What primers for match loads

[raymeketa]

During the great primer shortage of the 1990s, Benchrest shooters had to use whatever primer they could find and it was usually not match grade. But, they found that it really didn't make any difference. Groups were just the same with either Standard or Match primers. The only differences between them are the packaging and an additional inspection during manufacture.

[Jim in Salt Lake]

+1 on standard vs. match primers, no real difference. To me, the important thing is consistently using the same components. After figuring out what works, I try to buy in big quantities ("big" being a relative term depending on how much you shoot!) so that I can turn out consistent ammo. That includes brass, powder, and bullets, too. I haven't changed my across the course loads for five years and I've been loading my long range the same for over a year now (my first year competing). Especially with long range, using the same ammo loaded with the same components and loading techniques, allows you to concentrate and learn how to shoot. If you can count on your ammo, that takes it out of consideration most of the time when a shot sneaks out to the 7 ring. With me, if it's a vertical miss, I know that my technique wasn't right. If it's a horizontal miss, then I screwed up a wind read. If you're constantly experimenting and trying different components and loading techniques, I think it's harder to figure out what went wrong when you throw a shot. I just don't think the brand of primer makes that big a difference in overall accuracy, although changing brands may change a zero. Changing bullets and powder brand/charge will affect it a lot more obviously. I like Wolf primers, small rifle magnum for across the course and large rifle for Palma. I buy them by the case for consistency. Also, at least in the Wolf's, the only difference between small rifle and small rifle magnum is the thickness of the cup, they both have the same priming compound.