Standard Primers with AR?

[Andy632]

I use Federal 205 Primers for my ar15 reloads; nae issues so far over the last umpteen years.

[DanTheMan]

If you eject a round that has been chambered in an AR you will find the indentation in the primer is tiny, and since loading should be done in a safe direction anyway it's not an issue that I would loose sleep over.

[Dark Skies]

Why not? The pin is just as free-floaty in a straight-pull as one in a select fire rifle.

My concern piqued because CCI don't recommend use of SR 400s in the AR-15. Also just found this:

http://www.sksboards.com/smf/index.php?topic=56422.0

According to that, CCI 200 LR primers, contrary to CCI's advice, are good to go in .308 but reinforces that the 400s for .223 should not be used.

I've used CCI 400 small rifle primers in my Southern Gun .223 straight pull AR-alike for years with no issue. Shoots very tight groups. The article you quote is American - when CCI speak of ARs they mean the real deal - not our UK legal workarounds. I doubt if the momentum of working a straight pull bolt is the same as one on its return in a semi automatic rifle - so the firing pin isn't slamming into contact with the primer with the same force. I have shot literally thousands of rounds through my rifle and never had any incident. But if you're concerned - buy milsurp 5.56 . I can't use it in mine according to Southern Gun due to slight differences compared to Remington cases which cause the cases to be difficult to extract.

[Blu]

762, I think you're over thinking things mate. I use CCI BR4 primers in my semi auto AR's and also in my one full auto AR, never had a problem mate.

[Blackstuff]

I did get a slam fire on my SGC Speedmaster once (in about 800-1000rds) and it was a bit startling but it literally happened once. (It was factory ammo but i can't remember which brand - this was about 8 years ago)

[Maggot]

If you eject a round that has been chambered in an AR you will find the indentation in the primer is tiny, and since loading should be done in a safe direction anyway it's not an issue that I would loose sleep over.

That's interesting.

Bradders gave me a selection of live examples for my collection and one had what I thought was a light strike.

Makes sense now, ta.

[SevenSixTwo]

762, I think you're over thinking things mate.

You can never over-think safety!

Fair play though and thanks for everyone's input.

[Daryll]

One thought is what primers do the ammo manufacturers use then...?? They don't know whether their ammo is going to be used in an AR or a bolt action, so do they use the harder primers by default..? if so, does that increase the chance of a FTF in a bolt action with a light hammer spring..?