Federal Large Pistol Match Primers – Gold Medal No. GM150M

Federal Large Pistol Match Primers – Gold Medal No. GM150M

Federal’s Gold Medal No. GM150M primers are large pistol match-grade primers designed specifically for competitive shooters, precision handloaders, and those seeking maximum consistency and ignition reliability in their handgun loads. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of everything relevant about the GM150M primers:

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Basic Specifications

• Brand: Federal Premium

• Product Line: Gold Medal Match

• Product Number: GM150M

• Primer Type: Large Pistol

• Size: Large Pistol (typically for .45 ACP, .44 Magnum, etc.)

• Match Grade: Yes (denoted by the “M” in GM150M)

• Packaging: Commonly sold in boxes of 100 and cases of 1,000 or 5,000

• Made in: USA

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Key Features

1. Match-Grade Consistency

   • Designed with extremely tight tolerances and strict quality control.

   • Offers minimal variations in primer cup dimensions, sensitivity, and composition.

   • Ensures consistent ignition, especially important for competitive shooting.

2. Reliability

   • Manufactured with Federal’s proprietary lead styphnate priming mix for reliable and instant ignition under various conditions.

   • Optimized for use in tuned or lighter trigger systems that are common in competition pistols.

3. Use Case

   • Ideal for handgun calibers requiring large pistol primers, particularly when maximum accuracy and reliability are desired.

   • Commonly used by competitive shooters in disciplines such as Bullseye, IPSC, USPSA, and IDPA.

4. Benchrest-Level Quality

   • Match-grade line shares QC and manufacturing techniques with Federal’s renowned Gold Medal rifle primers (like GM210M).

   • Appeals to precision reloaders who measure everything from powder charges to case trim length and want primers to match that precision.

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Compatibility

These primers are designed for cartridges that use large pistol primers. Common compatible calibers include:

• .45 ACP

• .44 Magnum

• .44 Special

• .45 Colt

• .41 Magnum

• Some 10mm Auto (depending on case manufacturer)

Note: These are not magnum primers (Federal’s magnum large pistol primer is the GM155M). GM150M is for standard large pistol applications.

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Loading Considerations

• Primer Pocket Size: Ensure brass has large pistol primer pockets (some .45 ACP cases, like those from Federal NT or Blazer, use small pistol primers).

• Powder Sensitivity: These primers are considered standard in strength and can be slightly less “hot” than magnum or some non-match primers, which may require minor powder charge adjustments in marginal ignition conditions.

• Seating: Due to match tolerances, GM150M primers seat very consistently. Ideal for hand-priming tools or progressive presses with good primer systems.

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Availability and Popularity

• Historically considered a top-tier choice for handgun accuracy loads.

• Due to popularity and Federal’s strict production quality, these primers are sometimes harder to find and may be subject to purchase limits or backorders.

• Frequently used in load development for precision handgun shooting.

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User Reviews and Reputation

• Highly regarded by competitive shooters and precision reloaders.

• Praised for consistency from lot to lot.

• Often compared favorably with other match-grade primers like CCI BR2 (rifle) or Winchester Match Large Pistol.

• Some users report lower standard deviations in velocity compared to standard primers.

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Safety Notes

• Always follow loading data from a reliable source.

• Do not substitute match primers for magnum primers unless specified; the ignition characteristics are different.

• Store primers in a cool, dry, and safe environment away from static electricity or open flames.