How to tell if old primers are good?

[fnfalguy]

Going through some auction stuff I won and there are a few different types of old primers. Normally I wouldn’t think of using them, but then thought about some of the ancient Ammo I’ve shot and wondered, hmm. How can I tell if it’s still good. I’m guessing load a round on the light end and see if it still sends it down range. What about loading a casing with no powder or projectile to see if it still pops? Thoughts?

 

[holdover]

Ya got ta chew em.

 

[fnfalguy]

Lil pinch between cheek and gums, huh?

 

[holdover]

Yeah if they go off they're good

 

[redtail]

choot em'

 

[Darth]

Whack them with a hammer.

But be sure to do this without eye protection because the flash might be obscured as they are old.

 

[Target]

You can prime an empty case and insert into chamber. Give it a shot.

If I recall correctly, people were doing this to show how a P320 was not drop safe. Of course , some were probably using live rounds.

 

[fnfalguy]

And it’s replies like this that help me to explain why I defend y’alls knowledge base and intellects. Others tell me that some folks here are dumb as a box of rocks, but I tell them no and direct them to helpful input like this. Thanks again.

I’m off to check the primers out after I remove my glasses, sprinkle some gun powder on my nekkid body like a stripper‘s glitter and then simultaneously bite down on a primer, thwack one under the head of my prick and lean in real close while I whack one with a hammer. I believe that covers most of the NYGF approved testing methods.

except yours @Target that one makes way too much sense.

 

[spat]

Yeah if they go off they're good

Have to try a few.

If they're only 90% reliable, maybe they're not worth loading, but you can't tell that from just one.

 

[Darth]

In all fairness, I did actually whack a primer with a hammer before to see what happened. Like a roll of caps.

Not recommended.

 

[Target]

except yours @Target that one makes way too much sense.

I'll get with the program for future responses

 

[Plater1]

And it’s replies like this that help me to explain why I defend y’alls knowledge base and intellects. Others tell me that some folks here are dumb as a box of rocks, but I tell them no and direct them to helpful input like this. Thanks again.

I’m off to check the primers out after I remove my glasses, sprinkle some gun powder on my nekkid body like a stripper‘s glitter and then simultaneously bite down on a primer, thwack one under the head of my prick and lean in real close while I whack one with a hammer. I believe that covers most of the NYGF approved testing methods.

except yours @Target that one makes way too much sense.

Will you be posting that video tonight?

 

[fnfalguy]

Absolutely, but just to subscribers on my Onlyfans site.

 

[Xae289]

If I had primers I didn't trust to make reliable shooting ammo, I'd use them to make wax ammo with nothing but a primer for some indoor plinkers. Always wanted to make those, but never had any primers I was willing to use for not real ammo, and that goes double these days.

 

[kev74]

If it pops in an empty case, it will likely set off the charge in a loaded cartridge.

Fun fact... a primed case will propel a foam ear plug across the garage without breaking anything (usually).

 

[kev74]

That's about $200 worth of primers in todays market. Good score!

 

[Acer-m14]

nice find ... what are the .22 BB caps ??

 

[ArmedCorgi]

I know I'm late to the party, but I'd say the safest way would be to put them in the microwave for 5 minutes. That or smash them between two rocks as close to your face as possible. You could also try running them over with your car, but that's some Four H shit right there.

 

[repete]

nice find ... what are the .22 BB caps ??

A light weight .22 bullet fired with just the primer, no powder at all.

 

[repete]

Oh yeah, forgot. Those older primer may be corrosive so if you do use them or just pop one off make sure to clean the gun!
PM on the way.

 

[meketrefe]

Shooting and empty case in a safe location is still loud but will allow you to test them.
What year are them? I am sure will work but also clean the bore since old primers used mercury and were corrosive.

 

[fnfalguy]

And that right there @ArmedCorgi , that 4D chess sort of thinking style is what makes you such the catch that you are. @VetTechCherrybomb is a lucky woman to be the one who ended up with you.

 

[fnfalguy]

It looks like the tin marked .22 BB caps may have been storage. I've attached additional photos, just because the round tins are cool. @meketrefe that was a concern of the primers in the round tins. The CCI are at least marked non-mercuric.

 

[fnfalguy]

Getting to go through unlabeled projectiles as well. In order to quiet my inner voices, had to start measuring, weighing and labeling

 

[togmaster]

Just load a few. If they are duds you can pull the components.

Sorry for not having a more creative answer.

 

[fnfalguy]

@togmaster i appreciate the response. Just wasn’t sure if I was missing anything easy or obvious as a test method.