Rick
06-04-2009, 03:39 PM
Here is one for you gun gurus (which might be anyone besides me).
Today's primers use lead styphnate, which contains lead, hence the name. As I understand it, lead styphnate replaced potassium fulminate, which was highly corrosive and I guess mercury fulminate was used even before potassium fulminate.
Anywhoooo. Since styphnate is lead based we all know it can cause a problem with airborne lead, especially in indoor ranges. Manufacturers started making lead free primers in response to said concerns.
Here's the question. While at the range today, the shop owner told me lead free primers will cause ammo to last only a year or two. It's the lead in the styphnate that allows ammo to last decades.
I've never heard that before. Is he full of black powder or is that a fact?
Today's primers use lead styphnate, which contains lead, hence the name. As I understand it, lead styphnate replaced potassium fulminate, which was highly corrosive and I guess mercury fulminate was used even before potassium fulminate.
Anywhoooo. Since styphnate is lead based we all know it can cause a problem with airborne lead, especially in indoor ranges. Manufacturers started making lead free primers in response to said concerns.
Here's the question. While at the range today, the shop owner told me lead free primers will cause ammo to last only a year or two. It's the lead in the styphnate that allows ammo to last decades.
I've never heard that before. Is he full of black powder or is that a fact?