Primer test

[NavyDistinguished]

Having read about different primers for use in 9mm, I decided to do a little test using my standard load and 3 different primers;  Winchester brand small pistol, small magnum pistol and small rifle. The load was 4 grains of BE-86, Starline brass and Acme 147 grain TCFP Syntec bullets. Results were predictable but it does answer some curiosities. Pistol was Shadow 2 with 120mm barrel (4.7") BE-86 is known for getting high velocities in longer barrels so I'd be curious what these will be like in a 4' barrel. 10 shots at 10 yards with Shooting Chrony F1 (Green) chronograoh placed about 3 yards away. I deleted the high and low velocities in each string and averaged the 8. Yeah it makes the numbers better but wasnt really that far off.

Equipment
Caliber:  9x19 Luger
Bullets:  Acme 147 TCFN Syntech coated
Brass:    Starline (new)
Powder:  Alliant BE-86 4.0 gn
Primer:  Winchester Small Pistol, Small Pistol Magnum, Small Rifle
OAL:     1.120"
Pistol:    Shadoow 2
Qty:      10 rounds each, slow fired
Weather:  105F and Sunny
Chrono:  F1 Chrony

Primer     Avg Vel            SD
Pistol         922              5.04
Mag           958              5.86
Rifle           953              7.89

[M1A4ME]

So, the highest (of the three, still looks pretty good to me) std. dev. in velocity produced the best group.  I've heard/read people say that happens sometimes with rifles, too.

Might not happen with a different powder or powder charge.

[Wobbly]

Having read about different primers for use in 9mm, I decided to do a little test using my standard load and 3 different primers; small pistol, small magnum pistol and small rifle. The load was 4 grains of BE-86, Starline brass and Acme 147 grain TCFP Syntec bullets.

Welcome Aboard !

Great report. Thank you.

All primer brands are not alike. We need the brand(s) of the 3 primers. Please modify your original post to add that data. The brand of chrono would help too.

[NavyDistinguished]

Edited. Thank you for reminding me as I am usually a stickler for such details.
Brian

[Wobbly]

Thank you for reminding me as I am usually a stickler for such details.
Brian

The best reloaders are always OCD !! 

Thanks for the update. All Winchester, now that does stir my interest.

FYI... There is a template in the Stickies at the top of the forum. You don't have to use it, but it will remind you of items you might want to include if you'll consult it.

[Dan_69GTX]

FYI... There is a template in the Stickies at the top of the forum. You don't have to use it, but it will remind you of items you might want to include if you'll consult it.

Don't worry - Wobbly WILL remind you.     And it is good thing too - details are important!  He has to remind me every now and then too!  Great to have him as a moderator!!  (yes, that is a compliment!!)

Sounds like you experienced what I did - magnum primers increased the average speed.

And thanks for that info!

[newageroman]

Newb forgetting the lot #s...

JK! that's impressive and very detail oriented. Welcome, you will love it here.

[recoilguy]

Wish I had a primer to test..................

Good info though thank you!

RCG

[Pistolet]

Primer     Avg Vel            SD
Pistol         922              5.04
Mag           958              5.86
Rifle           953              7.89

Nice to see an actual test rather than the speculation I have been reading about in these times of sparse primer choices.  I have a couple of questions for the knowledgeable ones:
- Are the differences in numbers significant?
- Let's imagine that the data for a pistol says maximum X grains of powder, 922 fps but you use magnum primers instead with the same amount of powder and you end up with 958 fps. I think I know the answer, (it would put you in the danger zone). But I am asking the question anyway because I know that different powders have different maximum velocities without being in the red zone.
By the way, I just bought primers and realized they were SPM when I got home .

[newageroman]

they should work, but of course with changing anything , start low and start over.

[recoilguy]

Primer     Avg Vel            SD
Pistol         922              5.04
Mag           958              5.86
Rifle           953              7.89


By the way, I just bought primers and realized they were SPM when I got home .

But you found primers.....nicely played!

RCG

[Pistolet]

Primer     Avg Vel            SD
Pistol         922              5.04
Mag           958              5.86
Rifle           953              7.89

By the way, I just bought primers and realized they were SPM when I got home .

But you found primers.....nicely played!

RCG

Yes, and two pounds of 2400.