Roktory 5 Posted April 21, 2013 This may be a stupid question; I have not reloaded in about 20 years. Today while getting out and setting up my reloading equipment I found 2 boxes of large rifle primers (1000) in each. These primers were stored in a cool dry location So what do you think are they safe to use?? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alec.mc 180 Posted April 21, 2013 Hit one with a hammer and she if she pops! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Steve_G 51 Posted April 21, 2013 I don't see why not. People are still shooting WWII surplus ammo. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AnthonyG 36 Posted April 21, 2013 Unless they get wet or oil gets into them, they will work fine. There has been a few people that did stress tests with primers and seeing what effects them and what does not, I will have to try and find the article. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
msokad 3 Posted April 21, 2013 I had some 15 year old primers myself and was concerned. I loaded one for a test and sure enough, it popped. Unless you soaked them in oil the past 20 years, you should be fine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeteF 1,044 Posted April 21, 2013 I don't see why not. People are still shooting WWII surplus ammo. Ammo is more or less sealed. The primer won't wont degrade. Primers alone are subject to humidity, chemical intrusion whatever. Stored properly they will last a long time. Stored in high humidity areas not so much. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tony357 386 Posted April 21, 2013 Their good i have rifle primers older than that i have used... You can always prime a few shells and try them out.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Roktory 5 Posted April 22, 2013 thanks for all the help. now i just got to sit down and make some rounds Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
10X 3,296 Posted April 22, 2013 Too risky! Give them to me, and I'll dispose of them for you! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
W2MC 1,699 Posted April 22, 2013 I am in a similar situation - just started reloading again after being out of it for 15-20 years. Raising kids and other interests took time away from shooting and reloading. Anyhow, I opened the ammo can where I stored my primers, and what did I find? Several thousand smiling little faces (marked small or large pistol) looking back at me. Some of the date codes (that I could read/understand) were from 1990. So I've been happily using them, and the Bullseye/2400 powder, and the 1-2000 cast boolets that have been hanging around all these years. Storage was in a dark cabinet in the basement, and everything (so far) has been working well. Eventually I will have to venture out and replace some of this stuff, and I have heard the price tag has increased a bit... For example, some of the price tags: 100 Remington 1 1/2 (small pistol) primers - 75 cents 1000 cast 158 gr SWC .358 boolets - $29 1 lb Hercules Bullseye powder - $12.95 Ahhhh...those were the days.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jm1827 284 Posted April 22, 2013 I have used shotgun primers over 15 years old with no problems whatsoever. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vlad G 345 Posted April 22, 2013 I have some primers from the 50's and 60's sitting around. One day when there isn't a crunch on damn near everything I'll probably load them to see if they still work. I'm not risking my existing brass and components when I don't know if I can get more. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GRIZ 3,369 Posted April 22, 2013 They should still be good for all the reasons already said. I've fired factory ammo from the 1920s with no issues. I recently fired some ammo I loaded 35 years ago, no problems. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BullzeyeNJ 104 Posted April 22, 2013 They last a very long time unless your cat decides to pee on them. They they are garbage. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
W2MC 1,699 Posted April 22, 2013 They last a very long time unless your cat decides to pee on them. They they are garbage. Do we want to know HOW you came to this gem of information? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
T Bill 649 Posted April 23, 2013 If properly stored primers, powder, and boolits last a long, ling time. I am reloading 45ACP now with compenents from 1989 to 1991 for $5.00/box 50. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites