Reloading with lead free primers

[ballz71]

Wondering of anyone has had any experience with lead free primers. Anything advice or suggestions for reloading with them? Does anyone carry them in stock around Nashville/ middle tn area? 

[Jamie Jackson]

My experience with lead free primers has been a pretty negative one. They were Tula lead-free small pistol primers , but let me add that I've loaded in excess of 10-15 K "regular" Tula small pistol primers with absolutely no problems. Of the 5K tray of lead-free Tula I loaded, I'm guessing 5% were either duds (would not ignite) or required a second strike to ignite.

It's always possible I got into a bad run of them. This happened back around 2013-2014 by my records.

Lead free primers from other vendors may be fine, but I personally shy away from them. I'm sticking with standard Winchester and Federal primers at this point.

As far as loading suggestions: just make sure your primer pockets are clean and seat them properly.

Please share your experiences once your decision is made. 

[RED333]

Lead free primers have a "shelf life" from what I understand. There was a vendor on this site that posted about the "shelf life". How long will the primer last is unknown, please keep us in the loop.

[LngRngShtr]

ACCORDING TO JOHN AT FNH CUSTOMER SERVICE:

"The reason there is no expiration date on SS195LF and SS198LF lead free primer ammunition is because it is expected to last indefinitely if properly stored."

I asked if sealed ammo cans with dessicant bags are "properly stored", and he said yes.

So....according to John at FNH, SS195LF and SS198LF do NOT expire, and have indefinite shelf life. He also consulted with someone else before offering this statement, to double check i guess.