As most reloaders know, there are several types of Boxer primers for both handgun and rifle cartridges: small, large, standard, magnum and match. In my article "Primers, the Sparkplug of Centerfire Cartridges," I listed the various types by brand name. Jim Fleck, Guns and Shooting Online's Chief Technical Advisor, suggested that our readers might find it convenient if we listed the primers from the various manufacturers by type, hence this list.

Note that even primers of the some type vary in intensity and create different pressures when fired with identical powder charges. Very generally, among American primer brands, Remington primers are considered the "coolest" (lowest pressure per type) and Winchester primers are considered the "hottest" (highest pressure); CCI and Federal are about the same, perhaps because both companies are owned by ATK. Here are reloading primers by category, with match primers followed by an asterisk (*); military primers are excluded.

Small Pistol

• CCI 500
• Federal 100
• Remington 1-1/2
• RWS 4031
• Winchester WSP

Small Pistol Magnum

• CCI 550
• Federal 200
• Remington 5-1/2
• RWS 4047
• Winchester WSPM

Large Pistol

• CCI 300
• Federal 150
• Remington 2-1/2
• RWS 5337
• Winchester WLP

Large Pistol Magnum

• CCI 350
• Federal 155
• Remington: none, use 2-1/2
• RWS: none, use 5337
• Winchester: none, use WLP

Small Rifle

• CCI 400, BR4*
• Federal 205, 205m*
• Remington 6-1/2
• RWS 4033
• Winchester WSR

Small Rifle Magnum

• CCI 450
• Federal: none, use 205
• Remington 7-1/2*
• RWS: none, use 4033
• Winchester: none, use WSR

Large Rifle

• CCI 200, BR2*
• Federal 210, 210m*
• Remington 9-1/2
• RWS 5341
• Winchester WLR

Large Rifle Magnum

• CCI 250
• Federal 215, 215m*
• Remington 9-1/2M
• RWS 5333
• Winchester WLRM