Plausible Theory

[ET]

With time on my hands, I like to construct and observe theory results.
One area I’ve been looking into is, why does the Savage BP respond as it does when it carbons up?
To better comprehend one needs to know how the Savage BP functions. When the primer ignites the flame-channel becomes pressurized and feeds a specific amount of volumetric energy through the vent to ignite the powder. Think of volumetric energy as quantity. Pretty straight forward.

You would think as the flame channel dimension shrinks from carbon buildup you would see more pressure in the flame channel. But it appears this is not the case. So where is this excess pressure going?
There’s only explanation I can think of, it’s escaping by bypassing the primer body. The primer acts as a limited seal for the flame channel containment. So, if the primer pressure is regulated to a certain level. then the quantity of primer energy fed to the powder is now reduced as carbon builds up.

Anyway this is my theory and until proven wrong I’m sticking with it, chuckle.

[mrbuck]

Sounds very reasonable . I have gotten into the habit of cleaning my Savages every time I shoot them and that includes drilling out the the plug and checking the size of the vent . Ever so often to check the accuracy of a load in a fouled barrel , I will pull the plug and clean it but skip cleaning the bore . You would think the best accuracy come from a plug that allows the maximum amount primer energy to ignite the powder charge . You would think ... but over the years with these Savage MLs I have found it isn't always what you think !

[ET]

May 21, 2021 17:15:50 GMT -5 mrbuck said:

Sounds very reasonable . I have gotten into the habit of cleaning my Savages every time I shoot them and that includes drilling out the the plug and checking the size of the vent . Ever so often to check the accuracy of a load in a fouled barrel , I will pull the plug and clean it but skip cleaning the bore . You would think the best accuracy come from a plug that allows the maximum amount primer energy to ignite the powder charge . You would think ... but over the years with these Savage MLs I have found it isn't always what you think !

MrBuck

Like you I'm diligent when it comes to keeping the Savage BP clean. I always start a range session with a clean BP for best results.