Shot shell primers in break action muzzleloader?

[Arkansas Paul]

Hey guys I tried a quick search and didn't find anything on this so I'll ask.

Is there a reason not to use a standard shotshell primer in a muzzleloader?

I have a CVA Optima Elite and I handload for shotshell. I cannot see paying $8-$9 for Triple 7 or Remington muzzleloader primers when I have 2 thousand CCI shot shell primers on the shelf.

Is there a real world difference and if so is there any reason I shouldn't use them?

 

[Highpower0]

Not really, the muzzleloader 209's are a bit hotter to ensure that the repo powder go off. But I have used about all of the 209 primers and didn't have any trouble. I have settled on Cheddite because they are cheap and easily obtained...

 

[noelf2]

Incorrect. Muzzleloader 209 primers are not as hot as regular 209 shotgun primers.

 

[wleggart]

2x on the shotgun primers are hotter than the muzzle loader. I couldn't figure why I couldn't get a group with my first muzzloader break action. Changed to muzzleloader primers and got immediatlely better.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

2x on the shotgun primers are hotter than the muzzle loader. I couldn't figure why I couldn't get a group with my first muzzloader break action. Changed to muzzleloader primers and got immediatlely better.

Well darn, if that's the case I'll pick up some muzzleloader primers.
I'm thinking a little experimentation may be in order.

Don't know if it matters in this instance or not, but I'm not a pellets guy. I use loose powder.

 

[noelf2]

Best to use a primer recommended by the maker of the powder. You can use standard 209 primers if you get good results with them. I tend to use standard 209 primers instead of muzzleloader specific 209 primers with some powders. With triple7, and Pyrodex I use muzzleloader 209s. With Goex Pinnacle powder (yes I still have some) I have better results with standard 209 primers. I've also heard that you need to use standard 209 primers with BH209 powder. I'm not sure about any dangers with using standard 209 primers, but theoretically if the powder needs to be compressed (like real BP), a hotter primer could initially shift the powder/ball column forward before the powder really caught fire, causing a dangerous gap and pressure spikes.