These are my suggestions on primers that actually get the job done

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Robin1

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Sep 14, 2025
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If you are looking for hunting load primers that won't let you down when that buck steps out, Federal 210M and CCI BR2 are my top choices for most rifle cartridges. Winchester WLR works great too and won't break the bank, and for magnums, step up to Federal 215 or CCI 250. What I am basically saying is that consistency beats fancy every time
 
Dang straight! A consistent primer is everything when you're in the moment....nothing worse than a misfire on a trophy buck. What's been your go-to hunting rifle and load combo that's never let you down?
 
I've had great luck with CCI BR2s too, they're consistent as clockwork..and for the money, Winchester WLR is hard to beat for everyday loads
 
Gabe said:
Dang straight! A consistent primer is everything when you're in the moment....nothing worse than a misfire on a trophy buck. What's been your go-to hunting rifle and load combo that's never let you down?
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My go-to is a Remington 700 in .308 Win with 168gr match or 150gr hunting bullets, Federal 210M primers and reliable brass, it is rock-solid out to 500 yards
 
Pedro said:
I've had great luck with CCI BR2s too, they're consistent as clockwork..and for the money, Winchester WLR is hard to beat for everyday loads
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Yeah BR2s are great, and WLRs give excellent value for plinking and everyday loads. I switch depending on game and brass condition
 
Good call, @Robin1 ! I’ve run thousands of rounds with the CCI BR2s for my .308 precision loads. They just have that feel that other primers don't. Consistent ignition and you get that tight little primer pocket seal, which is crucial...but you hit the nail on the head with the cost factor. For high-volume plinking or breaking-in a new rifle, I usually drop down to the standard CCI 200s. They might not be the match grade stuff, but they are a fantastic, reliable workhorse, and my chrony data on them is still way tighter than a lot of the cheaper imports
 
I’m a Federal guy, always have been. You mentioned the Federal 215 for magnums, and that's the only primer that ever gave me zero trouble in my 7mm Rem Mag. I’ve tried others when the shelves were bare, but the 215s seem to handle those big powder columns and cold mornings in the high country better than anything else
 
I make the primer selection simple. I use magnum primers for everything, rifle or pistol, magnum or non magnum. I prefer Federal and Winchester. Had bad luck with CCI many years ago and have stayed away from them ever since. Using nothing but magnums means that there are only 4 different types of primers to keep on hand. To be honest I have never seen any difference between any of the standard primers, match primers or even benchrest. There is a video somewhere that I watched several years ago on how primers were made. It is hardly a precision procedure.

https://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2022/02/how-primers-are-made-video-from-federal-factory/
 
I only use magnum primers for everything, rifle or pistol. My choices are Federal and Winchester. Had some serious problems with CCI, but that was many years ago. I have shied away from them ever since. When hunting, with a trophy buck in your sights one cannot afford to squeeze the trigger and only hear a click as the firing pin hits the primer without the associated boom. As it turned out someone forgot to put anvils in the primer cups and they got through quality control. While I shy away from them, others swear by them. The choice is yours.
 

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