premium
NO. GM215M
Large Magnum
Rifle Match Primers
(Red and Gold Box)

The box my dad bought this week says this on it:

Federal
NO: 215
Large Magnum
Rifle Primers
(Blue and Grey Box)

So are they both the same primer but one is just premium?

I am loading ammo for the 300 WBY Magnum.

Thanks...

[Majnoon]

Both primers you mention are listed as Magnum on Federals website. Therefore you can safley use the ones your dad bought. You can also safley use any other large magnum rifle primer by any other manufacture. The keys to selecting the right primer are based on three things in my eyes and all manufactures follow them. 1st pistol or rifle. 2nd Large or small. 3rd plain or magnum. So if your reloading book calls for a CCI primer which is a large rifle magnum, you could use those your dad bought as well. An aurthor may favor CCI, it is most likley what he used in his test for ballistics and pressures as well, a certain manual may preach there own product or ones that may have paid a royalty. They may also preach the ones that gave the best accuracy with their product. In any case you should never encounter a dangourous situation as long as you follow the type, size and magnum or standard. "premium" "match" "trophy" May just be a selling gimmic or production standards may have a higher tolerance for what is acceptable. So go right on and use those primers. If you got any more quistions, charles.jost79@yahoo.com

[mtscott]

Thanks much!!!

[Lycanthrope]

I use Federal Match 215 primers.

They are more consistent.

A decent large bore primer can vary your charge amount. If you don't believe me, then start weighing primers......

Normally, this won't cause a high pressure problem unless you are already skirting the envelope. Otherwise......consistency helps accuracy.

Lycandependsonyourgoalthrope