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I just wanted to say that I started using mag primers in my loads for a 30-06 with all types of powder and bullets about 40+ yrs ago . I was told by a friend who was a government hunter, that it would help ignition in the wet weather or if you were out in the snow storm or had to be out in really cold weather, like elk hunting. This has seemed to work well for me. I have never had a miss-fire with one of my loads , I cannot say that about winchester ammo. I always watched for pressure signs when working up a load for any of my rifles .
The reason I feel badly about winchester ammo is  because on one trip  we bought  some on sale and used it for an elk hunt, 2 boxes that produced serveral misfires.  I guess the primers were duds . But when a bull elk hears that  CLICK  he is on his way like a bolt of lightning!
later in life I bought some 300 win mag, ammo on sale too. 180, and 150's the 180's  were fine but the primers would blow on the 150's
I cannot see why you wouldn't want to increase your chance of success in the field. Just be cautious if you are doing somthing that is suspected to have dangerous results.
 I would like to relate that in my .243 that there is a lot of difference in pressure just by using different primers, so perhaps there could be a problem with some guns , where you have a max load and then by mistake throw in a mag primer. :)

Hi Rob,
I have gotten some nice maps thru the U.S. forest service. You have to purchase them, they even have some waterproof ones now. Then you can pencil in the boundries as decribed in the Wyoming hunting regulations.
Good luck hunting,
  Alton

super 30  has said it right. I have also have guided elk hunters,and killed many elk.  I once had a 66 yr old lady shoot a big cow with a .243 win. 1 shot.  Keep playing with your handloads, some bullets have different length bearing surfaces, the part that makes contact with your riflings.  if you want to  use 180 gr bullets try some boat tails and  try magnum primers with a hot load.  I use 55 gr 4350 with my sierra game kings , this might be too hot for your rifle so you have to work up to it , and watch for pressure signs. I call it good when the primer shows it has flatened  a little bit.  But  don't worry a well placed shot with a 150gr 30.06 will kill anything in north america. Good luck hunting,
 Alton

Hey you can  carry that kid in a back pack  and still enjoy hunting . I did  that and I have some great memories.  Have a good one, Alton

If you hand load, you can get the most enjoyment from a bolt action.  it doesn't matter  to me what brand it is , as long as the rifle has a good feel when you shoulder it.  Most all new rifles will shoot plenty well enough for hunting.  Also there are plenty of aftermarket devices to help you improve on your firearm choice too.  I think what feels good in your hands  will make you want that rifle to go hunting with.  I own several rifles I am proud of  and shoot well too.  My Dad's old enfield is a club but has taken more deer and elk than I care to count. Don't worry they all got eaten.  My first rifle was a remington 700 , I stilll own it . this 30.06 shot very well right out of the box. I have killed more game with it than any of my others. I suppose that was because I had it when I was younger and able to run over the hills like a deer.  Now I have a couple rifles I built with sako actions which I  like too.  One in 30-338 , the other I take on elk hunts now because of the big bears, is a 375 h&h . I love the way it shoots with a mussle brake there is not much recoil. But Man what noise!  I have had weatherbys and other custom guns which were a disapointment but good trading material. we  also have a win model 70 300 mag that is a fine rifle too  a ruger 243 a remington 243 a cz 30.06  a savage 223 and a few rim fire 22's  they seem to become part of the family.

I used to have a yellow cat ,years ago, which would follow me about when I went for a walk. or to check on the livestock. She started going with me on rabbit hunts too.  She got to be just like a dog. She would wait for me , staring at the rabbit like a pointer, and after I shot ,she would run and get the rabbit. I always got it from her . I don't remember that we had any problems. That was while I used a 22 rimfire. One day we went out with a .243  and I shot  a praire dog, which had been a pest at my garden, the muzzle blast was too much and scared the cat so she never went out again.   One of her kittens would fetch a small rubber ball until he was worn out.  I had several friends that couldn't believe how good he was at finding the ball and how quick he would return it.  I also had a pet badger that was like a watch dog, I gave him raw hamburger  at the porch steps and he would set up and beg  like any little ankle biter.

Very sad indeed . I agree that soon the wolves will deplete our big game. It's obious that the moose population is already hurting. Between the Grizzly bears and the reintroduced wolves, and the encroached habitat, wildlife as we knew it is gone.

We have a 243 Mark X with the same problem, thanks for the info for an easy fix, Alton