We muzzleloader enthusiasts are always looking for variables we can control that will give us greater accuracy at the range and in the field. 209 primers, because they pack so much kinetic energy, tend to push  bullets off the powder charge while igniting the powder.  This has been shown to cause unpredictable bullet flight.  The VariFlame Primer Adapter allows for the use of less energetic primers which ignite  just as quickly letting the powder move the bullet.  Precision Rifle's AccuFire Breech Plugs solved this for select muzzleloaders.  The VariFlame Primer Adapter provides a solution for any muzzleloader requiring a 209 primer.  

I did a simple, repeatable test illustrating the differences between 209 primers and a CCI small rifle primer in the VariFlame Primer Adapter.  I ran a clean, round, white cotton patch (made by Thompson Centerfire) down a clean barrel with a T/C ramrod tipped with a Precision Rifle Super Jag, seating it against the breech plug.  I fired 6 primers (2 Federal No. 209A's, 2 Winchester Muzzleloader 209 Primers, and 2 VariFlame Primer Adapters primed with CCI 400 Small Rifle Primers).  Both 209 primers moved the ramrod up the barrel about 4 inches each time, blowing a .50 cal. size hole in each patch.  The VariFlame Primer Adapter, however, barely moved the ramrod 1/8", leaving a small hole in the center of the patches.  You can just imagine the effect of those hot 209 primers on a bullet.  You wouldn't even get the full benefits of the barrel length or the rifling.

Machined from solid brass, the VariFlame Primer Adapter converts every 209 style muzzleloader to use the much more accurate, much cleaner, less expensive small rifle primer (at almost half the cost of 209 primers the kit pays for itself in no time). Nothing extra to buy. The kit pictured above includes all the tools required for de-capping and priming of the VariFlame Primer Adapter. Full instructions included with each kit.

The kit includes de-capping / priming rod, with handle and base, plus instructions and 10 - VariFlame Primer Adapters.

1 June 2005: Fouling comparison between the 209 primers and the VariFlame Primer Adapter with the CCI 400 Small Rifle Primer.  Today I went and stuck my original breech plug back into my Encore and headed to the range to test a few bullets using both the VariFlame Primer Adapter and Federal 209 primers.  Well, I fired around 5 shots using the VariFlame Primer Adapter and they performed flawlessly.  I found it was no problem, between shots, while I was waiting for the barrel to cool, to de-prime and re-prime these VariFlame Primer Adapters.  As a matter of fact it was kind of cool and people were watching me, wondering where I got such a neat thing.  One of the things I was checking on was how much fouling and black stuff accumulated around the primer ignition area.  To my surprise the area remained clean, even after 5 shots.  Then I switched to the 209 primer and after the first shot there was a nasty black coating all over the area around the 209 primer.  Even the barrel around the ignition area had a coating of nasty black soot covering it.  My fingers got the black stuff on them when removing the 209 primer out of my Encore.

The 209 primer was designed for a shotgun and the physics of firing an enclosed shell are completely different than when firing a muzzle loaded weapon.  The primer in the shell exposes it's full 1/4" face to the powder.  A muzzleloader, by necessity, requires a small hole in the breech plug (.030") to ignite the powder while maintaining barrel pressure.  Not all of the 209 primer's flame can reach the powder, the excess flame just means more mess to clean when you're done. 

Wow!  What a difference the VariFlame Primer Adapter makes.  I only shot two groups for the record and you guessed it, the one using the VariFlame Primer Adapter was tighter than the one using the 209 primer.  I also, for grins, shot a magnum sub base through my Chrony from about two feet away using only the 209 primer and clocked it at just under 1000 feet per second.  That is some hot primer.  I intend to do more testing on accuracy as time allows.

For the story behind switching to a small rifle primer from the 209 click here.