CCI, Speer Announce Lead-Free Catalyst Primer Production In U.S.

by
posted on December 13, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Primers

Speer and CCI Ammunition announced the implementation and production of market-leading Catalyst lead-free priming technology in their Lewiston, Idaho, facility earlier this week. The proprietary Catalyst primer was initially developed by Speer and CCI’s partner company, Federal Ammunition, in exhaustive research and testing that began in 2016.

“We are extremely proud of this new production capability, which continues the rollout of an incredible primer technology,” said Federal, CCI and Speer President Jason Vanderbrink. “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. Most notably, the product is featured in Federal’s innovative Syntech Range ammo and American Eagle Lead-Free.”

The extremely clean-burning Catalyst primer creates more uniform and complete propellant combustion, yielding minimal velocity variation and consistent bullet launch for improved accuracy. It is also non-hydrophilic, so it does not attract water molecules like DDNP-based mixes found in most lead-free primers, resulting in better reliability.

“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,” said Speer and CCI's Director of Factory Operations Mike Overberg. “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.”

As for the reduction in fouling, when Aaron Carter reviewed Federal’s Syntech—with the primer technology—in 2016, he found it ran cleaner than the FMJs he pitted it against and reliable. “There were no failures to fire in more than 400 rounds expended,” he wrote. “Indeed, cleaning after using Syntech ammunition is an easy chore—exactly as touted.”

Today, Federal has expanded offerings to include Syntech Action Pistol, Syntech PCC (Pistol-Caliber Carbine), Syntech Range, Syntech Training Match and Syntech Defense.

Latest

Gotw Fn 15 Guardian Web
Gotw Fn 15 Guardian Web

Gun Of The Week: FN 15 Guardian

We’re on the range with the FN 15 Guardian, an AR-15 that gives people a rock-solid rifle with quality components at an affordable price.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 24, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

LEO Trade-Ins: The Sleeper Surplus Market

Although much of the budget-priced military surplus market has dried up, there are still affordable options among the long guns and handguns retired from law enforcement service.

Henry Repeating Arms Expands Spirit of the Corps Rifle Series

After much demand, Henry Repeating Arms is back with two attention-getting lever guns in honor of the U.S. Marine Corps and its 250 years safeguarding the globe.

Rifleman Review: Heritage Mfg. Roscoe

In recent years, Heritage Mfg. has expanded its centerfire offerings, and the Roscoe is one of the latest new models, a retro-styled revolver chambered for .38 Special that's capable of dedicated defensive use.

Chiappa Expands Rhino Revolver Lineup

Chiappa Firearms is updating its unique line of Rhino revolvers with several new models, giving consumers an all-new 10 mm Auto chambering, as well as complete stainless-steel construction.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.