[seth2170]

so I got some old primers passed down to me from my grandfather not sure how old they are just making sure there okay to use still the condition looks the same just wanted to get some feedback before I use them

 

[BigEd]

Very good question. I've got some old ones that are large pistol primers. I just have them on display.
The Winchester box I was told might be okay but to test for misfires before loading a complete cartridge.

Now the Remington primers I have. Well the box l have looks sketchy by it's condition so I'm not sure. Water damage/humidity.

We have one gentleman here that, besides a reloader, happens to be a retired explosive ordnance professional. So he may have more insight into this.

 

[John in AR]

not sure how old they are just making sure there okay to use...

No idea other than to start with a good visual inspection, and then maybe spot check some of the the worst-looking ones.

 

[seth2170]

Very good question. I've got some old ones that are large pistol primers. I just have them on display.
The Winchester box I was told might be okay but to test for misfires before loading a complete cartridge.
View attachment 14819

Now the Remington primers I have. Well the box l have looks sketchy by it's condition so I'm not sure. Water damage/humidity.
View attachment 14818


We have one gentleman here that, besides a reloader, happens to be a retired explosive ordnance professional. So he may have more insight into this.

 

[seth2170]

Thanks for the reply I have looked over all of them other than the anvils being different than all new primers they look perfect no rust. Now like u mentioned I can't tell if humidity got in the compound. Today I'm going to try a few of them and see how reliable they are see if I have misfires or not. I'll probably just keep most of the boxes because I love how old and retro and different the package and primers look. I would like to know how old they are.

 

[Garand]

Before I made any complete rounds, I would prime about 10-15 casings only, take them to the range and single feed the casings into a rifle and see if they function completely. I have used powder that was last manufactured 1n 1948 that was kept in a cool dry place and I got 16,000 good cowboy loads from it. I think my wife is down to her last 700-800 rds of it.

 

[BigEd]

One last piece of advice. Save the box if possible. Apparently there's some collectors value.
I eternally kick myself for not doing that with some older rimfire cases and boxes.
Yes 45years ago some young heathen unknowingly shot up a bunch of collectable ammo, even for back then. 😛

 

[John in AR]

...I have used powder that was last manufactured 1n 1948 that was kept in a cool dry place...

That’s impressive. I’ve shot ammo that old (and older), but never reloaded with components from that far back.

 

[Garand]

Hercules "Infallible", manufactured between 1898 and 1948. About 4 months ago I had an opportunity to buy a 16 pound container of it, part of a 49 pound sale by an ammunition re-manufacturer but I passed on it as I don't think I have long enough left shooting matches to use up this amount of powder.