primer storage

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yotie

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does anybody know if primers will deteriorate with exposure to air for say 5 yrs. of standard storage or if they should be stored in airtight containers for longtime storage
thanks, yotie.
 
For safety reasons, I don't think they should be stored in airtight containers. Storage regulations require wood materials, at least 3/4" think, with non-ferrous fittings, I suppose this construction allows building gases to escape without causing violent eruptions, at least that's the theory. From what I understand, with air tight containers, pressures and gases build in the event of a small fire, which would result in comparatively more violent explosions.

I don't believe air will deteriorate primers, but this is just my gut feel, things like moisture, water, other contaminants might, but probably not air alone.

I have never tested this, so perhaps others will chime in.
 
I have been storing primers in glass pickle jars for many years and they still work fine.
To give you an idea of how long, many of the boxes of CCI 250s still have price tags of .49 cents on them, which would make them mid 70s vintage.
 
Thanks Onagoth for your answer,I will clarify airtight container a bit more accurately,I was considering the use of vacuum pack plastic bags and the primers in the correct wooden container, your thoughts on that please.

many thanks ,Yotie
 
yotie said:
Thanks Onagoth for your answer,I will clarify airtight container a bit more accurately,I was considering the use of vacuum pack plastic bags and the primers in the correct wooden container, your thoughts on that please.

many thanks ,Yotie
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I'm no expert, but I can see no real problems with that.

I really don't think you have to worry though, I haven't owned primers as long as Alberta Tactical Rifle (he is a much more experienced reloader than me), but I have spoken to some guys with really old primers that they are still using them with no issues.

Just don't get them wet, you should be okay

:cheers:
 
I just leave mine in the original packaging. I've some that are 15years old and they work fine. The climate is somewhat dryer here I suppose.

I've also used primers bought at a gun show that were much older than what I have now. They didn't come in an airtight container so I don't think it's a neccessity.
 
Most modern primers have a seal over the anvil and compound so moisture is not nearly the issue it was long ago. I like the pickle jars, or the sealed bags just incase of water damage, ie flooded basement or leaking roof. Primers are not that abundant of late so to loose some would really bother me.
 
I just tested out a bunch that I got from an estate. Bruce (H4831) and I figured they were from the early 60's by the packaging and the price tags. They were CCI's and CIL's....in the original packaging.....sitting in an unheated garage just south of Edmonton Alberta. Not a misfire in the lot.

IMGP3240.jpg
 
Why not, probably.
I bought my first primers in 1967 when a pound of H4831 was 85 cents. A brown paper bag was the container I bought. One pound more or less scooped out of a 45 gal paper drum in the back of the store.

Also bought a RCBS press, Ohaus trickler, Redding powder measure and 2, 2 die sets for 243 and 308. Total cost...sitting down???.... $85
 
Yep, I started in 1962. RCBS die sets were $12, and 4831 was 50 cents/lb. Still have the cardboard drum it came in. Use it now to store my topo maps. :D

Ted
 
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