CCI No. 34 Primers – Military-Grade Large Rifle Primers for 7.62mm Ammunition
Manufacturer
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CCI (Cascade Cartridge Inc.)
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Founded in 1951 and based in Lewiston, Idaho, USA.
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Industry leader in primers, rimfire ammo, and reloading components.
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A division of Vista Outdoor, which also owns Federal, Speer, and RCBS.
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Product Overview
The CCI No. 34 primer is a military-style large rifle primer specifically engineered for semi-automatic rifleschambered in 7.62 NATO / .308 Win and other similar rounds.
It features a hardened primer cup and a military-spec priming mix to help prevent slamfires and ensure reliable ignition in semi-auto and full-auto firearms with free-floating firing pins, such as:
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M1A / M14
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AR-10 / LR-308
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FN FAL
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G3 / HK91
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M1 Garand (.30-06 version also applies)
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Other 7.62 NATO battle rifles
Key Specifications
Feature | Detail |
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Primer Type | Large Rifle – Military Grade |
Primer Number | CCI No. 34 |
Primer Cup Thickness | Thicker than standard (military-grade hardness) |
Primer Sensitivity | Reduced sensitivity (to prevent slamfires) |
Ignition Type | Magnum-style / high-energy |
Primer Compound | Non-corrosive, non-mercuric |
Packaging | 100 per box; 1,000 per case |
Size | Standard Large Rifle Primer (~0.210″ diameter) |
Color | Usually brass or copper alloy cup |
Intended Use | 7.62 NATO / .308 Win semi-autos; military rifle loads |
What Makes CCI No. 34 Primers “Military”
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Thicker Cup
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Prevents accidental ignition from free-floating firing pins, especially during chambering in semi-auto or full-auto firearms.
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Hotter Ignition
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Capable of igniting ball powders and slow-burning powders common in military-style ammo.
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Reduced Sensitivity
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Specifically engineered to minimize slamfire risk—a dangerous unintended discharge that can occur when the bolt closes too forcefully.
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Best Applications
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Military Semi-Automatics & Battle Rifles
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M1A/M14, FN FAL, HK91, PTR-91, AR-10s, etc.
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Match or Service Rifle Loads
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Reloaders building mil-spec loads, including for Service Rifle competitions or vintage military matches.
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High-Reliability Ammo
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Ideal when field reliability or extreme environments are a concern.
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Compatible Cartridges
Cartridge | Application |
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7.62×51mm NATO | Military and surplus rifles |
.308 Winchester | Civilian equivalent to 7.62 NATO |
.30-06 Springfield | M1 Garand (also works well with CCI No. 34) |
6.5 Creedmoor | If used in semi-autos requiring LR primers |
.270 Win, .243 Win | When hard primers are required |
⚠️ Not intended for low-pressure loads or bolt actions unless slamfire resistance is needed.
CCI Primer Comparison Table
Primer Type | Size | Cup Strength | Sensitivity | Best Use |
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CCI No. 200 | Large Rifle | Standard | Standard | General large rifle reloading (bolt guns) |
CCI No. 34 | Large Rifle | Thicker | Less Sensitive | Military 7.62 NATO semi-autos |
CCI No. 250 | Large Rifle | Standard | Hot (Magnum) | Magnum rifle cartridges |
CCI BR2 | Large Rifle | Benchrest | Very Consistent | Match-grade bolt action rifles |
Why Slamfires Matter
Slamfire: An unintended discharge that occurs when the firing pin hits the primer as the bolt closes, without trigger input.
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Especially possible in rifles with free-floating firing pins (e.g., M1A, M1 Garand, AR-style rifles).
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Using standard soft primers (like CCI 200 or Federal 210) in these rifles increases the risk.
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CCI No. 34’s hardened cup resists this and is strongly recommended for safe reloading in military semi-autos.
Tips for Using CCI No. 34 Primers
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Seat primers firmly – ensure the anvil contacts the bottom of the primer pocket.
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Clean primer pockets thoroughly for consistent seating and ignition.
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Avoid light firing pin strikes – these primers are tougher and may not ignite if improperly seated or if firing pin energy is too low.
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Do not substitute standard large rifle primers if you’re using these in rifles like the M1A, M1, FAL, etc.
Storage and Safety
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Store in original packaging, in a dry, cool environment.
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Keep away from static, flame, or sources of impact.
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Primers are classified as explosives—handle with caution and never attempt to modify them.
Summary
The CCI No. 34 Large Rifle Primer is the gold standard for reloading military 7.62mm / .308 Winchester ammo in semi-automatic rifles. With a tougher cup, hot ignition, and military-grade reliability, it is ideal for avoiding slamfires and ensuring dependable cycling in battle rifles and service rifles.
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