[jstein650]

This has probably been addressed before but... Searches here and elsewhere have not gotten me a good answer. Has anyone done a more or less comprehensive test to determine among all (or most) of the primers out there, large, small, rifle, pistol, standard, magnum, BR, and the assorted common brands, the relative 'strength' of each? I realize this could be seen in different ways; pressure, flame temp., duration, and these could change over time and lot. Of course, I use what I can get, what works and go from there. Still, has anyone seen any such table?

[Mccarty]

More than strength, I wouldbe concerned about consistency.

[rfwobbly]

No need to worry about their strength, if you'll simply take 2 at bedtime, you'll sleep like a baby.

[mdemetz]

Here is a photo flash test of some primers. (http://www.6mmbr.com/PrimerPix.html)

[SlamFire1]

The more you search for data on primers the more you will realize that very little information is out there. This is the way the gun industry wants it.

I get into arguments all the time about primer sensitivity with people who don’t believe that there is a difference in sensitivity between primers or primer brands. These are ideologues who do not want to believe that their M1/M1a/m1 carbine will slamfire in or out of battery.

Primer cake is mixed up, apparently still by hand, each lot. Manufacturers are free to vary the components, though the basis is still lead styphnate, and vary the characteristics of the burn rate each and every lot.

The only standards that ever existed were military, those date back to the 60’s, and commercial specs don’t exist. All you are really going to know is what is put out in ads.

[jstein650]

to SlamFire1: I have suspected too that the lack of specifics, if not deliberate, is acceptable to the manufacturers for various reasons. mdemetz's photo link is pretty interesting.
If I had access to the equipment and the time I'd like to do a sort of bomb calorimetry as well as a controlled piezo pressure test in a closed vented barrel of a big assortment of primers. It would be fun and interesting to me anyway, to see what differences there are between types as well as over time and lots.
Again, this is mostly out of curiosity as I think most commercial primers are excellent and very consistent.

[gamestalker]

I've done a few comparisons using handguns so I could see and hear more. When I compared standard lg. rifle to BR large rifle the BR's were noticeably more consistent and maybe even a bit hotter. Magnum to standard in both large and small rifle / pistol was absolutely audibly and visibly different, with magnums being clearly hotter.

I used CCI primers, so the comparisons were limited.

GS

[Fire_Moose]

Here is a photo flash test of some primers. (http://www.6mmbr.com/PrimerPix.html)

Very cool. Thanks.

Sent from my CZ85 Combat