Federal Gold Medal Match Small Rifle Primers No. GM205MAR
Overview:
The GM205MAR is a Gold Medal® Match-grade small rifle primer designed specifically for use in AR-style platforms, especially those chambered in calibers like .223 Remington/5.56 NATO. It offers precise ignition, reliable performance, and consistent shot-to-shot accuracy, making it ideal for competitive shooters, reloaders, and precision marksmen.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Primer Type | Small Rifle Match Primer |
| Product Code | GM205MAR |
| Brand | Federal Premium |
| Series | Gold Medal® Match |
| Use Case | Reloading for AR-15 platforms and similar semi-autos |
| Sensitivity | Less sensitive than standard primers to reduce risk of slam-fires |
| Consistency | Designed for uniform ignition and reduced velocity spreads |
| Priming Mix | Non-corrosive and temperature-stable |
| Cups | Match-quality cups engineered for semi-auto bolt strike characteristics |
| Packaging | Commonly available in boxes of 100 or bricks of 1000 |
Design Intent:
The GM205MAR is purpose-built for semi-automatic rifles, with specific attention paid to:
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Preventing slam-fires, which can occur with soft primers in free-floating firing pin systems like the AR-15.
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Withstanding higher bolt carrier impacts typical in AR platforms.
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Offering tight tolerances and precision similar to benchrest-quality primers.
Comparison to Other Primers:
| Primer Type | Cup Hardness | Application Type | Sensitivity | Use in AR-15 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCI 400 | Softer | General small rifle | Higher | Risk of slam-fire |
| CCI #41 | Harder | Military spec 5.56 NATO | Moderate | Yes |
| GM205MAR | Harder | Precision AR-15 loads | Moderate | Yes ✅ |
| BR-4 (Federal) | Match-grade | Bolt-action precision | Low/moderate | Caution |
Note: GM205MAR is similar in construction to the CCI #41 primer in hardness but built with match consistency in mind.
Applications:
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Precision reloading for .223 Remington, 5.56 NATO, and similar small rifle cartridges.
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AR-15 and other semi-auto platforms.
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Match shooting, including Service Rifle competitions and PRS Gas Gun divisions.
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Ideal for reloaders seeking low standard deviations (SDs) and extreme spread (ES) in their ammo.
Important Reloading Considerations:
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Seating Depth: Always seat primers below flush. Improper seating can affect ignition and pressure.
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Powder Compatibility: Works well with popular powders like Varget, H4895, TAC, CFE223, etc.
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Testing Needed: Due to tight tolerances, always test batches to ensure your rifle’s firing pin consistently ignites these harder primers.
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Storage: Store in a cool, dry environment, away from static electricity or open flame.
Availability and Cost:
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Often in high demand due to their performance and military-style application.
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Price can range from $80–$130 per 1000, depending on market conditions.
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May be subject to purchase limits or backorders due to supply chain constraints.
User Reviews & Community Feedback:
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Widely respected by competitive shooters for ignition reliability and tight group performance.
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Frequently chosen by handloaders looking to optimize semi-auto rifle reloads without risking over-sensitivity.
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Some reloaders report lower standard deviations than standard small rifle primers in chronograph testing.






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