Winchester primers

[chrisb38002]

I have some Winchester large rifle primers that were given to my. I know they are at least 10 years old, but not sure exactly how old. Does anyone know how to read the lot numbers on the Winchester primers to get the manufactured date?

[mrawesome22]

Probably a 02 in there somewhere or just call Olin.

Date of manufacture doesn't really matter though. They either work, or they don't.

[chrisb38002]

That's why I was trying to find out. Have 2 different lot numbers, and had a couple fail (2 out of 50) from one of the lots. Not sure if age would make a difference, they were stored indoors in the original packaging, but the failure are a concern. They both had good firing pin hits, and I even tried hitting one of them a second time, but no bang.

[hk33ka1]

I had some Winchester Large pistol primers of 70's-80's Manufacture some in old Red and White WW packaging and some in 80's-90's white red orange Winchester that sat on a shelf in the basement in the cardboard brick for around 15 years. There were a couple floods on the floor and a gun left there would get surface rust on the bluing after a couple weeks. When I eventually loaded them in .45 ACP every single one loaded and fired perfectly.

I also came across some CIL primers of various types probably from the 50's-60's. No idea how they were stored. I used a couple hundred in .45-70 smokeless and BP and they all fired fine. As long as they aren't under water or bathed in oil I'm sure they will last a long time on the shelf or loaded in ammo you make.

[Slamfire]

What is the lot number?

[chrisb38002]

The lot number I am most concerned about is FGL546G4215
I also have a few hundred with lot # KDL096G

[Slamfire]

I believe in first in, first out, for primers and powders.

I will date primer sheaves with the year I purchased the sheave.

I noticed what appears to be a pattern, that is the purchase year appears to line up with a letter code.

I believe the lot numbers that start with F are from 1989 and the lot numbers with K are from 1994.

It is my considered opinion that the Winchester primers made before 1999 are the best primers that Winchester made. The large rifle were safe to use in Garands, and the WSR had thick cups and did not pierce at load levels that pierce the new brass finish winchester primers.

I recently shot some of my old WLR in a 30-06 test and they shot excellent groups, just like they always did.

Lot Number	Type	year code		date
						
				 		1986
				 		1987
DBL 7246779	WLP		D		1988
				E		1989
				F		1990
				G		1991
				H		1992
IML 224G		WSR		I		1993
KAL 071G		WSR		K		1994
				L		1995
				M		1996
				N		1997
				O		1998
				P		1999
				Q		2000
				R		2001
				S		2002
TCL 058G		WSP		T		2003
URL 526 G	WLP		U	2004
WCL 249G		WLP		W		2005
XDL 451G		WSP		X		2006