Speer, CCI Ammunition To Produce Catalyst Lead-Free Primers

The Catalyst primer was initially developed in 2016 by Speer and CCI’s partner company, Federal Ammunition

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posted on December 9, 2022
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Catalystprimer 1

Speer and CCI Ammunition have announced they will implement and produce Catalyst lead-free primers at their Lewiston, Idaho, production facility.

Development of the Catalyst primer was spearheaded in 2016 by Speer and CCI’s partner company, Federal Ammunition. Catalyst primers are currently featured in Federal’s Syntech Range ammo and American Eagle lead-free loads.

The clean-burning Catalyst primer creates more uniform and complete propellant combustion, yielding minimal velocity variation and consistent bullet launch for improved accuracy. Another key attribute is the fact it is non-hydrophilic, and will not attract water molecules like DDNP-based mixes that are found in most lead-free primers. The result is better reliability.

“We are extremely proud of this new production capability which continues the rollout of an incredible primer technology,” Federal, CCI and Speer President Jason Vanderbrink said. “This product has proven to be the best in its class after nearly seven years of continuous production. Its consistent performance has been tested over hundreds of millions of rounds.”

“Catalyst lead-free priming technology provides the cleanest, most consistent ignition possible. We are excited that our Lewiston plant is now set up to run Catalyst priming in our target pistol products,” Speer and CCI’s Director of Factory Operations Mike Overberg said. “The Anoka facility has proven this to be the best lead-free priming technology available. Our staff here has done a fantastic job of working across factories to extend this product into Speer and CCI Blazer ammunition products made in Lewiston, Idaho.”

Learn more about Speer and CCI Ammunition.

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