Large Rifle Primers

Using Large Rifle Primers

The primary difference between a large primer and a standard primer is the heat generated by the ignition of the primer compound. Large rifle primers burn longer and stronger, since they are used in cartridges with larger case capacities.

The primer is perhaps one of the most important parts of the gun, as it dictates if the gun will fire or not. If the wrong primer is used, then it is possible for the propellant powder ignition to fail, which could prove to be fatal in certain situations. Standard primers should not be used in situations where the ignition of the propellant powder may present with difficulties. Instead, magnum primers are suggested in situations where primer ignition may be difficult.

Large rifle primers are used in situations where the temperatures fall below 20 degrees or in situations where spherical propellant powder is used. Spherical powder, also known as ball powder, is difficult to ignite because it is slightly larger than other forms of propellant. With a standard primer, it may be very difficult to ignite such powder with maximum performance, and thus, a large rifle magnum primer is recommended amongst other loading supplies. Nonetheless, consulting the manual is always recommended, as each cartridge and primer calls for a different combination of reloading supplies.

Large rifle primers are generally used for small to medium sized loads or other loads that are easy to ignite. Large rifle primers and large pistol primers have the same depth specifications; however, rifle primers contain more priming compound, since more pressure is needed to expel the bullet form the barrel.

Reloading supplies are sold in batches and are kept in separate specialized cases that are built specifically for a certain kind of primer. If different types of primers are kept in the same storage casing, it could cause dangerous or improper usage inadvertently. Thus, it is important to keep your large rifle primer in separate storage casing at all times.

Using large rifle primers in pistols or guns that require magnum primers could result in high breech pressures or the failure to fire. Reloading supplies should be used properly and with expert supervision if used by minors. All primers are built for specific cartridge sizes and propellants, and failing to adhere to the advice of a user manual could be disastrous in certain situations.