I would imagine the weight of the bullet also comes in to play. I can't see the ignition from a primer pushing a 400 grain bullet out of the case.
I cant see the case remaining intact and the gas pressure from the primer staying compressed in the case. I agree that it wont/cant go far.....but I have seen one 45-70 lodge a heavy cast bullet right at the throat. It was an 1886 Winchester I installed a barrel liner in. The owner brought it back to get the bullet out and have the barrel assessed.
I also think there are two different things being discussed on this thread...there has to be a difference between what a bad primer that wont ignite the powder can accomplish and what a good primer loaded in a case with no powder is capable of.