Primer performance

[Speedluvn]

I’ve been loading since March. I used the search feature and didn’t find this specific question. I’ve been using reloading consumables that my father used. He reloaded since the early to mid 90’s.
I’m curious about some of the leftover primers that I have.
They all seem to go bang but with the age of some of the primers is there any decreased performance due to some of the primers being nearly 20 yrs old?
I’m just finishing up powder that he used. Is there any performance issues with the old powder?

 

[lazarus]

Stored properly, zero issues.

For powder if it visually looks fine and smells fine, it shouldn’t have deteriorated.

Primers, you’ll know if it goes bang.

But in general if not stored in very hot and/or humid conditions or with solvents (do not ever store them near solvents!!!) they have shelf lives of scores of years. Powder and primers are not hygroscopic. Plenty of anecdotes of guys storing powders and primers in garages for decades and work just fine.

I mean, if you don’t know the storage conditions I’d still load a few test rounds before loading a bunch. That’s as much in case the powder formula was changed over the years slightly.

Heck, about as stable loaded as in the containers. Primers are probably slightly better storage conditions in loaded cases, powder not really any better off. If the case mouth and primer are sealed that’s a different story. But most Ammo still works a century later.

Most of the surplus stuff that is really old that doesn’t work well is pulled out of “armories” where the roof has been leaking for decades and summer time temps were probably in the 90s in there for half a century.

 

[Speedluvn]

That’s along the lines of how I was thinking but wanted others’, more experienced opinions.

 

[Muleskinner]

I had around 500 small pistol primers i bought in 1988 and after testing a few loaded them up in some 40S&W . No issues.

 

[John from MD]

Old primers and especially that old powder should not be used. Put it in a box and I will come over to pick it up for free hasmat disposal.











Just kidding.

 

[Speedluvn]

Old primers and especially that old powder should not be used. Put it in a box and I will come over to pick it up for free hasmat disposal.









Just kidding.

I’ll also offer curbside delivery for this useless garbage.

 

[Pinecone]

Let's see, many people are shooting ammo loaded in the 40s and 50s, and even earlier.

No issues.

Heck, I left powder in the powder measure for about 20 years. Loaded it and it worked fine.

 

[Speedluvn]

I left powder in the powder measure for about 20 years. Loaded it and it worked fine.

That’s another thread on it’s on.