Primers: How old is too old?

Post by **Kissmybrass** » Tue Jul 20, 2021 12:00 am

Needed primers for my 45-70 project and found this on OfferUp... .87 cents was the original price tag on the smaller box of 100. And they still look brand new! How old do you suppose these are and the larger question is.... WILL THESE WORK???? I love vintage stuff so if I find newer I'll definitely put these on a shelf. They're cool on their own. However, can these be tested SAFELY? Like seating it in a shell and loading up one? Not sure now what to do with these and this is my first reload ever.

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Post by **John E Davies** » Tue Jul 20, 2021 12:23 am

Properly stored primers last indefinitely. As long as the packaging looks good, don’t worry about them. OTH if you are loading self defense ammo (bears or humans) brand new components are advised, just to be sure.

Yes you can load some empty cases and test fire them, no worries, except you have to single load them into the chamber. Do not whack one with a hammer. I did that to a 209 primer when I was about fourteen, boy that was loud….

“Payless” drug stores and other major chains sold ammo and reloading stuff, once upon a time.

John Davies
Spokane WA

Post by **RanchRoper** » Tue Jul 20, 2021 8:34 am

Sure hope they last long… I have a stockpile!

Post by **JEBar** » Tue Jul 20, 2021 10:06 am

John E Davies wrote: ↑
Tue Jul 20, 2021 12:23 am
Properly stored primers last indefinitely. As long as the packaging looks good, don’t worry about them. OTH if you are loading self defense ammo (bears or humans) brand new components are advised, just to be sure.

John Davies
Spokane WA

AGREE

Post by **Hatchdog** » Tue Jul 20, 2021 10:52 am

Payless price sticker………87 cents……..

Priceless!

Post by **Vaquero** » Tue Jul 20, 2021 7:59 pm

I've not been at it as long as some here, but the cheapest primers I ever bought were $20 per K.
I think I may still have at least one of those left.

RP

Post by **Sir Henry** » Wed Jul 21, 2021 12:09 pm

Think contaminates not time. If it’s been stored out of daylight in a relative dry environment it will last forever just like the wheat seeds in King Tuts Tomb.

Sitting on a shelf in my garage I would give it ten years.

Post by **Kissmybrass** » Wed Jul 21, 2021 1:05 pm

So would it be safe to seat some test primers in empty shells and fire away? Of course I'll hand load each one into my lever gun. How loud are they? Would it bother apartment neighbors?

Post by **runnin n gunnin** » Wed Jul 21, 2021 1:44 pm

Hey KMB, it is quite safe to seat a primer in empty brass. I use these types of rounds in training often. They are loud (not as loud as live ammo), so if you are planing to shoot them in the neighborhood you may have someone drop a dime to the police. I would recommend trying them at the range.

Post by **Kissmybrass** » Wed Jul 28, 2021 5:53 pm

Pressed 3 primers from each box and headed to the range and all 6 popped perfectly as if like they were brand new

Post by **RanchRoper** » Wed Jul 28, 2021 9:06 pm

I'll post a range report in 2057 for my 100th birthday and let you know how the primers worked...still shooting open sights of course.

Post by **runnin n gunnin** » Wed Jul 28, 2021 9:22 pm

RR, Can you post 5 years earlier? I will be worm meat in 2057 !

Post by **RanchRoper** » Wed Jul 28, 2021 9:30 pm

If I'm not moving cows that day.

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Primers: How old is too old?

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