Primer storage question.

[sookie_69]

just wondering if cold affects primers? I've got them locked up in a cabinet in the shop but was wondering if I should move them inside for winter as the shop isn't heated. Thoughts?

 

[Ganderite]

Federal stores their primer production in unheated buildings.

 

[lister]

I'd worry about damp more than cold. Put them in ziplock bags with desiccant.

 

[VinnyQC]

I'd worry about damp more than cold. Put them in ziplock bags with desiccant.

Or just a desiccant in the cabinet where they are stored.

 

[lister]

^^^
The problem with that is if the cabinet isn't sealed well the desiccant pulls in moisture from outside and saturates the desiccant in no time.

 

[jethunter]

yes.^

And if you have fairly high humidity in your area the cardboard boxes will suck up moisture from the air so a sealed container would be best.

 

[elkhuntr]

You live in the Okanagan where winters are mild and humidity high. Vacuum Sealed containers for long term storage would be my call. Otherwise, leave them in your house under controlled temp conditions. I have not observed any ill affects from doing this other than running out and finding sources to buy more. Lock them up in your gun cabinet away from your powder. My 2c.

 

[zuke]

30 or 50 can with dessicant

 

[yomomma]

I keep them as they are. My shed never gets above 45%RH. Air conditioned and a dehumidifier.

 

[ATOM]

As noted, cold will not hurt them (although hot will). For their size, keeping them in a sealed box like an ammo can would be fine, especially with a desiccant. Modern primers are pretty good however and unless you are talking long-term storage in really damp conditions, I doubt it would make much difference.

 

[bb07]

I'm still using primers from 25 years ago that have been stored in an unheated building the whole time, in nothing more than a cardboard box. I've never had any problems with them whatsoever.

 

[50Mustang]

I have been told to watch for moisture. It was recommend to keep them sealed with desiccant packs.

 

[rokoro]

I've kept mine in a sealable plastic tub (like Tupperware) and never an issue. Desicant can be a double edged sword. If it is dry it can be a good thing. Once it gets saturated it is better not to have it in the package. Some desicant is blue when dry and turns pink or white when wet. This stuff can be dryed in a small pan in the oven on low heat. Some desicant is designed for a one time use.

 

[Northernfly]

When my dad passed on his reloading gear to me, there were two packs of primers from back in the 80's. Never stored in anything but their cardboard sleeves in an unheated garage. They still worked.
That said, I store my primers in one of THESE. $8-9 at Walmart and they have a rubber seal. There is a size perfect for a 1000 brick of CCI or WIN primers, plus they're clear so you can identify the primer type without opening, and they're stackable so they don't take up too much room in your cabinet. It's been a great solution for me.