· top picks · 10 min read

Best 20 50 BMG Primers: High-Energy Ignition for Long-Range Ammunition

A detailed guide comparing 50 BMG primers, examining their performance, reliability, and suitability for various applications.

Choosing the right primer for your 50 BMG ammunition is crucial for reliable chambering and consistent ignition. Our comparison explores the key performance factors of leading primers, helping you select the optimal choice for your shooting needs.

As an Amazon Affiliate™, we receive compensation through qualifying purchases at no cost to you!

Reviews

Seymour Paint 16-831 Primers Light Gray

Seymour Paint 16-831 Primers Light Gray | Image

This excellent primer proves its worth on both metal and wood projects with its durable, rust-resistant formula. The quick-drying spray creates an ideal base for multiple paint finishes, from lacquer to acrylic. At just 50 BMG, it packs serious protection into an easy-to-use can that covers up to 15 square feet.

Seymour Paint 16-805 Primers White

Seymour Paint 16-805 Primers White | Image

This versatile primer works great on metal, wood, and fiberglass surfaces, providing excellent adhesion for your top coat paint. With high rust protection and durability, it dries fast enough to apply your finish coat in just 30 minutes. The fast-drying time and easy sandability make it a practical choice for any painting project.

Knight Orange Primer Disc - 100/CT

Knight Orange Primer Disc - 100/CT | Image

The Knight Orange Primer Disc is the reliable choice for black powder rifles, combining proven performance with the convenience of 209 primers. Each disc houses a potent shotshell primer, ensuring consistent ignition in any weather condition. Custom-made in the USA, these compact ignition discs seal out moisture while streamlining the loading process.

Remington Primers S825145 50 BMG

Remington Primers S825145 50 BMG | Image

These precision-loaded primers deliver exceptional reliability across a wide temperature range, from -20° to 150° Fahrenheit. The specially formulated igniter mix ensures consistent ignition with various powders, while the controlled primer cup dimensions and individual pellet weight tolerances guarantee repeatable performance. The unique tripod anvil design creates a larger “sweet spot” for firing pin strikes, maintaining maximum sensitivity even with off-center impacts.

Ammo by MIG One Shot Primer White 60ml

Ammo by MIG One Shot Primer White 60ml | Image

This water-based primer dries quickly and bonds strongly to plastic, resin, and metal surfaces. The self-leveling formula creates a smooth finish that’s ready for sanding in just 24 hours, with excellent adhesion that passes fingernail scratch tests. The non-toxic primer dries to a hard, scratch-resistant finish without clogging airbrushes or requiring thinning.

Krylon Industrial Primer Red Oxide

Krylon Industrial Primer Red Oxide | Image

This industrial primer makes quick work of preparing steel surfaces for paint, drying in just 90 minutes and providing rust-resistant protection. The powerful formula sticks well to raw steel and can handle both indoor and outdoor use. It’s easy to apply with a sprayer and plays nicely with regular paint and enamel finishes, wrapping up a solid primer that’s been getting great feedback from users who like its performance on bare metal.

M.A.D Skincare Photo Guard SPF 50

M.A.D Skincare Photo Guard SPF 50 | Image

A lightweight UV primer that evens skin tone while protecting against aging and sun damage. The spray formula works with all skin types and provides lasting SPF 50 coverage without a chalky finish. Most users praise its smooth application and natural-looking results, though some find the consistency a bit heavy.

Mr Gasket 3795g Engine Oil Primer

Mr Gasket 3795g Engine Oil Primer | Image

Handy tool for ensuring proper engine lubrication before first start-up, fitting into distributor aperture and powered by a standard electric hand drill. The Mr Gasket 3795g Engine Oil Primer is a practical addition to any mechanic’s toolkit, helping to protect vital engine components during the critical first moments of operation.

50 BMG Primer Sealer

50 BMG Primer Sealer | Image

Ballistic Products’ DryFire Primer Sealer prevents primer corrosion by creating a moisture barrier in shotshell cartridges. Each 20-gram tube can protect up to 800 primers, with drying time ranging from 15 to 30 minutes. The sealant works effectively within a temperature range of -40° to 150°F.

Hernon EF Primer 50

Hernon EF Primer 50 | Image

Promoting faster curing of Hernon’s anaerobic adhesives and sealants, this single-component primer works wonders with passive metals and large bond gaps. While reviews are currently sparse, it’s worth noting that buying in bulk offers solid value.

Ammo by MIG One Shot Primer

Ammo by MIG One Shot Primer | Image

The MIG One Shot Primer sets a new standard for model painting with its exceptional adhesion and detail preservation. The water-based formula dries quickly and sands smoothly, while the self-leveling properties ensure consistent results with every use. Users praise its ease of application and superior coverage, making it a practical choice for both beginners and experienced modelers.

Markron Custom Bullet & Primer Sealer

Markron Custom Bullet & Primer Sealer | Image

This quick-drying sealer protects your ammo’s primer pocket and joins from moisture damage, giving your cartridges a reliable waterproof seal that holds up to 30 days of underwater testing. The easy-to-use formula lets you apply a thin coating with either the brush or a toothpick, though some find the toothpick method time-consuming. Once dry, it creates a clear finish that won’t affect your ammunition’s performance. With a bit of extra effort, you can protect your reloads for any weather condition.

Roboco Laboratories 50 BMG Primer Sealer

Roboco Laboratories 50 BMG Primer Sealer | Image

With its four-color system, this primer sealer helps you keep your ammo organized and identifiable without affecting performance. Each bottle handles 1,000 rounds and dries quickly, while the ability to color-code your cartridges is appreciated by reloaders who work with multiple calibers. The sealer’s effectiveness at protecting primer pockets makes it particularly valuable for shooters who deal with moisture issues or need reliable load differentiation.

Knight M901107 Disc Primer

Knight M901107 Disc Primer | Image

The Knight M901107 Disc Primer 100-pack brings reliable ignition to your muzzleloader, with each orange disc housing a 209 shotshell primer for guaranteed lightening-fast combustion. These popular primers have earned their place in hunting traditions, delivering dependable performance whether you’re battling through rain or Arctic cold. The system’s clever design allows for quick priming—simply drop the disc into the rifle’s bolt and you’re ready to go.

Remington 50 BMG Primer

Remington 50 BMG Primer | Image

Handloaders searching for reliable small pistol primers will find them in this quality box from Remington. The company’s expertise shines through in every component, from the precision-machined primer cups to the specially formulated igniting mix. While the price point may feel steep for some, those who’ve experienced the primers’ consistent performance at -20 to +150 degrees Fahrenheit know the investment is worth it.

Altruist Primer SPF50

Altruist Primer SPF50 | Image

Designed for daily wear, this lightweight SPF50 primer forms a smooth protective base for makeup while safeguarding skin from sun damage. The broad-spectrum formula, developed with makeup artist input, provides long-lasting protection without adding stickiness or heaviness to your routine.

Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer

Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer | Image

The Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer from Zinsser nails it with its thick consistency that delivers excellent coverage in just one coat on smooth surfaces like glossy paint and concrete. While it excels on most materials, from drywall to metal, its performance can vary slightly with dark colors or extremely porous surfaces. With its tough protective barrier against stains and graffiti, it’s a solid investment that helps paints last longer and look better.

Bondz Maximum Adhesion Primer

Bondz Maximum Adhesion Primer | Image

This versatile primer proves its worth whether you’re working with old decks or kitchen cabinets, bonding latex paint to wood or sealing porous surfaces. The water-based formula dries quickly and creates an ideal base for both interior and exterior projects, from garage doors to laminate floors. Its reliable adhesion shines through in real-world tests, from holding canned goods in screened porches to resisting scratches from a family of six.

CCI BR4 Small Rifle Primers

CCI BR4 Small Rifle Primers | Image

These small rifle primers represent a significant advancement in reloading technology, offering superior consistency and reliability compared to traditional options. The BR4 design provides a precise fit in cartridge cases while maintaining the safety and performance standards expected from CCI primers. Whether you’re competing in high-power matches or shooting precision rifles at long ranges, these primers deliver the accuracy you need shot after shot.

Bobbi Brown Primer Plus SPF 50

Bobbi Brown Primer Plus SPF 50 | Image

The Primer Plus Protection SPF 50 is Bobbi Brown’s dual-purpose skincare solution, combining a lightweight primer with broad-spectrum sun protection. With high-quality ingredients like hyaluronic acid, it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines while keeping skin hydrated. Customers particularly appreciate its gentle formula, which works well on both oily and dry skin types and helps prevent makeup from fading throughout the day.

Buyer’s Guide

When working with 50 BMG ammunition, the primer selection is crucial for reliable ignition and optimal performance. Understanding the key aspects of 50 Bmg primers will help you choose the right components for your specific shooting requirements.

Primer Composition

Modern 50 BMG primers are typically composed of lead, mercury fulminate (or similar chemical compounds), and a plastic encapsulation. The primer design focuses on rapid ignition and consistent performance across different environmental conditions.

Sensitivity and Reliability

50 BMG primer sensitivity ranges vary, from military-spec primers that resist false firing to competition-specific primers optimized for quick, reliable ignition. Consider your application - hunting or competition - when selecting primer sensitivity levels.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store 50 Bmg primers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. Primers typically maintain reliability for 5-7 years when properly stored, though specific shelf life may vary based on manufacturer.

Cost and Availability

50 Bmg primers can be expensive due to the specialized materials required. Military surplus primers may offer cost savings but come with longer storage requirements. Consider your shooting frequency when budgeting for primer purchases.

FAQ

What is a 50 BMG primer?

A 50 BMG primer is a propellant charge intended for use in 50 BMG bullets. The ”. 50 BMG” designation refers to the cartridge’s 12.7mm diameter.

The primer ignites the propellant, initiating the firing process in cartridges chambered for this cartridge type.

What are the key characteristics of 50 BMG primers?

50 BMG primers are designed to withstand the intense pressures generated by the cartridge’s large diameter and high powder charge.

The primer’s functionality is crucial for reliable ignition under these challenging conditions, ensuring consistent cartridge operation.

How do 50 BMG primers compare to primers for smaller calibers?

50 BMG primers are significantly larger and more robust than primers for smaller cartridges.

They require more activation force from the firing mechanism and generate higher pressures during ignition.

What factors influence primer selection for 50 BMG cartridges?

Primer type affects cartridge reliability, particularly in semi-automatic firearms where consistent ignition is critical.

Performance varies between manufacturers, so cartridge-specific recommendations are essential.

Are 50 BMG primers compatible with all firearms?

50 BMG primers are designed for specific firearm types and may not function in smaller or less powerful weapons.

Always verify compatibility with your firearm’s manufacturer specifications.

What should I consider when purchasing 50 BMG primers?

Store primers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Check the primer’s “best by” date and prioritize recent manufacturing batches for optimal performance.

As an Amazon Affiliate™, we receive compensation through qualifying purchases at no cost to you!

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