Shotshell loading question- rusty primers?

[FamDoc2892]

I recently "inherited" some old shotshell primers, some of which (near the bottom of the stack) show some surface rust. I'm a rifle reloader, so I'm in unfamiliar territory, but is there any reason to keep/use a primer that shows rust? I'm imagining all sorts of undesirable possibilities, and safety comes first!

 

[jglenn]

would you keep a rifle primer that showed rust..

chunk them if you are concerned at all

 

[Clearance_Clarence]

Outdoor fire....

 

[MissesC]

I used to camp up on top of blue ridge. Not uncommon for trainees to leave unspent blanks in the fire pits within the surrounding national forest. LOL! DOn't do this.

 

[Clearance_Clarence]

Even if they were loaded shells. No harm is done other than a loud bang.

 

[FamDoc2892]

Jglenn, I understand the concept, but the whole reason this is unfamiliar territory is that rifle primers are brass; they don't rust. It was something of a surprise to find that not only the shotshell primers but also the "brass" on shotshells sticks to my sorting magnet with speed and a loud "thwack"!

Clarence, what you're saying is that rusty shells and rusty primers ignite just fine? I simply haven't tried it, so I don't know.

 

[rbstern]

I've had some older shotgun primers that showed corrosion around the edges of the cup. I've used them without problem.

I don't think it's ferrous rust you are seeing. If it's a brass alloy used for the primer cup, it's corrosion resistant, but not immune to corrosion.