Stopped by a fairly out of the way fairly more run down gun shop today and they had 3 boxes of 1k count 210M primers. The gentleman would only sell 2-100 ct boxes per day and since I haven’t had a ton of luck finding them I got them. This is what they look like, and the last 210M I bought were the gold medal with different packaging. Are these ones very old or something? I felt like that would be unlikely with the way you can’t find anything anymore and people have bought it all up, but is there a different explanation? Just want to make sure these are ok to use. Thanks
- Thread starter Thomasj1107
- Start date
So he’s had those same boxes sitting there for years?
I had so couple of years back and they shot just fine. Think i picked them up at a swap meet
But to clarify, federal stopped using this packaging entirely several years back?
For the second time, yes - that is an older packaging design.
Do you have reason to believe they aren’t any good?
No, I’m new to reloading so I was trying to be certain and see if there was something I didn’t know
Primers don’t have an expiration date. In fact I’m using Winchester LRPs for a rifle’s load that were purchased back in 2008.
As long as they weren’t exposed to moisture or liquids they are still good. Visually inspect them to be sure, then load them up.
Thank you, what would they look like if they had been exposed?
I’d expect them to be discolored or stained. A quick google search tells me that even if wet, it seems they can still be used if dried out and otherwise not damaged but you would have look deeper into it before acting on that info (maybe others will chime in more authoritatively on this particular point).
Otherwise, If it’s dry, let it fly
Otherwise, If it’s dry, let it fly
I was shooting LRM primers from the 80’s last week.
ES was a bit higher than normal but I had no issues hitting steel past a mile.
ES was a bit higher than normal but I had no issues hitting steel past a mile.
hypothetically if they did get wet and I couldn’t tell via visual inspection… is the worst that would happen is that they didn’t fire?
They're old stock. Looks like they were stored well. They will work fine. I still shoot with some old Federal 215's that are older than yours.
What did he charge you per 100?
What did he charge you per 100?
10 bucks
Federal started using your primer packaging from the late 1990's to the early 2000's.
Some packaging info here: https://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=178292
Some packaging info here: https://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=178292
Take a primer out and set it on your driveway. Lay a 2x4 right next to it between you and it. Now smack it with a hammer. If it’s loud you’re good.
No, these are old, LOL. picked these up from a buddy of mine, no idea how old they are..
Those are 1970’s maybe 1980’s
The red and blue package from the op was late 1990’s I still have some and they produce better numbers than the newest ones I’ve bought.
The red and blue package from the op was late 1990’s I still have some and they produce better numbers than the newest ones I’ve bought.
Yeah, he gave them to me.... I knew they were old... Thanks.. I plan on loading the 500's here in the next couple of days in some 9mm...
I have a couple thousand of the red box left from 2002. Works fine.
Better than holding on to them until he dies and then having his wife or kids throw them out because they don't know what they are.
Nothing wrong with an old guy making some money off of something he likely won't ever use, and helping out a new reloader in the process.
Frankly, I wish more of them would.
