corerf
posted this
28 January 2011
My 2 cents.
Working up a Kimber 45 ACP load, I was using CCI 300's that were about 1955/60 vintage and stored poorly in Riverside (exactly one mile from the gates of hell). I have ALWAYS shot WW2 vintage primers and had great success and accuracy. Usually in rifle cases though.
So I had erratic patterns at the range, no chrono allowed. Decided that after 100 rounds of various loads, there was no help.
So I did a major trigger job on kimber, thinking it was me and the gun. 3 lb trigger didnt help. I suspected primers as the Red Dot (4.9gr) and the unknown 230gr LRN were LOOKING just fine.
Tried some late 1990's CCI 300's. Groups shrank from 5 inch to 1.25 inch at 50 ft.
5 inch was with two hand hold. 1.25 inch was one hand hold and good primers. Swapped primers (new) to same powder charge, odd duck cases and a new bullet, same tight group. Swapped old primers to same combo. 4-6 inch groups.
4.9 gr and 230gr LRN pretty much duplicate a hardball load for my LEO friend I was working up for. Case closed.
And so..... I shall retire the questionable primers to either my kids with earplugs and a hammer for Independence day, or I will use them for plinkers shooting at rocks (again, likely my kids) in the distance. Sidebar: If you take a sledgehammer to about 5 LRP's, thats stinking LOUD. And the harder you swing, the better it is! Who needs fireworks and salutes??
First time I have gotten bit with old primers. It will not stop me from continuing to shoot them though!
Interesting----- I have a 38 super that I have been working up, CCI Small Pistol, same storage, same date......... like a shotgun pattern. It's an RIA with a 3 lb trigger as well. GI sights. I am going to guess that it's primers as well. And I just had that epiphany as I typed this thread. LOL