What is the difference between magnum, Hunting and benchrest large rifle primers?

JoeB

JoeB

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What is the difference in magnum, Hunting and bench rest large rifle primers? I’m currently using CCI bench rest primers in my 25-06 for hunting deer and pig what difference will it make if I change to magnum primers? Will accuracy increase? Also what's a good brand of magnum primers? Will magnum primers wear out my rifle quicker?

Thank You
 
A standard primer is exactly that, it is a "regular" primer.

A benchrest primer is essentually the equivilent of a standard primer, but there are supposedly much more strict quality control to ensure uniformity. Allegedly, there is supposed to be a more uniform measure of explosive, more consistant positioning of the anvil, etc. I've used them in the past and I really didn't see much difference.

A magnum primer is a primer that is a longer, hotter ignition source (esentially, it produces a bigger flame). Magnum primers are usually used with larger powder loads found in magnum cartridges to help ensure more complete and uniform ignition of the powder.

Can you interchange primers in a non-magnum cartridge like the 25-06? For the most part, yes.

You should be able to use standard and benchrest primers interchangeably. You can use magnum primers in any cartridge, but you have to watch for any signs of excessive pressure as the hotter flame can change the pressure characteristics of a load. If you use magnum primers in a non-magnum cartridge, I'd make sure you aren't at the maximum powder charge. Back off a grain or two of powder and work your way back up to make sure you don't have any significant pressure issues.

IMHO, no type of primer is "more accurate" than another; rather, the primer type is just a component in creating an accurate load. There are numerous variables that can be tweeked to change the accuracy of a load. I've replaced a regular primer with a magnum primer and had the load become more accurate. I've also used a magnum primer and had the load become much less accurate. I've used benchrest primers and saw no change.

Magnum primers won't wear your firearm out any faster or slower.

IMHO, one brand of primer is about as good as the next. Most of my life, I used Remington or CCI primers. The brand is jsut another variable in creating an accurate load. The brand can make a difference.

Good Luck and happy shooting
 
I use the CCIs also, good product. Difference in primer from the large rifle,magnum, and Bench Rest is the level of "frizzence" or the inherent
ability for the primer to ignite the powder. Lets say the standard Large rifle is a 100 power, then the Magnum would be a 125 power, the Bench Rest might be a 105 power. That is a very simple way to introduce the idea. The more "frizzence" power the more penetration the primer flash wave enters the powder column and ignites the powder. In a Magnum, there is more powder to ignite, in the Bench Rest you want a quicker ignition and the large rifle is the average standard. It isn't just "fizzence" power involved with primers, there are different temperatures that the primers will produce also.
I use Mag primers in my 300 WSM and large rifle in the 30-06 and 243. Some people use Mag primers in standard cartridges to get a quicker powder column response, or if they know they are going out in very cold weather. It might change your pressure profile slightly, and some people swear it improves accuracy in some guns, I think it's a wash.
Your barrel wouldn't notice the difference in primers and you probably won't either.
 
these paragraphs will answer the magnum part:

"Primers: There are only 4 types of primers. Small pistol, large pistol, small rifle, large rifle. There also exists Magnum primers, but their use is often misunderstood. Only use magnum primers if the load table calls for it OR if you are using a powder that may be difficult to ignite reliably (some rifle powders.) When you use a magnum primer you have

to keep in mind that you will need to drop your loads significantly and work your way back up because magnum primers effect the pressures within the cartridge. All of the extensive work that goes into loading tables is null and void when you substitute a magnum primer where the tables did not specify it. Granted the change is not huge, but if your load is already top of the chart, blowing up your gun is a very real possibility"
http://www.geocities.com/gunversation/reloading101/reloading101.htm
 
these paragraphs will answer the magnum part:

"Primers: There are only 4 types of primers. Small pistol, large pistol, small rifle, large rifle. There also exists Magnum primers, but their use is often misunderstood. Only use magnum primers if the load table calls for it OR if you are using a powder that may be difficult to ignite reliably (some rifle powders.) When you use a magnum primer you have

to keep in mind that you will need to drop your loads significantly and work your way back up because magnum primers effect the pressures within the cartridge. All of the extensive work that goes into loading tables is null and void when you substitute a magnum primer where the tables did not specify it. Granted the change is not huge, but if your load is already top of the chart, blowing up your gun is a very real possibility"
http://www.geocities.com/gunversation/reloading101/reloading101.htm
 
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