Originally Posted by
50calty
I've had no issues with BH209 and i use Win. 209 primers. I found an article one day that listed the hottest primers and i know that Fed wasn't in the top ten. Win was in the top three.
You must not be talking 209 primers? The Federal 209A and CCI 209M are both "hotter" than Win W209 as far as heat AND pressure, I assure you.
"Hotter" is a term many throw around, and doesn't necessarily mean what it says. Some 209 primers will reach higher actual temperatures than others, but may not reach the actual pressures of other primers with lower temperatures, and vice-versa. So, "hotter" is not well defined here, but I have shot much more BH209 than the average guy, and know that the Federal 209A and CCI 209M are the top two for igniting this powder in MOST applications.
Now with the relatively small channel (3mm) in the CVA rifles, they can not handle the volume of pressure like a 1/8", or better yet 5/32" channel can. If that pressure cannot bleed through the flash hole, it is either going to come back through the primer or pocket. A non-magnum, lower pressure primer may and generally do work better for the lower volume channels.
The CVA's as supplied from the factory have a relatively small flash hole as well. A little modification that anyone can do to make a better breech plug has been well documented. Use a #21 drill, and tap the channel for a vent liner that allows you to change your diameter of flash hole any time you would like.
MD54,
To say the Fed 209A "sucks" shows me you are shooting a CVA rifle with a breech plug channel that cannot handle the volume of pressure from the primer. I wouldn't let a drill and tap keep me from shooting BH209 with nearly any 209 primer you want.
Blackhorn needs a flame/heat and pressure to ignite and burn properly. If your heat and pressure is bleeding back around your primer, it is not getting to the powder. Pretty simple, when you think about it. So, a "hotter" primer like the Federal 209A in your case, is more than likely doing just that.
That is why your more moderate primers are working better in your application. They have enough heat, and the pressure is not bleeding out the back. That is not to say that it is the BEST ignition, just the best for your rifle.