Originally Posted by
BarnesAddict
No disagreement but........ if you want 100% reliable ignition 100% of the time, the magnum primers should be used in most cases in extreme cold. There's a reason Western recommends magnum primers. BH is actually a smokeless propellant and must have the bullet compressed on the propellant hard for consistent ignition and groups. Magnum primers use higher pressure than standard primers, thus ignition is more consistent.
Let me see...... I think I mentioned that I didn't disagree in the post, right?
Shooting up to 4,000 rounds of BH per year, I have some knowledge, however I'm not an expert.
Ron.......... have you ever shot a standard WIN209 primer through a chronograph with a WEIGHTED charge, then shot he identical weighed charge using a magnum primer? What were the velocity differences and POI differences? Identical bullet of course, using identical bullet seating pressure. Using the identical weighed charge and bullet, test it also using WIN209 primers, then a magnum primer but, use different bullet seating pressures. Seat a series of each using 90# seating force, then seat another set using 35# force. What would be the differences in velocity and POI?
Again, I'm not disagreeing that a WIN209 won't ignite BH. I've done it myself hundreds of times. However, the most reliable ignition is from the higher pressure magnum primers. Just as pointed out, dedicated muzzleloader primers won't ignite BH consistently, because of their very light pressures. Standard 209 primers have a slightly higher pressure, where as magnum primers have the highest pressures. When that buck of a lifetime is standing there in extreme cold weather, I'd much rather have a magnum primer....