Old Primers

g-man · Mar 2, 2007

I have just started to get back into reloading and had a question about primers. The last time I did any reloading according to the loading book was in 1992. I have a box of 1000 win lrg rifle primers from back then and was curious as to if they would still be good to use. I looked at a box of them and there was no visible signs of corrosion or any other indications of being bad. Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks

Guest · Mar 2, 2007

Unless you stored them in damp conditions, they should be fine. You could load up a few rounds, and test them, of course, and that should also be fine. Just shoot one at a time and check the barrel between, just in case. I bet they are still good. I have primers that are nearly that old on my bench right now, and they still work.

rick smith · Mar 3, 2007

I was given some Hodgdon primers about ten years ago that were probably about 20 years old then, still shooting them.Rick.

g-man · Mar 3, 2007

Thanks for the information. I was hopping that was the case.

Alaska · Mar 9, 2007

I have some RWS 5341 dated back early 70's still use them in my target loads.

Britz · Mar 10, 2007

I agree with the others that primers generally last a long time, but I wouldn't use them for anyting of importance. The primer is the least expensive part of the cartridge and I would shure hate to risk a trophy because of the off chance I took on such an inexpensive componant.