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View Full Version : Are cci b4 primers ok to use?


ubet
03-07-15, 18:28
I searched but came up with not much. Are the b4s ok to use in an ar/m4? Saw some cci 43 or41 in stock and said for 5.56 and searched the web came up with a bunch of different answers. What would you guys recommend just run the b4s I have with rl15 or get the ones specially designed for ars?
TomMcC
03-07-15, 19:17
Do you mean BR4 (benchrest primers)? If so they will work for .223 pressure loads. Although for run of the mill loads they might be overkill. the 41's are for ball powders, harder to ignite and all.
ubet
03-08-15, 08:01
Yes did mean br4.
markm
03-08-15, 11:04
They're fine. They sometimes cost a little more depending on the vender.
texasgunhand
03-08-15, 13:31
Cost about double here for br4 vs standered primers.
markm
03-09-15, 08:10
Cost about double here for br4 vs standered primers.

Yep. I saw them at cabelas during the full panic as some ridiculous price.... Like $59 per thousand.
ubet
03-09-15, 09:35
Paid $40/900 for them. Thanks for the replies, I will probably just try to buy the #41 after this though
texasgunhand
03-09-15, 12:14
Why dont you use the standered cci primer, i dont think you need to pay extra for any of them.
You should be able to find standard primers at academy , etc for less than $40

I would think if a br4 will work then a standard will work the br4 is not a hard military primer.
.223 ammo doesnt come from the factory with hard military style primers, have you shot .223 and not had a problem???

I wouldnt think they would put hard primers in .223 its a hunting round, seems like a waste since a lot of people use bolt action .223.

Just some thoughts, i shoot factory .223 in my AR and never had a problem with slam fires. Also iam just useing standard primers when i reload .223 for my AR had no plans on buying hard primers for .223 reloads. The br4 is for accuracy not safety. As long as your primers are seated deep enough you should be good.
Onyx Z
03-09-15, 14:22
From what I've read, BR4 primers are just standard CCI400's that are sorted to be more consistent from primer-to-primer to produce a "benchrest" quality lot of primers. They didn't do much for me in 223 though. I may try them in some other small rifle calibers to see what happens.

As said above, they are perfectly safe in AR15 style rifles. They cost way too much though.
mickeyjr308
03-09-15, 18:29
Some Primers cup thickness for comparison

CCI-BR4 primers have a cup thickness of .025
CCI-450 mag primers have cup thickness of .025
CCI-400 Primers have a cup thickness of .020
CCI-#41 have a cup thickness of .025 With this primer there is more 'distance' between the tip of the anvil and the bottom of the cup than with other CCI SR primers/Same primer mix as CCI-450mag primer per BHBlaze
bigedp51
03-09-15, 19:20
KISS - Keep it simple stupid

Remington ran Lake City Army Ammunition Plant from 1941 to 1984 and used their 7 1/2 primer in all the 5.56 ammunition. Remington also used harder it ignite Winchester ball powders at Lake City and the Rem 7 1/2 primer is also called the baby flame thrower.

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o254/bigedp51/5Remington75_zps2b532d7c.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o254/bigedp51/3CCIBR4_zpsa43a3c3a.jpg

Bottom line to keep things simple I use the 7 1/2 with all ball powders in my AR15 rifles, and the BR4 with all single base stick powders.
bigedp51
03-09-15, 19:28
Some Primers cup thickness for comparison

CCI-BR4 primers have a cup thickness of .025
CCI-450 mag primers have cup thickness of .025
CCI-400 Primers have a cup thickness of .020
CCI-#41 have a cup thickness of .025 With this primer there is more 'distance' between the tip of the anvil and the bottom of the cup than with other CCI SR primers/Same primer mix as CCI-450mag primer per BHBlaze

Below is the CCI 34 primer drawing submitted to the military, and the base of the primer "IS" thicker and is not to exceed .035, and this primer is now being used at Lake City. What I do not understand is how we got by all those years with using a primer cup thickness of .025 and a lightened firing pin started in 1963.

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o254/bigedp51/No34primer_zps010b4fce-b_zpsxsququmi.jpg
markm
03-10-15, 07:33
They didn't do much for me in 223 though.

Same here. We ran a 4 primer comparison, and they shot the worst. This was unique to my particular load, and doesn't mean they're a bad primer.... just didn't perform for us.
ubet
03-10-15, 08:05
I bought the br4s because that's what my local place had. I've done some transfers through them and they are a just a local shop so I try to support them. But the br4s there were the same price as the standard cci srp at scheels. I will maybe look into the Remington 7,1/2 then. Thanks for all the info. The ignition pictures of those primers is impressive
markm
03-10-15, 08:18
The ignition pictures of those primers is impressive

I can't see them since they're filtered at work... but I think that's why the WOLF/TULA have been so impressive for us. They're about the mildest yet reliable primer I know of.
texasgunhand
03-10-15, 22:13
Try and save some and maybe you can do a little side by side and see what the difference is or if there no difference.
It definitely wont hurt anything to use them their just a lot more expensive around me,close to double the price sometimes.

I also try and support my LGS its nice to find a decent one. Sometimes its worth paying a little extra to get it right then. I hate waiting on stuff. Its nice to be able to go get a box of primers or a pound of powder when ever you want.