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For some time, I've heard different opinions regarding which primer is the most accurate to use with 45-70 BP loads. So, I decided to "double-blind test" two primers, with the same load in each. I say "double-blind," because I had no idea which primer was used in the rounds I fired until after I fired them. The loads consisted of 62 gr. GOEX FFg, compressed 1/8 inch, in a Winchester case, without cannelure. The bullet was a 512 gr. Lyman 457125 bullet at a 30:1 ratio, sized to .459", and made by Chey Cast bullets. The primers were CCI Large Pistol, and Winchester WLRM-Winchester Large Rifle Magnum. I fired test rounds through 3 different rifles, and swabbed the bore with a damp patch between each shot. Each shot alternated between rounds containing one primer, and then rounds containing the other primer. The three rifles were: 1) Model 1888 Springfield Trapdoor; 2) Peabody 45-70 (Connecticut), and a Rolling Block receiver attached to a new 8-groove barrel. Results: For each rifle, the results were the same: the Winchester Large Rifle Magnum primers delivered tight groups, as opposed to the CCI Large Pistol primers, where the shots were all over the target. Upon cleaning the cases, I noticed that there was a lot of burnt/un-burnt powder left in the Large Pistol primed cases, as opposed to the Magnum primed cases, that had little or no residue. However, I also noticed that the WLRM cases had cratered primers, and that the Large Pistol primed cases' primers were un-cratered. So, there it is. I am convinced that Large Rifle Magnum primers are the way to go if accuracy is the end result. Comments?
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