High quality stoichiometric Bi-2212 precursors purchased from commercial producers where analysed and samples partial melt processed thereof. The critical current densities (j c ) achieved were between 3000 and 5000A/cm 2 , despite identical processing sequence including the peritectic decomposition to the high temperature phases and consequent crystallization to Bi 2 Sr 2 Ca 1 Cu 2 O 8+δ (Bi-2212). A series of powder properties that influence j c in the final product were found. The heating rate in the temperature range 550–850°C, when heating to the partial melt state, has a strong influence on the j c of the fully processed material. This behaviour could be correlated to particle growth and the reduction of precursor imperfections that acting as nuclei for the peritectic decomposition.