I am using 65gr of Ramshot BigGame with 286gr Partitions. I have been using WLR primers and I was wondering if I should be using Mag primers with this powder. BigGame is a ball type powder and this load is compressed. I hunt in temps from 70deg to well below zero. WLR primers seem to be working fine so far, just want to make sure.

Thanks

Steve

The WLR has a reputation for being a very hot primer. I don't load for the variations in temp that you face; however, one way to test it might be to wait until you have a very cold day and compare WLR with WLMR.

I have found Varget to be an excellent powder with the 286 Partition. You may want to do a search on 9.3x62 and Kudude and see the results of my experiments. I get about 2400fps with my load which uses Federal 210Match primers. Kudude

I use WLR primers for everything in 9.3x62, but not with your powder.

I like the powders that claim to be temperature insensitive and have used H4350(compressed), RL-15, and H4895(light loads only). RL-15 seems the most balanced for this caliber.

Good question, though. Ball powders have typically been harder to ignite and folks have therefore used hotter (magnum) primers, particularly in winter. Does anyone know if Ramshot follows this trend?

I don't have a 9.3x62, so take it for what it's worth, but I don't use magnum primers unless I really have to. One usually has to back off a couple of grains when using them because they increase the pressure without noticeably increasing velocity, IMO. I wouldn't think that a 30-06 case size like the 9.3x62 wouldn't need the extra ignition, so I'd say "no." Subject to people who have other experience, of course.

Jaywalker

I've used magnum primers with all ball powder loads larger than the 223 case.

I can't tell you it's necessary and I'm not sure if it's better. I can tell you it don't hurt at all.

I do so because Layne Simpson wrote once that it was a good practice. I suspect it's more firearms BS but still do it.

I've yet to find any imperical evidence that there's any difference at all between standard and magnum primers.

I have seen occasions when magnum primers helped accuracy with ball powders, expecially in a .220 Swift for some reason. I have shot several different ball powders with standard CCI200 primers below zero with no ignition problems. I am almost sure this is firearms writers BS, never happens in my experience. The WLR primer is probably hotter than a CCI250 anyway.