Large Rifle Magnum Primers - how old is too old to use?

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bighornchris

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I have some old 215 Federal Large Rifle Magnum primers, but am a bit reluctant to use them, unless I am out of fresh stuff.

How old is too old to use, in your opinion(s)?

I would like fresh ones, so if you know anyone who has some CCI, or Federal, please let me know.

Thanks,

Chris in Edmonton
 
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I wouldn't worry about age. Ammunition and components don't really "go bad" so long as they are stored at room temperature in a dry place.
 
bighornchris said:
How old is too old to use, in your opinion(s)?
Click to expand...

If they were stored properly, in a dry location, I wouldn't be concerned until they start getting upwards of 75 to 100 years old.

I have been using up some primers from the early 70's. Out of a several thousand so far, not one single problem and no problems are expected.
 
bighornchris said:
I have some old 215 Federal Large Rifle Magnum primers, but am a bit reluctant to use them, unless I am out of fresh stuff.

How old is too old to use, in your opinion(s)?

I would like fresh ones, so if you know anyone who has some CCI, or Federal, please let me know.

Thanks,

Chris in Edmonton
Click to expand...

I just find it funny, that you'd not use them, unless you didn't have any fresh ones. You obviously never worked in a store, you gotta use the old stuff, then put the new stuff out. Be sure that the oldest Milk is right at the front of the shelf, so folks grab that carton, not the brand new one that just came in. Unless they have been stored in a barn for 30 years, they will work just fine, even then, they'd probably be ok. If you are that unsure, start loading them into rounds to be fired at the range, until you have confidence enough to use them as hunting rounds. The worst thing that could possibly happen with old or contaminated primers, is that they would not fire. They won't explode your gun, or anything truly dangerous.
 
SandRoad said:
If they were stored properly, in a dry location, I wouldn't be concerned until they start getting upwards of 75 to 100 years old.

I have been using up some primers from the early 70's. Out of a several thousand so far, not one single problem and no problems are expected.
Click to expand...

Just wondering why you may be concerned if they were 75-100 years old.
Oh, just thought of it. OLD primers would be corrosive, thus would require cleaning of the barrel after shooting, by water.
 
Just recently I've finished using up some primers from the 1960's. Not a single problem with them. I have no idea on their history as they were made before I was born. They looked fine in the packages so I used them.
 
Hey Bruce. Didn't we just go over this a couple of months ago when I found those primers that were $1.29 a box or something like that. I think we figured they were from the early 60's or something like that......and not a misfire in the lot. I'll see if I can find the picture.

Edit: Yea, here's the pic. Do your primers look newer than these ??? :D

IMGP3240.jpg
 
Yes Denny, there seem to be some subjects we go through on a regular basis.
OK, here is what you use your #1½ CIL primers for.
xx.jpg
 
Old Primers - close thread

Thanks to all. I feel better knowing that others have used old stuff with no negative results.

To me, the point of loading rifle rounds, has been achieving the best consistency possible. My goal is to build a round that is more accurate than I can shoot it. Best ingredients in, best results out, right?

Thanks again guys.

Chris
 
The factory warehouse is not heated. It goes way, way below freezing in the winter. Cold is not an issue. heat and moisture are not good.

Primers stored in your house will last longer than you will. better use them.
 
I have a fair quantity of older CIL primers: 1½, 8½ & 8½M. These have not been manufactured for several decades now. I still am able to shoot around ½moa consistently with the 8½'s in my 260AI, right out to 500 meters. Age doesn't seem to matter much. As has been noted, storage could have some effect, but even reasonable care guarantees good performance for decades. Regards, Eagleye.
 
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