Without a primer, a cartridge is so much scrap metal. Richard Speer founded CCI to provide a steady source of component primers to reloaders. Primers were CCI's first product, long before Mini-Mag™, Stinger® and our other well-known ammunition products.

Our primers are highly evolved products because we continuously test and improve. Today's CCI primer is more sensitive, easier to seat, and more compatible with progressive and automated loading equipment than even before. CCI primers have always incorporated modern non-corrosive and non-mercuric initiator mixes.

In addition to our standard rifle, pistol and shotshell primers, we offer Magnum primers, benchrest primers, and primers with mil-spec sensitivity for reloading military-style semi-auto rifles. We also make an excellent line of percussion caps for muzzle loading enthusiasts, and primers for the 50 BMG cartridge.

Our primer expertise extends beyond small arms. We are a major supplier of initiators for medium-caliber automatic cannons used by the United States Armed Forces.

We offer the best selection of component primers in the industry, so you have the flexibility to get the best performance from your handloads.

CCI Benchrest Rifle Primers

In benchrest competition, there’s no such thing as a group that’s “too small.” Everything has to be tuned to the highest degree to produce match-winning results. That’s why we make CCI Benchrest primers. Only our most experienced skilled personnel put the priming mix in the cups, so you get the same flame, shot after shot. We also use specially selected cups and anvils for added consistency. An independent researcher identified the use of CCI Benchrest primers as one of two factors that were the most significant contributors to tiny groups. We can’t add much to that!

CCI Standard Rifle and Pistol Primers

These are the “bread-and-butter” of reloading, the most commonly called-for primers in reloading recipes. CCI standard primers are remarkably clean-burning, leaving primer pockets cleaner and extending the time between pocket cleaning. That’s a huge benefit for progressive reloaders. They are more sensitive and easier to seat than older CCI primers, and engineered for smooth feeding in automated equipment.

CCI Magnum Rifle and Pistol Primers

Some real-world shooting conditions require more aggressive initiation than provided by standard primers. Large cases, cold weather, and certain propellants often require a hotter primer flame and a longer burn. CCI Magnum primers offer you that edge, plus you get all the attributes that make all CCI primers so great.