Worn Primer Pockets?

[Brass Cooper]

Are worn primer pockets a ticking time bomb waiting to go? How do you know when it is time to ditch your 45ACP brass? 

[Crisco]

I can’t picture it being a concern.  I am using brass that has been reloaded since the early ‘80s, some with the headstamp almost worn off, and have never had a problem.  Primers are whatever is on the shelf, including Winchester, CCI, Federal, and Remington.  Don’t recall using any other brands.

With shotgun, there are some oversize primers out there that cause problems when you change back, but I have not heard of it in the metallic cartridge world.

[Garrison Joe]

I tossed out all my .45 auto brass that had a military head stamp before 1990, and commercial head stamps with the lettering almost smashed level from recoil.  Because several of the old (1960 and 1970s) brass cases were splitting upon reloading or firing.    Since brass recycling gets me almost half the price of new brass back, it was not all that painful.

But never have I seen a primer pocket enlarge enough to start spitting out primers.  Which is what I would guess the OP is worried about.  good luck, GJ

Edited 17 hours ago by Garrison Joe

[Boggus Deal]

Like Joe, I got rid of questionable brass years ago. With Wild Bunch loads, you should never have to worry about loose primer pockets. You’ll crush brass or lose it before primer pockets get loose.