Federal Gold Medal Match Primers?

[Severian]

So what's the difference between Federal Small Pistol Primers and the Federal Gold Medal Small Pistol Primers Match grade? Besides the price. I can't find any of the standard Federal small pistol primers around here so I'm just gonna spend a few extra bucks to get the match grade, but I want to make sure there's no real big difference.

Thanks!

[tackdr1ver]

They are more consistent for one. They seem to be a bit hotter, but not much. You should have good luck with them.

Edited May 18, 2012 by tackdr1ver

[HoMiE]

I saw episode of Shooting USA once and they did a tour of Federal ammo factory. The only difference with the match grade primers is they had 3 of their most experienced workers doing those primers, same priming compound they just know how to make them better, more consistent when they apply mixture. I use match for precision rifle shooting, but whatever I can get for pistol.

[OffshoreMan72]

I found a couple thousand at Sinclairs.....they sent me magnums though. I sent them an email and they got the right ones out today. They may still have some more if you want to pay the HAZ shipping.

[TwoShot]

I worked with a Federal Rep in the 4-H Shooting Sports program. He told me the same thing "HoMiE" reported in his post.

[gose]

They are more consistent for one. They seem to be a bit hotter, but not much. You should have good luck with them.

I compared them over a chrono with the same load (9mm minor using VV340) and there was no significant difference, in SD, ES or actual velocity.

Edited May 18, 2012 by gose

[kevin c]

I worked with a Federal Rep in the 4-H Shooting Sports program. He told me the same thing "HoMiE" reported in his post.

A bit off topic, but I have read the same is true for match grade 22 ammo - same loading machines, same components, same priming compound. Just more experienced operators and tighter QC parameters.

[Chris Keen]

I heard the same thing Homie posted.

[DWFAN]

The GMM's are worth about 1/4 inch at 50yards in my Bianchi gun.

[DougCarden]

In my testing at 50 yards over standard federal primers I saw a 17% reduction in group size.

They do matter, at 50 yards anyway.....

DougC

[gose]

In my testing at 50 yards over standard federal primers I saw a 17% reduction in group size.

They do matter, at 50 yards anyway.....

DougC

I was getting just over 1" groups at 55y from a ransom rest with the regular 100s in both .38 and 9mm. Possible that I would have seen the same 17% reduction with the gold match, but it was good enough for me...

[a matt]

I see tons more consistency at the chrono with match over the blue box. I can bring my PF much lower with match small pistol.i have to run 172+ with the blue box to be safe. VVn320 Rainier and Montana gold loaded at 1.2 oal. Shooting a Cameron's 6" and 2011 5". Hope this helps.