Storing primers

[gamestalker]

I know it isn't wise to store primers or powder in containers that will restrict pressure from easily escaping. But that aside, is there any reason other than safety, that storing them in an air tight metal military ammo. box with oxegen inhibitors should be avoided? I probably have 10,000 or more, and don't want them to go bad if that is even possible. For 20 some years I stored them in zip lock baggies, and still have primers I purchased about that long ago that work just fine. I recently was going through a storage unit I've had for close to 15 years and found several thousand LRBR primers that weren't protected at all, other than the original boxes, and those too are wroking just fine. So my final question is, can primers go bad if they are not stored in a sealed enviroment? I have a friend that has powder and primers that are from the 1940s, and he still uses it all without problems.

 

[cheygriz]

I've stored them 10 years or more in the original boxes on the bottom shelf of my workbench in my basement. Just keep 'em cool and dry and they'll be fine.

 

[JimKirk]

I have primers from the late Fifties... they have been stored in a wooden cabinet similar to a kitchen cabinet in their orignal containers. I have had zero problems with those.

Jimmy K

 

[ranger335v]

" is there any reason other than safety, that storing them in an air tight metal military ammo"

Ammo boxes are made to store military ammo as safely as possible, meaning they give good protection but are made to blow out at low internal pressures. I've safely keep my caps stored in ammo boxes for over 40 years. ( 'Course I haven't had a house fire either! )

 

[cheygriz]

"course I haven't had a house fire either"

 

[kingmt]

If you were creating a vacuum it would preserve the primers. This should also lessen the chance of an explosion & may to a small degree lessen the explosion. With inhibitors it would depend on what you was using to replace the oxygen with.

Based on only the ammo cans I have been around. I don't think it would make much of a bomb by itself but if it was on the bottom shelf in the back with a bunch of bullets on top & around it then it could get very nasty. If you happen to put 24# of powder in front of it then all that lead WoW that could have possibility there.

Just the ammo can & 10K primers would probably turn the can inside out & ruin anything close to it but whatever caused the explosion probably already ruined it.

Unless you have a bunker try not to store everything in one place.

 

[jmorris]

I still have some that are pre AWB. They spent at least 12-13 years in a sock drawer before I came across them. The 20,000+ I have used so far all worked like new.

 

[snuffy]

Primers require NO special storage conditions. They are each sealed against moisture and most solvents. Keep them in a cool dry location, they'll outlive you.

Primers will not mass detonate all by themselves, and never if left in their original containers. Extreme heat will cause them to explode, when the first one pops, it will set off the rest. But to get that hot, the house or whatever got them that hot, will be destroyed already.

Pack them in whatever you want to, seal them up if it makes you feel better. It won't make one bit of difference.

 

[brickeyee]

If you were creating a vacuum it would preserve the primers. This should also lessen the chance of an explosion & may to a small degree lessen the explosion. With inhibitors it would depend on what you was using to replace the oxygen with.

The presence (or absence) of oxygen will have no affect on a primer going off.
They are a primary explosive, with everything they need in the compound.

 

[kingmt]

I was thinking of a fire inside of the box & was starching for the might helps. Still going for it would be the last thing I would worry about.

I don't really think they need to be in a vacuum to make them live longer then the OP ether. I had some out in a building for a few year & when I took them out the box fell apart. All but one went bang & it may have not been seated but didn't go off with second strike ether. Just saying it can't hurt if it will make him fell better.