Primers are the most overlooked component in reloading. But they are also the most important. 

Choosing the correct primers will ensure that your reloads are reliable and will successfully fire every time. 

Using the wrong type of primer can have serious effects on both accuracy and pressure. This article will give you some tips on how to choose the best primers for your reloading setup. 

Check the Powder Charge  Whether you’re shooting for target or sport, reloading your own ammunition is a cost-effective and rewarding hobby. While there are many reloading tools you can invest in, primers are an important component that should not be overlooked. 

There are different sizes and types of primers for different cartridges, so determining the best one for your specific needs is crucial. A reloading manual will provide you with guidelines, but experimentation under safe conditions can be helpful as well. 

Once you’ve chosen the right primers for your caliber, a reloading press is the next step. You’ll want a good quality, reliable press that can be used for years. You can also opt for a dry tumbler, wet tumbler, or ultra-sonic cleaner to help keep your cases clean as you load. This is a personal choice, but having a powder dropper and trickler with a digital scale will make your reloading much more efficient. It’s an excellent investment for any reloader. 

Check the Case  The primer is designed to convert the kinetic energy of the hammer falling into chemical energy for the ignition of the powder charge. It does this by using percussion (sparks from friction). 

There are various ways to place the primer into a case, including hand tools and those that mount to your press. The simplest method is with a reloading press, with a priming tool that’s integrated into the first sizing stage. 

Some of these are universal and others are specific to your caliber or bullet weight. Your reloading manual will have the correct load data and dimensions for your caliber/bullet. 

A seating tool is also essential. It’s user preference as to whether you want a hand tool or one that mounts to your press. The most important thing is to ensure that the primer sits properly in the case. If the primer is seated too high, it could be pierced by the firing pin and cause damage or injury to you or your gun. 

Check the Bullet A few advanced reloaders will perform primer tests as part of their load development process, but they are not the majority. These tests are a time-consuming process that is best done after performing other load development steps. 

Choosing the right type of primer is a critical step that requires the most attention to detail. Your reloading manual should recommend the kind of small pistol or large rifle primer needed for your cartridge. Use only the recommended primers to ensure a safe and efficient load. 

Once the cases have been prepped and primed, it is time to add powder. You can choose to do this by hand, using a separate priming tool or with a press-mounted one that is integrated into the first sizing stage. The decision here comes down to personal preference and the level of precision you want in your loading. 

Check the Primers  It’s important to check the primers before proceeding with a load. Your reloading manual should recommend a specific type of primer for the cartridge you are loading and the powder being used. This could mean a magnum primer for igniting a larger charge of slow-burning powder or match-grade for optimal precision. 

The main difference between standard and magnum primers is the amount of priming compound inside each one. This makes magnum primers hotter than standard ones, which can be beneficial for some situations. 

The E-ZEE PRIME primer tray comes with a small plastic dam that helps keep primers from escaping inadvertently. It’s also a good idea to use this tool when hand-priming to ensure that the primers are seated properly. You can find these trays online and it includes a heavy metal blast shield to help protect you from any accidental detonations, but it’s best to still wear hearing and eye protection when operating the machine.