209 Primers

209 primers ignite two very different things: shotgun shells and in-line muzzleloaders. This collection covers both, with shotshell primers from CCI, Federal, Winchester, Remington, Cheddite, and Fiocchi, plus muzzleloader 209s from Winchester and Remington.

Shotshell primers by brand

  • CCI. Standard 209s that are a long-time target load favorite, plus a magnum version for heavier field loads and cold-weather shooting.
  • Federal. A common choice in published 12 gauge target data, especially with Federal hulls.
  • Winchester. A primer many reloaders pair with Winchester hulls, and a staple in Winchester and Hodgdon shotshell recipes.
  • Remington. Target primers often matched with Remington hulls.
  • Cheddite and Fiocchi. European-made primers with their own published data from several powder makers.

Shotshell data is built around a specific primer, and swapping brands can raise or lower pressure, so use the primer your recipe lists. Most shotshell reloaders settle on one brand that matches their favorite recipes and buy it by the case, which keeps their loads consistent from one season to the next.

209s for in-line muzzleloaders

Winchester and Remington both make muzzleloader-specific 209 primers for 209-primed in-line rifles, designed to burn cleaner in the breech. One exception worth knowing: Hodgdon recommends standard shotshell 209s, not muzzleloader-specific primers, for Blackhorn 209 powder. Find the rest of your in-line setup, from powder to sabots, in our muzzleloading section.

Building shotshells?

Pair your primers with hulls, wads and shot, and shotshell powder from our smokeless powder lineup, then put them together on a shotshell reloading press. Whatever brand you choose, buy enough of one lot to finish a batch so every shell in it fires the same way.

Why 209s only fit shotshells and in-lines

WHERE A 209 PRIMER FITS A 209 primer is much larger than a rifle or pistol primer and carries its own battery cup. It fits plastic shotshell hulls and 209 breech plugs, not metallic cartridges. Brass shotshell hulls often take a large pistol primer instead, so check the hull listing first. You'll find small and large rifle and pistol primers in our main primers collection.

Shipping

209 primers ship as hazmat and can be combined with smokeless powder, black powder substitutes, and other primers under one hazmat fee. True black powder ships separately. See our shipping policy for current fees and restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a 209 primer used for?

The 209 primer is a shotshell primer that's also the standard ignition source for modern in-line muzzleloaders built around a 209 breech plug. It's larger and produces a hotter flame than rifle or pistol primers, which suits both uses.

2. Are all 209 primers interchangeable across shotshell brands and in-line muzzleloaders?

Most 209 primers share the same dimensions, but ignition intensity varies by brand, and some shotshell and muzzleloader data specifies a particular 209 for a reason. Muzzleloader-specific versions, like Winchester Triple 7 and Remington 209 ML primers, are designed for cleaner burning. Check current published data before substituting brands.

3. How many 209 primers come in a box?

Most 209 shotshell primers, including CCI, Federal, Winchester, Fiocchi, and Cheddite, come in boxes of 1,000. Muzzleloader-specific 209 primers, such as Winchester Triple 7 and Remington 209 ML, typically come in boxes of 100. All 209 primers ship as hazmat and can be combined with powder under one hazmat fee.

4. What's the difference between standard and magnum 209 primers?

Magnum 209 primers, such as CCI 209M, deliver a hotter, longer flame that some heavy shotshell loads and certain muzzleloader charges need for complete, consistent ignition. Match the primer to what your load data or muzzleloader manufacturer recommends rather than swapping freely.

5. How should 209 primers be stored between reloading or muzzleloading sessions?

Keep them in their original packaging in a cool, dry place away from heat, open flame, and direct sunlight. Like any primer, 209s are sensitive to impact and static, so avoid loose storage in bags or unsealed containers, and keep them out of reach of children.