Larger ES and SD Using Magnum Primers?

[trackcage]

The S&B primers that I have shot so far (about 4-5,000 of various types including large pistol, but mostly large and small rifle) have yielded very consistent velocities.

They are definitely more consistent than US-made non-benchrest/match primers, and are about as consistent as Russian Wolf/Tula primers, i.e. as good or better than US-made benchrest primers.

As long as I were not experiencing any ignition probems with the non-magnum S&B primers, even in cold weather, then I would keep using them.

Funny you should mention that... S&B primers appear to be perceived as bottom-end, bargain primers (likely due to their often sales and lower price). I've been impressed with them and even my slicked up performance center 627 lights them off. That same revolver occasionally has a rare light strike in double-action when using CCI (handful or less per hundred rounds). Aside from being hard to seat the primer in comparison with other brands, S&B primers are a winner in my book.

EDIT: Back to my original topic - I did run about 35-40 standard S&B primers during my load development. I realize that's not a huge sample size, but absolutely no ignition problems.

[JackEllis]

There are lots of variables that can influence muzzle velocities so if you can get extreme spreads as small as 1-2% of target MV, I think you're doing quite well. It seems to me that for other than long-range shooting, MV statistics tell you more about your loading technique (or lack thereof) than anything else.

[Whiterabbit]

I agree with that idea. The obvious example is when ES is much, much higher than SD. Like, more than 3x SD. That means "flyers" in the loading process are dominating ES, where the main population of cartridges are dead-nuts where they need to be.

[noylj]

Look, I don't care about ES or SD. What counts is the target. That which gives me consistently smaller groups is what I use. What you use depends on you.
It is truly amazing how many times I read magazine articles where the lowest ES/SD loads are consistently NOT the most accurate.
Unless you are shooting well beyond 300 yards, forget ES/SD and concentrate on your shooting and group size.

[Whiterabbit]

why not take both if you can? It just takes data and development...

Don't get me wrong, I hear you for many if not most applications. But for those who care for their application, why not?

You CAN have your cake and eat it too, with enough development.