Vintage 243 Win Brass. How Old?

[Leaf Litter]

My late Grandpa's reloading equipment recently became my reloading equipment. The man owned a single center fire rifle, a pre-64 hex or Oct (don't remember) barreled model 70 in 243 Win. Despite never once seeing him shoot it, he had a small trove of components and a basic reloder.

The attached photos are of some NIB 243 brass, any idea on ages of the two different packages? The brass inside is still shiny and bright. Is this vintage brass any better quality than what Winchester currently offers?

I'm torn on whether to keep it as a memento, load it for my father's 243, or sell it (probably not). I thought it was cool either way.

 

[Pickettpuncher]

As long as it’s not corroded I wouldn’t hesitate to use it or put it up as a memory.

 

[A382DWDZQ]

I would stick that away somewhere. It’s collector condition right now. It’s good quality, but it is probably worth more nib with a rifle of the same vintage.

 

[Leaf Litter]

I did also get some CCI 250s and reused powder tins as well that I've previously posted. The powder and primers work like a charm still.

 

[TaperPin]

I started loading in the 1980’s and it seems that box was around in used or old/new condition, so maybe it was out of the 1960’s or 1970’s, but I’d bet 70’s.

I wouldn’t hesitate to use it - nothing special, but good usable brass. I burned up a lot of old 243 brass in the 80’s since it was free or nearly so at every rifle range. If I remember right, the older stuff like yours has a slightly different font on the head stamp. I didn’t notice a difference in how the brass shot and mixed and matched brass for my plinking/varmint loads. Probably a good idea to keep it separate until you can shoot it next to other brass.

 

[WCB]

Contact Winchester and they should be able to tell you based on that lot # stamped on. Yes, you CAN use it if properly stored. However, IF something were to go wrong you are SOL on any recourse.

Stress Corrosion Cracking is a thing on older ammunition and can cause issues. Put them on a shelf somewhere and display them.

 

[Leaf Litter]

I started loading in the 1980’s and it seems that box was around in used or old/new condition, so maybe it was out of the 1960’s or 1970’s, but I’d bet 70’s.

I wouldn’t hesitate to use it - nothing special, but good usable brass. I burned up a lot of old 243 brass in the 80’s since it was free or nearly so at every rifle range. If I remember right, the older stuff like yours has a slightly different font on the head stamp. I didn’t notice a difference in how the brass shot and mixed and matched brass for my plinking/varmint loads. Probably a good idea to keep it separate until you can shoot it next to other brass.

My biggest problem is that my 243 is days away from becoming a 6.5 Creedmoor. NRL Hunter matches don't allow custom 243 rifles, so I decided to go with the Creed.

My dad still has a M70 in 243 so I could reload it for him, which would be kind of fun beings it was his father's equipment.

 

[TaperPin]

My biggest problem is that my 243 is days away from becoming a 6.5 Creedmoor. NRL Hunter matches don't allow custom 243 rifles, so I decided to go with the Creed.

My dad still has a M70 in 243 so I could reload it for him, which would be kind of fun beings it was his father's equipment.

It’s probably worth more to collectors than shooters - you can probably trade someone for better quality 6.5 creed quite easily - collectors are a strange bunch. Lol

 

[Leaf Litter]

It’s probably worth more to collectors than shooters - you can probably trade someone for better quality 6.5 creed quite easily - collectors are a strange bunch. Lol

I have plenty of good creedmoor brass, I'll probably just hang on to it for a while. It's a good conversation piece and fun memento. I appreciate your replies.