209 Primer Help

[Yodogsandman]

Having problems with Federal shotgun primers. They don't fit my 209 conversion nipple. I used Winchester 209 primers for a long time but, had to buy some quick and they were out and only had Federals. The Federals stick out of the nipple 1/16" further than Winchesters and fit loosely. Winchester 209s fit flush and tight. They (Federals) look like they'll fall out when carrying during hunting. Is there a difference in 209 primers?

The muzzle loader is a Thompson Center Arms Firehawk Deluxe with a TCA 209 primer conversion kit installed.

[NSB]

Having problems with Federal shotgun primers. They don't fit my 209 conversion nipple. I used Winchester 209 primers for a long time but, had to buy some quick and they were out and only had Federals. The Federals stick out of the nipple 1/16" further than Winchesters and fit loosely. Winchester 209s fit flush and tight. They (Federals) look like they'll fall out when carrying during hunting. Is there a difference in 209 primers?

The muzzle loader is a Thompson Center Arms Firehawk Deluxe with a TCA 209 primer conversion kit installed.

If there is, it's very minute. They all fit in shotgun hulls when reloading. Some are a bit "tighter" than others, but they are supposed to be dimensionaly the same.

[Squeeze]

[Yodogsandman]

I drove 25 miles to a store that had Winchester 209 primers today. They also slip out. Must be a problem with the nipple.

[NSB]

I think you just figured it out.

[NSB]

All good to know, but unless you know the size of the hole they're going in it doesn't mean much. They are a "crush" fit, and as long as the hole they're going in is smaller than the primer they won't fall out. That's why we can use any brand primer in a shotgun hull. Granted, some are tighter than others but after loading and shooting several hundred thousand I never found any that just were too small to work.

[John Taylor]

Worked on a muzzle loader today that is set up for 209 primers. Looked all over the shop and did not have that # but did find 109s and 157s.

[Squeeze]

the "crush fit" is in the length, not the width. most breech plug 209 primer pockets are loose in the width. This is why some guns can use a shim (screw shank lengthening washer) or a 4.5mm rubber O ring and eliminate blowback. (rubber O ring only works in break actions, as the camming of a bolt will wear them in a shot or 3. the rubber rings typically last about 20 shots. I have had the washers in breech plugs through several vent liner replacements with no failure


Truthfully, with that gun there is no advantage to the aftermarket 209 switch. A slam fire action will not reliably, and/or safely fire Blackhorn powder. (the main reason given for the switch) and a regular 11 cap will reliably ignite any other powder for use in that gun. If you were having ignition issues, it was much more likely a cleaning or maintainance issue over a system design failure.

[Randy C]

I knew certain brands of primers varied when made in USA comparied to Overseas, but I never herd about your problem.