Thread: Magnum LR primers vs LR

In my 6.5AI using WW760 powder I succumbed to the "experts" and tried magnum primers.
Saw a fractional increase in velocity, opening up of ES, opening up of groups.
Reverted to BR2 primers. Maybe could have frigged around with load, seating depth etc but wasn't worth the effort.
YMMV.

The go with primers is to just use a primer with sufficient energy to ignite your powder charge, no more is necessary. For an extreme example, you wouldn't use a magnum primer in a 22 Hornet. (Duh, maybe some do?)
There can be quite a variation between different primer brands and also within the brands with their different types. Used to be a good chart on the internet but cannot find it now. Pretty basic, was photos of the flash brightness and length at the muzzle, in a darkened room. That's why its important to recheck your load if changing primer brands.

There is a theory that powder scattering into the bore can occur with too powerful primers.

Magnum primers obviously have their place with igniting large columns of powder.

Also though if std primers are unavailable magnums may be the only option, for a while, until they too become in short supply. Rework up your load.

Seeing suggestions from the States that primer supplies there are going to be grim for the next 2-3 years. Plus stories of 1000 primers selling for up to US$400!
Lot of places there only selling 1 lb powder cannisters per customer instead of the usual 8 lb jugs which are seemingly becoming unavailable.

Just did a check and I'm down to 7000 primers left. I think that will see my lifetime out.