Old Primers

[shumbri74]

Hello all. I've been lurking on the hide for 6 months+ but this is my first post. I've picked up a wealth of knowledge regarding precision shooting that has lent to sharpened skills and new interests. Having recently gotten into reloading for my .308 remmy 5R, a question arises. I was given a box of CCI 200 primers that are 1978 vintage. Are they usable or best suited for the trash? Forgive me if this topic has been covered. I have not run acrossed it and the search fuction netted no results.

 

[Fuzzball]

Re: Old Primers

"I was given a box of CCI 200 primers that are 1978 vintage."

Be greatful and have fun as you use them, they cost a lot today.

 

[shumbri74]

Re: Old Primers

Thankyou Fuzzball. They will be put to use in 2 days, sparking off 42.4gr of Varget topped by 168gr SMKs. One more thing to be Thankful for.

 

[oldreliable45120]

Re: Old Primers

As long as they have been stored properly they last a long time. In my reloading room I have shotshell and CCI lg rifle primers that I got from my father when he reloaded in the early 1960's.They fire just fine.

 

[Sharpshooter]

Re: Old Primers

I just recently used up a case of WInchester Large Rifle Primers from 1970. They all work fine. I am in the process of using up a bunch of Winchester Large Pistol Primers right now..

 

[Powder_Burns]

Re: Old Primers

I still got 1970's primers that go bang. They seem to hold up for a very long time if properly stored.

 

[Mayday]

Re: Old Primers

All the stuff my old man handed down to me, only 1 or 2 lbs of powder was bad. All the other powder and primers have worked, and the stuff is 30 plus years old. Its worth a try, its free after all.

 

[former naval person]

Re: Old Primers

I shot a match about 20 years ago...the rifle was over forty years old at the time(M1 Garand), The ammo was over 40 years old (1943 armor piercing .30-06), and the shooter was way over forty years old. Everything worked out as it should. No misfires. Qualified Expert. Don't worry about the primers. JMHO

 

[shumbri74]

Re: Old Primers

Thanks all. I loaded 20 rounds with the old primers and 20 with new CCI LR200s to plink with last weekend. All went bang and, at 100yds, I found no appreciable variance in accuracy...all sub MOA. I'll keep using them and invest the savings in Varget and SMKs. Thanks again for the piece of mind and reinforcing the fact that the hide is the best shooter's site to be found!