Teach me about standard vs magnum primers

[PAshooter20BR]

So I never really gave this much thought, but how do you decide on whether to use a standard or magnum primer? I know in the 6.5x47 I see guys using either one, myself using the magnums. I have always used the magnums in my bigger magnum cartridges. I have heard of guys using them in a 22-250, but never saw in a loading book them being specified. So I am loading for a 240 wby and the books stated a GM210, but can I try a GM215? Any info is appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Rsadams]

Most of the time they are used to light off ball powders... Especially in say .223 cases.. the Sierra manual has some data for them in .223.. not used so much in small cases for stick powder... Or some swear by the magnum primers in very cold temps..

If your useing stick powder you would need to back off the charge and work up again for sure... Really any powder I would back off and work up.. better to be safe.. but if you don't need them it's just another thing to buy...

 

[dkhunt14]

I believe it all depends upon powder used and maybe extreme cold. Also big charges of slower buning powder. In most cases a magnum primer will not give the best accuracy. Matt

 

[Racebannon3855]

So I never really gave this much thought, but how do you decide on whether to use a standard or magnum primer? I know in the 6.5x47 I see guys using either one, myself using the magnums. I have always used the magnums in my bigger magnum cartridges. I have heard of guys using them in a 22-250, but never saw in a loading book them being specified. So I am loading for a 240 wby and the books stated a GM210, but can I try a GM215? Any info is appreciated.
Thanks

I have been going through the same thing with a 6 Rem AI. With RL-25 and 7828 SSC I have tried both and stuck with the Magnums. Using the Berger book for data with the 115 gr VLD Hunting and the 6 Rem as a starting point for both styles of primers, I shot groups and measured velocities with both as the powder charges were increased. Because I plan on coyote hunting all winter (Below Zero) the load development took place in winter and summer and I could see know reason to stick with the standard primer. My bolt has been out to Gre-Tan and been bushed so I don't have any issues with either style of primer flowing back into the firing pin hole. I have been running the 115s at 3000 all summer and have no pressure issues, no loose primers, etc., even in long strings of fire. If I thought the bullet would handle a higher impact velocity I would keep pushing it.

My cousin is running a 240 Weatherby in Texas and he has great results with the Federal Match (Std) primer and slow powders under a 105 Berger.

Short Answer, Low temps, Slow Powders, Mag Primer based on my experience.

 

[jepp2]

but never saw in a loading book them being specified.

The Speer manual does. And the decision is further complicated based on which LR primer you use. I switched to Win LR for my 25-06 because it is the hottest non-magnum LR primer.

 

[SheepDog]

I typically use double based, ball, powders but I don't always use magnum primers. I start with what the load data suggests and then if I have trouble getting consistent accuracy I will back the load down a bit and work back up with magnum primers.
The primer is just another piece to tune your load to match your desires.

 

[DRNewcomb]

....., but how do you decide on whether to use a standard or magnum primer? ....... Any info is appreciated.....

To get ball powders to burn progressively, rather than digressively, which would be their natural mode, the grains are coated with a deterrent which slows down the burning and which also makes them harder to ignite. Some (mostly slower) ball powders are harder to ignite than other (mostly faster) ball powders. In general, it is these slower ball powders that need the extra flame provided by magnum primers. Most stick powders seem perfectly happy being lit by standard primers.

 

[Ron Blain]

I have heard of guys using them in a 22-250, but never saw in a loading book them being specified.

Using the 22-250 as an example and a loading manual my older Speer #12 manual calls out the use of magnum primers but only with certain powders which have been mentioned. These are normally your Ball Powder by Olin Corporation and marketed as spherical powder by Hodgdon Powder Company. Anyway, the Speer #12 is an example of a manual calling out magnum primers for certain powders and for the reasons several members have mentioned. If we look at the newer Hornady 9th Edition they simple call out Winchester Large Rifle for all of the 22-250 load data. Personally I just find the primer which works best for me, work up a load and run with it.

Ron