Primers

Chowmif16 · September 19, 2012, 01:23 AM

Got a question about Magnum vs normal primers for BP cartridge (pistol and BPCR).
I've heard several opinions and don't know what to believe.
Opinion #1:
Magnum primers result in a cleaner burn. I remember reading that 10-15 years ago, magnum primers were popular in BP cartridge reloading.
Opinion #2:
Magnum primers result in slightly higher muzzle velocity, but leave harder, baked on fouling (which is clearly a problem). I seem to remember a post referencing old reloading data which implied that hotter primers left baked on fouling and were developed in response to smokeless powder.
Any thoughts?
Cheers,

Hawg · September 19, 2012, 05:27 AM

I've used a few magnums and I didn't notice any difference between those and standard but it was just a few.

Fingers McGee · September 19, 2012, 10:29 AM

I've used standard power caps and primers in frontstuffers, single shot pistols, revolvers and BP cartridges for over 30 years at rendezvous', CAS matches and informal shooting matches. While I don't shoot long range BPCR or silhouettematches, I've never seen the need for magnum caps/primers when using real blackpowder.

Now, using that fake stuff.....................

September 19, 2012, 10:29 AM	#3
Fingers McGee Senior Member Join Date: March 19, 2008 Location: High & Dry in Missouri Ozarks Posts: 2,113	I've used standard power caps and primers in frontstuffers, single shot pistols, revolvers and BP cartridges for over 30 years at rendezvous', CAS matches and informal shooting matches. While I don't shoot long range BPCR or silhouettematches, I've never seen the need for magnum caps/primers when using real blackpowder. Now, using that fake stuff..................... __________________ Fingers (Show Me MO smoke) McGee - AKA Man of Many Colts - Alter ego of Diabolical Ken; SASS Regulator 28564-L-TG; Rangemaster and stage writer extraordinaire; Frontiersman, Pistoleer, NRA Endowment Life, NMLRA, SAF, CCRKBA, STORM 327, SV115; Charter member, Central Ozarks Western Shooters Cynic: A blackguard whose faulty vision see things as they are, not as they should be. Ambrose Bierce

September 19, 2012, 01:23 AM	#1
Chowmif16 Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2012 Location: Huntsville, Utah Posts: 106	Primers Got a question about Magnum vs normal primers for BP cartridge (pistol and BPCR). I've heard several opinions and don't know what to believe. Opinion #1: Magnum primers result in a cleaner burn. I remember reading that 10-15 years ago, magnum primers were popular in BP cartridge reloading. Opinion #2: Magnum primers result in slightly higher muzzle velocity, but leave harder, baked on fouling (which is clearly a problem). I seem to remember a post referencing old reloading data which implied that hotter primers left baked on fouling and were developed in response to smokeless powder. Any thoughts? Cheers, __________________ Chowmi

September 19, 2012, 05:27 AM	#2
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,188	I've used a few magnums and I didn't notice any difference between those and standard but it was just a few.