Primers, how old is too old

[Laurie]

If accuracy is important, a chronograph will tell you if they are still good. While a primer may still detonate, the brisance may be too variable.

That's the nub of the matter - check with the chronograph if in doubt.

 

[Laurie]

I have some RWS large rifle primers from the early 70s. My grandpa's 300 Savage shoots the tightest with them. Better than newer vintages of primers by a noticeable amount.

When I started shooting 308 Win competitively in the 80s, RWS primers were regarded as the 'gold standard' by many sling and Palma shooters in that they gave the smallest ES/SD values. There was reportedly a lot of variation between lots though so the 'good lots' were much sought after.

 

[Nick Caprinolo]

Think of all the old war surplus ammo still being sold and used today.

 

[SBS]

In the mid 1960's, we were buying WWI surplus .45 ACP ammo with 1918 headstamps for 1 cent per round at Gart Bros. in the Denver area. Over half of it would fire on 1st strike and most of the rest of it would fire on 2nd strike. We were just plinking, so no idea as to accuracy. 3-4 years later, after Vietnam heated up, cheapest ammo was 5 cents each, so I traded for a revolver and started reloading.

 

[JeffT]

I still use from time to time primers and powder that my dad bought around 1959-1962. Even found some loaded 222 mag. To shoot in his old Varmint rifle that shot little bug holes.

 

[snert]

Im still shooting 3031 that was bought in the early 50's. In a 32 pound drum.

And LC43 carbine rounds too

 

[Diggs223]

shot 20 rds off today all went bang, did not chrono, but groups were almost double of the same load with
federal primers

 

[jonbearman]

They came from Creekside huh, I shot there every weekend for close to 20 years. With the corrosion I would chuck them