6.5 Creedmoor - Hang Fire Problems with Small Primers - Part 2

Published on January 17, 2018
Duration: 18:33

This video details a cold-weather test of 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition to investigate hang-fire issues, specifically with Varget powder and small rifle primers. The instructor, with extensive reloading experience, systematically tested various primers under freezing conditions, noting significant differences in performance. The findings highlight the impact of temperature on primer sensitivity and powder ignition, offering practical insights for reloaders facing similar challenges.

Quick Summary

Cold temperatures can cause hang-fires in handloaded 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition, particularly with small rifle primers like CCI 450 when using Varget powder. Reliable primers in cold conditions include large rifle primers (Winchester WLR, CCI 200) and specific small rifle primers like CCI 41 and Remington 7.5, which showed excellent performance.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Hang Fire Problems
  2. 00:17Recap of Previous Primer Testing
  3. 00:53Primers Causing Hang Fires
  4. 01:32Primers That Worked Without Issues
  5. 02:23Plan for Cold Weather Testing
  6. 02:40Current Cold Temperature Conditions
  7. 02:49Loading Ammunition for Freezer Test
  8. 03:22Bullet Change: Hornady 140 Grain Match
  9. 04:05Bullet Comparison: Hornady vs. Barnes
  10. 04:34Bullet Cost and Source
  11. 05:01Bullet Seating Depth and OAL
  12. 05:28Reloading Data: Varget 37.5 Grains
  13. 06:16Powder Charge Measurement
  14. 06:28Ammunition Preparation and Freezer Storage
  15. 06:45Range Protocol for Cold Testing
  16. 07:03Accuracy Not the Primary Concern
  17. 07:14Rapid Firing Technique
  18. 08:54First Test Results: Hang Fire Observed
  19. 09:11More Hang Fires and Misfires
  20. 10:20Accuracy Results Analysis
  21. 11:05Bullet Performance Impression
  22. 11:05Velocity Data Analysis
  23. 11:44Standard Deviation Analysis
  24. 12:04Primer Performance: CCI 450
  25. 12:22Primer Performance: CCI 41
  26. 12:38Primer Performance: Winchester WSR
  27. 12:51Primer Performance: Federal AR
  28. 13:34Primer Performance: Remington 7.5
  29. 14:01Large Primer Performance
  30. 14:20Interpreting Test Results
  31. 14:23Next Steps: Testing Other Powders
  32. 14:53Focus on S&B Primer for Future Tests
  33. 15:38Plan for Next Video: Powder Selection
  34. 15:48Reloder Powders (15, 17, 26)
  35. 16:09Single Base Extruded Powders (H4350, IMR4350, H Vargas, Varget 160)
  36. 16:30Ball Powders (Win 760, H Superformance, H380)
  37. 16:47Powder Selection Rationale
  38. 17:37Tomorrow's Testing Conditions
  39. 18:12Support the Channel

Frequently Asked Questions

What primers are most susceptible to hang fires in cold weather for 6.5 Creedmoor?

In cold conditions (around 18°F), small rifle primers like CCI 450, CCI 400, and CCI BR4 showed a tendency for hang-fires with Varget powder in 6.5 Creedmoor. The S&B small rifle primer was previously identified as the worst performer.

Which primers performed reliably in cold weather for 6.5 Creedmoor?

Large rifle primers such as Winchester WLR and CCI 200, along with small rifle primers like Winchester WSR, CCI 41, and notably the Remington 7.5, performed reliably without hang-fires in cold 6.5 Creedmoor loads. The CCI 41 and Remington 7.5 were highlighted as strong performers.

How does temperature affect primer ignition in handloaded ammunition?

Cold temperatures can significantly reduce primer sensitivity, making ignition of the powder charge more difficult. This can lead to hang-fires (a delay in ignition) or misfires, especially with certain primer types and powders like Varget, which may have excess case capacity.

What bullet was used in the cold weather 6.5 Creedmoor hang-fire test?

Due to availability, the test utilized 140-grain Hornady Boat Tail Hollow Point match bullets. These proved to be very accurate, shooting under an inch, and were considered a suitable substitute for the previously used Barnes Match Burner bullets.

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