Are really old primers still operational?

[Hogxtz]

Hello Folks,

I have a box of 1000 Winchester small pistol primers WSP that are approx. 10 to 15 years old. They have been kept in doors all these years that I have had possession of them. Prior to that, they were owned by a competitive shooter who I bought all his reloading gear from him. So there is a little "unknown" element to them. The box looks to be in good shape and the primers look just like new. I am inclined to use them for my next batch of 1000 9mm reloads. I am almost certain that they will work just fine, but I wanted to check with the grizzled reloading wizards with a life time of experiance first incase there might be an issue I don't know about.

Thanks

[edgerly779]

Should be fine prime some cases with random primers from the 1k and discharge to test.

[Ajaxx]

Load a hundred and see you probably fine with all of them I would just load them all and shoot them but you might be a cautious and just load a hundred to start

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[Cypriss32]

I had a box of Winchester primers from before 1950. Ran all 1,000 through my M14 with no issues.

[Ajaxx]

Load a hundred and see you probably fine with all of them I would just load them all and shoot them but you might be a cautious and just load a hundred to start

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[Bumslie]

That is not that old

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[Hogxtz]

Thank you to all the fellow reloaders that answered I truly appreciate it. Due to the experienced answers I am going to just load them all up and burn them down range. Thanks all

[hermosabeach]

Haha

I loaded some over Easter that were my dads. Maybe from the early 70’s based upon package and price

[johnk518]

While we're at it, anyone know if primers are waterproof? Totally a curiosity question.

[superhondaz50]

I'm still using primers from the 70's. Zero failures.

[edgerly779]

Old is when they come in a tin and were made in germany.

[MongooseV8]

As long as they didnt get exposed to too much moisture they will likely be good. I have some primers that are older than I am I use all the time.

[highpower790]

I have 1k count box of Win LRP,probably from the early 60's.Each 100count sleave has the primer rows divided by small pieces of wood.
All the primers look like they just came out of the factory and Im sure they would function %100.

[Paseclipse]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFTy62Si5xc

[Red9]

No the primers are too old. They wont work. I will dispose of them for you. Where do you live?

On a serious note. I have some ALCON primers. Prob 50s or 60s? They go bang very well.

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