Primer Age?

[12Bravo]

I have been cleaning out my dad's old workshop (he passed away late last year) and have come across several unopened boxes of primers, some of which I am guessing are 15-20 years old. They were stored in the original boxes in a relatively cool, dry environment. I know ammo stored like this, even for much longer periods of time, is OK, but I'm not sure about primers by themselves. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[DIBBS]

Re: Primer Age?

They should be good to go having been stored in a cool dry environment. You could look inside the packaging and see if there's any corrosion, and if so toss those. For the rest,I'd load some see how they work.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Welcome to the Hide! </span>

 

[FLIGHT762]

Re: Primer Age?

I still use primers from the 50's and 60's. If they were stored as you described, they should work fine. Try 10 of each type to see of they ignite. As Dibbs posted, any with corrosion, toss out.

The only primers I've had go bad were some Winchester shotgun primers from the 40's.

 

[armorpl8chikn]

Re: Primer Age?

I still have some CCIs that are in the small packs about 2 inches square. Can only guess they are at least 25 years old. Still shoot just fine.

 

[eclipse57]

Re: Primer Age?

My Dad died in 2009. I brought all of his primers and powder home with me. There were 2000 CCI 200's new in the box. The box was the older one when the color was a beige or sand color. They were probably from the mid 90's. I have used about 1000 of them so far and have not had any issues.

I also have 1000 - 1500 45 ACP cases that I prepped back around 88 or 89. They have been sitting in loading cases and coffee cans since then. I recently started shooting 45's again. I bought some 230 grain ball and loaded these cases with some unique. No issues with them either.

I would not use any of the above for hunting or concealed carry, but they have been great for plinking and target practice.

Good luck with yours.

 

[aam]

Re: Primer Age?

12Bravo,

First off. My deepest condolences with the passing away of your father.

A friend of mine gave me some Remmie large rifle primers, they were purchaced in the 80's. I primed 10 cases (no powder or projies) to see if they went bang. They did.

I then loaded up ten cases, and they all shot fine. You should not have any prodlems with your primers.

I'm using the primers to load up 308 and 6mm Remmington.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Welcome to the hide.</span>

 

[12Bravo]

Re: Primer Age?

Thanks all. I'll load some up and take them to the range in a couple of weeks.

 

[leadbullet]

Re: Primer Age?

all these primers should be fine. Sorry about your dad.