BigGameHunt.net Hunting Forums

[AFHunter]

Does anyone have any input on using Lg. Rifle Mag. primers vs. Lg. Rifle Primers for standard rifle loads, i.e. 25-06? I have about 350 Mag. primers and with the primer shortage, I want to know if I can use these vs. standard primers. As always, if I do, I would reduce the powder accordingly, but how would Mag. primers affect accuracy?

[Don Fischer]

Not sure how they would effect accuracy but they are useable. As you said, back off and work up again. Might work better with ball powder's if you have them too. They are supposed to have a coating on the powder that makes it a bit harder to ignite, so I've heard.

Actually 350 is not that many and you might be able to trade with someone else. mSeem's like everyone has a magnum these days and it's what they buy for their kids. You having trouble finding bullets too?

[ElkFreak]

In addition to reducing the powder you may also have to use a powder with a slower burn rate to maintain accuracy/consistency.
I suspect the hotter primers would give you a higher initial pressure that would taper off faster leading to more variable muzzle velocities when using the original powder. Not really sure though, but imagine there is plenty of experience here, that somebody has tried it.

[AFHunter]

Thanks guys for the input. I'll definately keep these in mind when I develop my next load. As for finding bullets, not having difficulty there, .257's are pretty available here in Colorado. As for my .357, that's another story - can't find 'em anywhere here. BUT, I prefer the Oregon Trails Laser Cast and Cabela's has them widely available. So, for now, I'll just have to pay a little extra for shipping, but well worth it in order to be able to shoot.

[WesternHunter]

Typically slower burning powders require the use of magnum primers and ingnite more consistantly with magnum primers. Using a magnum primer with fast burning powder will cause a pressure spike.