Lapua older .22LR packaging markings?

[rodregier]

I did a deal on some older Lapua .22LR ammunition - "PISTOL MATCH" . No SKU markings.

Each 50-rd box is mechanically stamped with "2503Z".

What does that marking mean?

I'm guessing 2003 week 25 production date.

Photo thumbnail attached

 

[Panzerschwein]

The men that made that ammo had sisu.

It's good stuff.

 

[rodregier]

My only real concern is the age of the product. It is my understanding that .22LR priming doesn't age as gracefully as centrefire.

 

[rodregier]

.22LR shelf life:

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/shelf-life-of-22lr.396161/

https://thefiringline.com/forums/archive/index.php?t-250548.html

https://www.ar15.com/forums/ar-15/Storage_life_of_22lr_rimfire_ammo_/16-466809/

https://www.thefirearmsforum.com/threads/what-is-the-shelf-life-a-22-ammo.126988/

 

[ColtPythonElite]

The shelf life for it going bang is decades. The shelf life for match ammo being match ammo accurate is much shorter. When the lube dries up, it usually is not as accurate as it once was. When new, Lapua has a greasy lube and the bullet is dark looking. If it starts turning white, it's lube is drying out.

 

[rodregier]

Not a big surprise for a vintage Lapua product, 50 rd test functioned just fine out of a Ruger MKII.

Lube has turned white and has a slightly mottled appearance.

 

[ontarget]

What about applying a new lube? Not sure if that is a recommend practice or not but may be ok.

 

[Speedo66]

The date is very clearly printed on the front, 1867.

I've found ammo from when I was a kid, bought at least 55 years ago, and they all went bang. This is after having been stored in cold attics, hot garages, and damp basements.

 

[rodregier]

1867 predates the introduction of .22LR as a cartridge in 1887 by 20 years,
I suspect it some reference to the history of the Lapua company.

They weren't using plastic packaging in 1867 either

I assume that was desiccated humour.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

That number is the lot number. Every box of commercial ammo should have a lot number.

 

[JTHunter]

The date is very clearly printed on the front, 1867.

I've found ammo from when I was a kid, bought at least 55 years ago, and they all went bang. This is after having been stored in cold attics, hot garages, and damp basements.

Same here. I have a bunch of ammo in metal containers with dessicant packs in a detached garage/pole barn. The cans also have tape around their lids to keep humidity out in the first place.

 

[rodregier]

"Each 50-rd box is mechanically stamped with "2503Z"."

All of the rest of the printing was uniform