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I recently inherited all of my Grandpa's RCBS reloading gear/ brass/ ammo (some reloaded, some new). In this were 40 unopened boxes of primers for various calibers which were in a nicely sealed case. All non-mercuric/corrosive...Rem, Western and Win brands. I have fired his reloads with zero issues. My guess is that all this gear is 30-40 years old, but again, nicely stored. How long will these primers last?
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I yam what I yam, and that's all that I yam- Popeye the sailor man
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They are most likely very dangerous to use. But I volunteer to help you dispose of them!
If they are kept dry, they might outlive all of us. Load a few and try em. You should be good to go.
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They will last many many years if stored properly. I have some from the early 80's that boomed just fine.Comment
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Nice, I was hoping that would be the answer. So, to dispose of them you just throw 'em in the tumbler with some loose bolts, right? I know that when ammo is stored properly as his was, there are usually no issues, as my range time attested, but I had to make sure about the primers. Good to know guys, thank you. If anyone is interested, I also have some rounds for various calibers that I don't own the corresponding firearm to. Some .22 WMR, .357 mag, 30-30, 30-06, .375 H&H mag, and 1 20 rd box of 7.62x54R and 1 box of .410 #6 hi-brass. Some reloaded, some new.I yam what I yam, and that's all that I yam- Popeye the sailor manComment
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Nice find from your grandad. I hope you take up the hobby of reloading I am sure your grandfather would be proud. Should you like instruction on reloading, look to the several reloading clubs with in the ammo and reloading forums found on Calguns. If you would like to sell nay of the items you don't need the correct place to do that is in the reloading sales sub forum. Should you want to give them to a good home I am certain any of the reloading clubs would love the donation. They will safely unload the home grown and use the components to teach others."Life is a long song" Jethro TullComment
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Thanks BigBronco, but I'm going to take your first bit of advice and pick up the hobby myself. I've been shooting for over three decades now and always wanted to get into reloading, but was shy of the upfront investment to see the cost savings. But I have no excuse now because I got the whole kit-and-kaboodle here with dies, scales, press, blah blah blah. Where do I post it to see if anyone want the ammo?I yam what I yam, and that's all that I yam- Popeye the sailor manComment
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I have used 50+ year old primers with out issue. Now keep in mind once you use the primers the boxes are worth good $$$$ to collectors especially the sleeves with wood deviders.
I suggest you learn your grampas hobby with his tools and pass it on your boy. Yeah you'll get married and have kids.I used to reload so I could shoot more, now I shoot more so I can reload more.Comment
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I yam what I yam, and that's all that I yam- Popeye the sailor manComment
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If you can find a Mentor so to speak to help you with reloading, it will shorten your learning curve. If there is one in your area, I recommend it. But you still should read a good bit on reloading. Good luck.Comment
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Here is a link to the sales forum
Should you want to donate anything to the clubs send me a PM I will steer you to one closest to your area.
Since you appear to be new to Calguns. Please read the rules and follow them prior to posting the items.Last edited by BigBronco; 04-01-2014, 2:16 PM."Life is a long song" Jethro TullComment
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All ammo and primers "should" be good depending on storage methods as others have stated here.
I'm currently taking down 1904 production Kropastcheck blanks for the black powder. Once I take the black powder out, I'm manually kicking off the primers and then throwing the brass in the scrap bucket. Every one of the primers has gone off loud and clear
Too bad they are corrosive and the cases are berdan primed or the brass would be worth money!
sigpic"There is no greater feel than to be in control of 56 tons of steel and watching that 105mm round go down range and blow something up."Comment
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If they don't show signs of corrosion they're likely fine.Oppressors can tyrannize only when they achieve a standing army, an enslaved press, and a disarmed populace. -- James Madison
The Constitution shall never be construed to authorize Congress to prevent the people of the United States, who are peaceable citizens, from keeping their own arms. -- Samuel Adams, Debates and Proceedings in the Convention of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 86-87 (Pearce and Hale, eds., Boston, 1850)Comment
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Great info everyone, thank you. Looking forward to getting into this end of my beloved hobby. My Grandpa was a deck gunner/PT boat driver in WWII, then was head of maintenance for a large company till he retired, so he took very good care of his stuff. Thanks BigBronco for the link.I yam what I yam, and that's all that I yam- Popeye the sailor manComment
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where do you live what town so. cal or no. cal may take the .22 wmr and the 30.30 and the 30.06 pm me
thanks RayComment
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