The CCI No. 400 Small Rifle serves as a foundational component in the world of precision reloading, acting as the standard-bearer for small rifle ignition within the CCI product catalog. Known for its remarkable consistency and reliability, the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle is designed to provide uniform ignition for a vast array of small rifle cartridges. Whether you are loading for high-volume range sessions or precision target work, the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle offers a level of predictability that handloaders have trusted for decades. It is specifically engineered to be easy to seat and highly compatible with automated priming tools, making the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle a favorite for those using progressive presses.
- Primer Type: Small Rifle Standard.
- Key Advantage: Exceptional sensitivity and seating ease for high-volume reloading.
- Primary Match: 223 Remington, 22 Hornet, and 204 Ruger.
Best For: High-volume target shooters and varmint hunters who require reliable, consistent ignition in standard pressure rifle cartridges.
Technical Specifications
| Manufacturer | Size | Cup Material | Packaging | Intended Action |
| CCI (Vista Outdoor) | Small Rifle | Brass (Zinc-Copper Alloy) | 100-count sleeves / 1,000-count bricks | Bolt-Action and Semi-Automatic |
Positioning in the Product Lineup
Within the CCI hierarchy, the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle is the standard-grade option for small rifle applications. It is positioned as the versatile, “everyday” primer compared to specialized alternatives like the CCI No. 450, which is a magnum primer with a thicker cup and hotter flame, or the CCI BR-4, which is their “Bench Rest” grade primer held to tighter tolerances for extreme consistency. The CCI No. 400 Small Rifle utilizes a thinner cup than its magnum or military-grade cousins, such as the CCI No. 41, making the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle more sensitive and easier to ignite in rifles with lighter firing pin strikes. While it is not intended for the highest-pressure magnum loads, the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle provides the perfect balance of performance and economy for standard rifle reloading.
Compatibility and Safety Constraints
The CCI No. 400 Small Rifle features a cup thickness of approximately 0.020 inches. This thickness is ideal for standard rifle cartridges but requires caution when used in high-pressure semi-automatic platforms like the AR-15. Because the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle has a relatively soft cup compared to the CCI No. 41 or CCI No. 450, users should monitor for “slam fires” in rifles with floating firing pins. Furthermore, in high-pressure loadings of 223 Remington or 6mm ARC, the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle may show signs of primer cratering or piercing sooner than a magnum primer would. Proper seating depth is critical; the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle should be seated 0.003-0.005 inches below flush to ensure the anvil is properly set against the internal primer compound.
Safety Warning: Primer substitution can significantly alter internal ballistics. If switching to the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle from another brand or type, you must reduce your powder charge by 10% and work back up safely.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
The CCI No. 400 Small Rifle is exceptionally well-suited for cartridges that do not require massive amounts of powder or extremely high ignition temperatures.
| Cartridge | Primary Application |
| 204 Ruger | Varmint Hunting |
| 22 Hornet | Small Game Control |
| 222 Remington | Precision Target Shooting |
| 223 Remington | General Purpose and Target |
| 22 Nosler | Long-Range Varminting |
| 6mm ARC | Precision Rifle Series (PRS) |
| 30 Carbine | Recreational Shooting |
Powder Pairings
To achieve the best results with the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle, it is best to pair it with powders that have moderate to high ignition ease. Spherical (ball) powders and short-cut extruded powders work best with the flame profile of the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle.
For 223 Remington loads, the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle pairs perfectly with Hodgdon H335 or Ramshot TAC. If you are loading for 204 Ruger, powders like Accurate 2520 or Alliant Reloder 10X are excellent choices that ignite reliably with the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle. In smaller capacity cases like the 22 Hornet, Hodgdon LilGun and Accurate 1680 are the preferred companions for the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle. For precision shooters using the 6mm ARC, the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle provides a steady burn when used with Hodgdon Varget or Vihtavuori N140.
Comparison and Alternatives
If the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle is unavailable, or if your specific application requires a different cup hardness or heat range, consider the following alternatives:
- Federal 205: A very popular alternative to the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle, often cited for slightly better consistency in match loads.
- Winchester WSR: A general-purpose small rifle primer that is widely available and performs similarly to the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle.
- Remington 7-1/2: Known for having a much harder cup than the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle, making it better for high-pressure loads.
- CCI No. 450: The magnum version of the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle, offering a hotter flame and thicker cup.
- CCI BR-4: The match-grade version of the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle, featuring the same cup dimensions but tighter quality control.
- Fiocchi Small Rifle: A reliable European alternative that seats very well in most domestic brass.
- Sellier & Bellot V361617: Often used as a budget-friendly substitute for the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle without sacrificing reliability.
- Ginex Small Rifle: A harder-cupped European primer that is often chosen when the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle is out of stock.
- White River Energetics Small Rifle: A newer domestic entry that competes directly with the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle in the standard rifle category.
- RWS 4033: A premium small rifle primer often used by European long-range shooters as an alternative to the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle.
FAQ
Can I use the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle in my AR-15?
Yes, the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle is commonly used in AR-15 reloading. However, due to its standard cup thickness, it is best suited for standard pressure loads. For high-pressure “5.56 NATO” style loads, many reloaders prefer the CCI No. 41 to prevent potential slam fires or pierced primers.
What is the difference between the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle and the CCI No. 450?
The CCI No. 400 Small Rifle is a standard primer, while the CCI No. 450 is a magnum primer. The magnum version has a thicker cup (0.025 inches vs 0.020 inches) and a more intense flame meant to ignite larger powder charges or ball powders in cold weather.
Is the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle suitable for the 6.5 Creedmoor?
The CCI No. 400 Small Rifle is only compatible with 6.5 Creedmoor brass that features a small primer pocket (often called “Palma” or “Match” brass). Standard 6.5 Creedmoor brass uses large rifle primers.
Does the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle contain mercury?
No, like all modern CCI primers, the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle uses a non-mercuric, non-corrosive lead styphnate initiator, making it safe for your barrel and firearm components.
Why are my CCI No. 400 Small Rifle primers showing flat edges?
Flat primers are often a sign of overpressure. Since the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle has a relatively soft cup, it will show these signs earlier than a magnum primer. If you see flattening, you should reduce your powder charge immediately.
Can I seat the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle with a hand tool?
Absolutely. The CCI No. 400 Small Rifle is known for its consistent dimensions, making it very easy to seat with hand tools like those from RCBS or Lee, as well as on progressive presses.
Conclusion & Expert Verdict
The CCI No. 400 Small Rifle remains one of the most versatile and trusted primers available to the modern reloader. Its blend of sensitivity, reliability, and ease of seating makes it the “go-to” choice for millions of rounds of 223 Remington and other small rifle cartridges produced every year. While it may not be the optimal choice for extreme high-pressure military loads or massive magnum cases, its performance in standard rifle applications is virtually unmatched in its price bracket. For the reloader seeking a “set it and forget it” primer that works across multiple calibers, the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle is an essential bench staple.
Expert Pro Tip: When using the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle in precision applications, pay close attention to the “crush.” To ensure the anvil is properly engaged, seat the CCI No. 400 Small Rifle until you feel it bottom out in the pocket, then apply just a tiny bit more pressure to “set” the primer. This ensures consistent ignition and helps reduce velocity extreme spreads (ES).
