large rifle versus magnum primers

[pjb274181]

I've seen a few posts where people have said they use magnum primers in non-magnum cartridges when hunting in cold weather. Can someone explain the differences between the large rifle and magnum primers and if there are dangers associated with using a magnum primer in a large rifle cartridge?

[Pioneer2]

I use them in everything except cast bullet loads.Better powder burn and accuracy.

[pjb274181]

Originally Posted by Pioneer2

I use them in everything except cast bullet loads.Better powder burn and accuracy.

So do they ignite faster or burn hotter than large rifle? It won't cause any undue pressure?

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by pjb274181

So do they ignite faster or burn hotter than large rifle? It won't cause any undue pressure?

The magnum primers can cause more pressure, and they can effect accuracy, positively, or negatively.

[waldedw]

I sort of have a general rule of thumb, if I am loading a charge of 60gr or less I use a standard rifle primer, if it's over 60gr then I switch to a magnum primer, my go to primers if I can get them are Remington 9 1/2 and 9 1/2M and 6 1/2 and 7 1/2 BR in my small rifles, but I have used federal and CCI and even Winchester over the years, to be honest I could never tell the difference between primer brands.

Anyway just my 2 cents worth, do a little experimenting and see what works.

[pjb274181]

A bunch of reading that I did on the topic indicates that a person should be cautious in doing it - and if you do, start quite a ways below max loads since the magnum primers will be like adding several extra gains of powder to your load.

For me, I'll stick with just using magnum primers in my magnum rifles. To date, I haven't had an issue with large rifle primers not working for my large rifle cartridges.