Well,I finally had a Winchester WLR primer fail. I'd heard there were some bad ones afoot a couple years ago. I've got 800 of them left from a brick. Guess Ill dig a hole for them. Nice little crater in the boltface now. The primer cup failed right out at the edge of the cup. Guess I should have chit canned them before this. Live and learn.

Call Sharon at Winchester, 1 618 258 2738. Give her your lot numbers. Chances are they will pick them up and pay you for them. Tell her about the damaged bolt face.

How old were they?

I need to call her I have 4 or so rifles damaged from those bastids!

Great advice on calling Sharon at Winchester. She was very responsive when I had my issue a few months ago. Pitted one bolt - but only one small place. They offered to pay to have it repaired, but I declined the offer. They replaced all my primers - mostly WLR's. Back when this was a daily topic, several guys just took a check instead of replacements which is probably the better idea.

I second calling Sharon. I took the check option.

Why did winchester change from the silver primers to the brass ones? It seems all the problems started after that.

Were the WLRM affected? I bought a 1,000 of the magnum primers a few years ago. Still haven't used any. Kind of scared to now..

I used several thousand of the brass ones over several years before the problems started. So it was after the change, but not immediately after and likely not because of it per se.

I spoke to Kristin at Winchester and she was very polite and responsive as well. I had a pretty large supply of various lot numbers from a few years ago and she took them all back. Small mark on the bolt face but I'm not going to make a big deal out of it. I took the replacement option as I have only had one bad primer in many thousands of WLRs-I'm willing to believe them that they have fixed the issue.

Has there ever been a problem with the old silver primers? I have about 400 remaining of the old white box, silver WLR primers and declined Winchester's offer to buy them back. Mine are at least 20 years old. Also, have the problems ever involved the WLRM Magnum primer?

BSA,

Apparently some of of the WLRM's were affected. I had 900 left out of a box of 1,000 and when I gave the lot number to Sharon she asked me to return them also. I shoot so few magnum primers that I asked her to replace them with WLR's - which they seemed happy to do.

I'd call her with the lot number - better to know.

Thanks Phil. I'll do that. I bought these when it was impossible to find CCI's locally (about 3 years ago). I found them at big 5 of all places, but go burned on them. Paid $45.00/brick. I'll call her and see if the lot # is listed..

I thought Mule deer posted Lot#s of the bad ones not to long ago.

It doesn't really matter; nobody has an all-inclusive list of which lots are bad.

You have to call them to find out.

When I called, they had me send back 4 cartons.

Not a bad deal though, because they sent me 5,000 primers back!

Yeah, I started the list of lot #'s a couple of years ago, when the problem first started, after an Internet search. But new lots kept popping up and Winchester started taking the problem more seriously. Now they're keeping a list.

If I'm not mistaken, the LR Magnum primers have a different cup and have not given folks problems, right? Or AM I mistaken??

No I have a batch of LRM that have the problem.

I have had 2-misfires with WLRM primers and 300WSM out of like 200 so far, same box.

Misfires are a different and unrelated problem.

The issue being discussed here is that the primer cups crack, allowing hot gas to erode the bolt face.

I talked to Kristen earlier this year and sent back what I had, even though I had not experienced any problems. The whole thing was handled very well by them and I got a check that more than covered replacing the ones that I sent in.

I'm using the LRMs in my .264, and I've not had a misfire or leak as of yet...a misfire I can handle, but not a gas leak!

Winchester Primer Leakage Lot #
CAL401G
CLL555G
DAL594G
DFL717G
DHL766G
DNL 837G
DNL836G
EAL234G
GDL225G
GEL250G

These were a few I had that were noted, I believe from Mule Deer's list?

Add another lot # to the list-

CML571G

Third shot fired from a brand new Remington SPS in 260...

I'm the proud owner of four cavities in two rifles. All from wlr primers. I didn't know what was happening until I blew an extractor off my Marlin XL7.
I've seen Lot number lists a quite a bit longer than what was posted above. Personally I think Winchester knows at what point in time they cheapened up the thickness of their cup and when they fixed it. It kind of feels to me like they're playing coy with people reporting lot numbers and acting like they're cooperating.... when really I think there should be a huge recall. Ill never use Winchester primers again.

Ive been working away,but put Sharon's number in my phone. Ill be giving her a holler when I get home. Thanks for the info everyone.

Went to Winchesters website and filed a claim with a list of all the lots I have.My two suspects are lots DFL194G and DLL219G.These are WLRM primers.I think I may have bought these in 2008.I had three blow out in one day and that was enough for me to file a claim this week.I've had an occasional one blow out and I just blew it off.I suspect some are blowing out inside the primer pocket just causing soot around the primer.I've been discarding that brass thinking it was loose primer pockets.I've got a few burns on my bolt faces too.It wasn't a big deal at first,but it starts adding up after awhile.I haven't noticed any accuracy problems from it,just cosmetic.Winchester notified me that they have receive my claim.

I have about 500 factory primed 264 Win Mag cases and a like amount of 257 Roberts cases. All are WW brand that I purchased from the classifieds here on the fire. Those 264 cases leaked twice in the first 50 loaded so I deprimed the lot and reprimed with 215M's when I load. The 257 leaked as well and I also deprimed the lot. I use the old silver WLR's now when I load these.

I fired these 264's in my EW Model 70 and the stainless steel bolt was not pitted, just a soot mark. I was lucky.

I no longer use Winchester primers of any kind. Switched to CCI or Federal in everything I load. No more problems with messed-up bolt faces. I also switched out all my handgun primers, just in case. Just me.........

Just checked my lot. #CNL584G. Ill be calling Winny tomorrow.

What's the lot # of yours?

Are they plated with nickel color or just the natural brass color?

Are yours undersize?

The WLR and WLRM primers I have are undersize in diameter and fit loose in good brass!

They may have forgotten removing plating from an outside surface specification removes diameter!

The WLR are Lot No DNL 836G
The WLRM are Lot No DLL 212G

To add their diameters are 0.2097"

I'll use up some of my old primers, but never buy anymore Winchester primers as well. I still need to call on the brick or WLRM's I have...

Will they allow you to file a claim on primers that are not on their lot # list????

Here is the Winchester link to file a claim.You can add pictures too.
http://www.winchester.com/Product-Service/Pages/Contact-Us.aspx

UPS is coming tomorrow to pick up my 800 primers. They seemed quite concerned about any remaining rounds I might have loaded. I pulled the four still on hand after the rupture,and pushed out the WLRs. Paperwork concerning the bolt face to follow. We'll see I guess. Better than digging a hole for the damn things.

Has there been any problems with their small/large pistol primers?

You an add lot ELL078G to the list as well. Last round in a box of 50 blew a big pinhole in the primer.

Emailed them, got a call back about 20 minutes later. They are sending UPS to pick up the case and told me to get a quote on repairing the bolt face.

Gotta say, the Ruger handled the gas pretty good. Felt a puff on the face, but a ton of smoke was coming out thru the trigger.

I called Sharon early last week about two bricks of WLR I bought within the last year or two. Have never used any of them and she never said if the lot numbers were included in the known bad ones but I didn't want to take a chance. They are sending packing material and a label and will arrange for UPS to pick them up, then will send me a check.

She didn't say how much the check would be for but they're taking them back no questions asked so I'm not going to quibble.

Lot # CLL 563G and DGL 750G.

From the looks of that bolt face, you've had at least 3 primers cracked, maybe more. Looks like the face of my RAR bolt, although that big one in yours is a lot worse, that's a bad one.

my check is on the way too. I can have the bolt face fixed also. Sharon said she could have the rifle picked up and sent to Remington. Or,have it fixed by the smith of my choosing on their dime. Not happy about the damage,but I dont know that it poses a problem. I might have a smithy look at it.

Thats the first one to let go in that gun. I had already cleaned it up with Hoppes #9 and a q-tip when I took the pic.

I did have a WLR leak 5-6 years ago in a 280AI that I chalked up to old brass and loose primer pockets.

You've got three separate pits in that bolt face, I doubt that one primer caused the others.

They normally aren't that noticeable, you probably had a couple others before this but didn't notice them. None of mine were noticeable when firing, only on close examination of the brass and bolt face afterwards.

I have had the same problem, but didn't realize it was primer failure. Its happened 4 or 5 times and I thought I had loaded up a few cases that I had meant to throw away. Pitted the bolt face in several places.

I wonder if they will fix the bolt face, if I dont have pics of any of the bad cases?

I just got off the phone with Sharon. I gave her my two lot #'s of WLR's and she said they were not on the bad list, but they were close to the known bad lot #'s and they would replace them. They are sending the pkging, so I can return them.

Also, they wanted pics of the bolt face and asked me to take it to a local gunsmith and get an estimate for repairs. This will all have to get approval, after they see the pics.

She asked me to take apart all my loaded ammo (100+ rounds) and return those primers also.

Guess I'll be shooting factory ammo this deer season.

The lots that have been posted how long ago were these lots made

Also what primers are you guys gonna switch to if you are CCI Federal?

Got a check for $35.00 today for 800 returned primers. Not too shabby.

I'm just guessing, but I bought 5 boxes (500) primers about 5 years ago. I also bought 3-4 boxes about a year later. I'm not sure which purchase had the bad ones, because I would just grab a box and use it when needed.

Then I bought a carton (1000) primers about a month after buying the 3-4 boxes. They are replacing/paying for (I'm not sure which) what is left of the single boxes (about 250 primers) and the unopened carton (1000).

I got 1000 new primers for replacement of my older ones that were pin holing.
I had one not detonate of the new. I will be watching this close now. Hope it is not a new problem and was just my error in seating. It did not detonate on the second attempt either.
??????

I have several claims to file with Winchester! Already sent contacted them twice in the last couple years for primer leakage issues but have yet for them to offer to fix my bolts! They have always asked to return the primers and send a "voucher" to use to replace. I used to use nothing but Winchester primers but as of last couple years, I'm getting turned off by them.

I went yesterday and bought 2000 CCI large rifle there was a lot of winchester on the shelf

Do you guys who have bricks of Winchester Primers call/email Winchester with your lot number just to ensure it is safe primers? It seems to me that there are more lot numbers coming up and who knows if our lot number is safe.

Also a couple years ago I bought 10 sleeves of Winchester primer that did not come in the brick box. I looked on the sleeves and do not see a lot number. Should I go should I go ahead and shoot these and hope leaving primers does nor occur?

valad - I would call Sharon - the number is up at the beginning of this thread. They will do the right thing for you in my opinion. The lot number is printed in black text on all the primers I had on the back side of the "sleeve". Maybe there are some where the number is embossed into the paper like Federal does? Not sure about that.

I would call them and see what they say before I used any more of them.

Good advice.

I just dealt with winchester on some primers purchased several years ago and Sharon is very easy to deal with. They are picking up the old primers and will send replacements. So far I'm happy with their response.

David

I just saw this thread. Turns out I have three cartons of WLR primers of three different lots. I did not have any idea when I bought them. I had used 100 from one of the three cartons.

I called Sharon this morning and she called back a few hours later. They are sending me proper shipping materials and a shipping label. They will send me three thousand replacement primers.

FYI the lot numbers are
YLL274G
HDL527G
GGL307G

I called and left a message today, hope to hear back soon.

This thread was enlightening. I had no idea. I have only 100 I purchased years ago, but have yet to use them. I typically use CCI. But I have several boxes of Winchester factory ammo and wonder if those primers are affected. Seems like a good chance they would be.

I filed a claim a month ago and still have not received word back.I checked online and it still shows it as being received.I bought a new lot of 1000 two months ago and they seem to seat much tighter than the older primers that I've had issues with.

Well, I sent Sharon an email just after lunch and she called me around 5:00 today. I have 3900 primers in 4 different lots and since they are close in number to the offending lots ( I have not had any problems with these), Sharon said they would just send me a case of 5000 in return for mine.

Do I understand correctly that she will send replacement ammo if you have loaded ammo with the offending primers? Of do you have to unload the rounds and send in just the primers?

There's a 'lot' of lot numbers posted. I'm dreaming I suppose, "Has Winchester produced a complete list of lot numbers with these issues?"

I have quite a few WLR primers on the shelf.

Id say ask Sharon Bugger. They aren't worth a pitted bolt face. Too many other good primers out there to chance it. Seems more and more lot numbers are cropping up. Might just be they all are capable of a rupture.

I just called Sharon with the lot numbers of my primers. I have 3k that are recalled. She is sending me packaging to return them and will send me a check when they receive them.

Great service from Sharon!

Lots are:
Small Rifle-WSR: YFL316G
Large Rifle-WLR: DHL759G
Large Rifle Magnum WLRM: DCL211G

Bruce L

Update-

Winchester sent me a box for returning the primers. I unloaded my reloads and sent in all the WLR primers.

Sharon called Friday and asked me to send her an estimate, on the company letterhead, for repairing the bolt. I asked if they were buying or replacing the primers and was told they were buying. I returned about 1350 and she said that was not enough to replace. She also said they were paying for the repairing of the bolt.

So, according to Sharon, I should be getting a check for the primers and one for repairing the bolt.

I hate that it happened, but since they are taking care of the damages, I have no complaints.

I tried to get my bolt repaired locally, no one would touch it. Just got it back from Gre-Tan. Talk about an outstanding job. I cant even tell where he put the new bushing in.

Sharon retired yesterday, so waiting to see how quickly my claims are processed to get rifles fixed?

I think the ball is rolling on new ammo being sent (although it won't be nearly the quality of bullets, cost spent, or even the correct calibers, they told me 7mm-08 or 308 win. whichever they had in stock.

The primers I hope will be purchased but believe they may replace that.

Still contacting firearm manufactures to get quotes, Ruger's policy is not to give an estimate until they have the rifle? Thanks Ruger for the stellar customer service....not! I'm not even sure they will send a letterhead stating this policy to Winchester......To Be Continued!

I filed a claim online 9-27-16,still waiting......Still have not been contacted by phone or email.....Sent two emails to customer support.........Still waiting........I guess I need to call......

I asked Sharon who I would talk with once she retires? She was unsure if a replacement for her was available. She said to contact the CS number and use the reference # for assistance. I'm waiting as well.

I had nearly a month wait between my first call and when I got the shipping material day before Thanksgiving. Had to call twice. The gal who sent me the stuff and followed up from where I was with Sharon is Linda Bates, 618-258-3530. At any rate, the primers are supposed to be picked up next Wednesday. I opted for replacement primers.

Thanks for the information. I'm calling them this week again.

I called them last week and they were less than helpful. My expectations are fairly low. Will be switching over to CCI primers pretty fast.

That's disappointing to say the least!

I already did. No more Winchester for me. Too bad. Did some of my best shooting with them.

Well finally.Today I went to their facebook page,sent a message explaining the situation and in about an hour I received a phone call from Beth.She is sending a shipping box for the return of the 10K primers.She said she would send me a check for their replacement.

I got a check in the mail today, paid for the repair to my bolt and a refund for the remaining WLR primers.

Still havent gotten the return box for the primers, but she said it could take a few weeks.

That was a lot less painful than I thought it would be. Too bad Sharon is gone, I hope her replacement does as good a job as she did.

I called a couple days ago and still waiting for a response? Spoke to a guy who said he would "forward" my inquiry? No call back yet. I will call on Monday again.

Another Update...

Its taken a little over a month, but yesterday I received a check to cover the cost of repairing the bolt (Gre-Tan will do the repair) and for the primers I returned.

I'll call Greg and see if he wants the bolt now or wait until after the holidays.

Like I said before... I hate it happened, but they treated me right, so I got no complaints.

I'm still waiting for authorization to get mine repaired and no word or sign of a check for the loaded ammunition I sent back or primers as of yet? I also asked at the time if they would send back my ammo can/boxes and they could not answer definitively that they would?

Got an email back and now my case/claim is transferred to a 3rd person! This is going to be fun. I did get the ok to send my rifles in for repair but waiting to see if I have to come up with the money first or if they will pay the manufacturer directly for repairs?

Winchester service is definitely sucking on this.

I had 2000 WLR's and while my lot number hasn't appeared anywhere, I was leary to even use them. So I called and talked to Beth, and she wanted me to just return them, so she sent me the packaging to send them back and they were picked up at my house by the trucking company last week.

WLR Lot # was KELO68G.
Linda Bates handled things after my initial call and everything went smoothly. Just waiting for a return check.

I also bought some new factory primed 30-06 brass from the classifieds on here but I'm going to pop the primers out, just don't want to take the chance.

I'm done with Winchester primers fortunately more of other brands seem to be becoming available now.

Federal or CCI

I purchased several hundred factory primed WW 264 WM and 257 Roberts brass. After two leaks With the new 264 WM brass I deprimed all brass and will use Federal 215M's in the 264 and CCI 200 in the Roberts

This whole thing is truly a shame. I've been using Winchester primers for longer than I care to admit. Did some damn fine shooting with them. I've laid in enough cci and federal to last the rest of my life. I would like some Gold Medal Match in the larder. Hope to remedy that soon. No more WLR here that's for sure.

I called Linda Bates at Winchester today, I wanted to make sure my primers arrived there, as their trucking company gave me some grief about the box not being marked properly. I told him, hell that's what YOUR customer sent me to ship though you. He did finally take the package. I mean you would think I was shipping back dynamite or something.

Anyways, voicemail message on her phone informed me they are closed Christmas through Jan. 2nd. I'll have to call back then.

I just popped the WLR primers out of the new WW brass I bought on the classifieds here about a year ago, just can't see taking the chance with them. Only 146 rounds and better safe than sorry.

Well, they just picked up 3900 WLR from me, so I hope to see something back my way - money or new primers.

Was there ever an issue with Winchester factory ammo and these primers?

I dont shoot factory, but was thinking if they had problems with so many different lots, how did none make into factory ammo?

This post definitely got my attention, because 80% of the primers on my shelf are Winchester.

1. Is there a definitive list of defective lots? I cannot find anything on the Win site.

2. Are people just sending back primers regardless of Lot # and getting refunds?

I used nothing but Winchester primers for 19 years, never had an issue until 2010 time frame?

You need to contact Winchester and give them your lot numbers, they may want you to send them back?

First I've read this thread. Great, just loaded a box of .243 with these at Seafires house TODAY! I had no idea. I shoot a 1959 Savage 110 that I definitely do not want to damage!

My advice is don't shoot them!

I sent back approximately 600 rounds of assorted loaded ammunition to Winchester due to their primers.

I discovered I have more brass that I had prepped with the possible affected primers also.

I wouldn't risk it.

Here is a partial list at least that I found from several different posts on here, not sure how accurate it is but it's something to go on:
Here's the list. Thanks to whoever provided it.


CAL401G
CFL486G
CLL555G
DAL594G
DFL717G
DHL766G
DNL 837G
DNL836G
EAL234G
GDL 225G
GEL 250G
DML834G WLR
EAL234G WLRM

Okay, here's what I've got.

Once again, these lot numbers are simply ones that have been reported as problematic by internet posters. I have no way of knowing if the information is correct, or that other lots not listed are okay. It's your responsibility to contact Winchester for specific information.

LOTS REPORTED BY USERS ONLINE:

CAL401G
CFL486G
CLL555G
DAL594G
DFL717G
DHL766G
DNL 837G
DNL836G
EAL234G
GDL 225G
GEL 250G
DML834G WLR
EAL234G WLRM
CLL555G
CCL435G
EHL067G
DHL774G
DHL788G
DAL594G
CAL401G
GDL255G
GFL284G
DGL741G
FEL255G
DGL731G
DKL801G
HLL692G
DHL765G
DFL713G
DLL826G
DFL723G
DEL690G
CLL552G
DGL747G
CGL499G
HKL687G

My lot number was not on the list however when I called with concern about them, they said just send them back and we'll give you a refund. I was glad for that, I didn't want to take a chance using them.

Have any of these lots been from the last year or two?

I just received my check today($80.00) from Winchester for the 2,000 primers I sent back. I initiated conversation with them on December 13th, primers were picked up by their transport company on December 16th. Talked to them several times in between, they were always polite and helpful, things just move slow there I guess.

That's a good payment seeing as how they supplied the packing materials and paid to have them shipped back.

The truck is scheduled to come pick up my two bricks, 2000 primers, tomorrow. Hmm, what do I need that costs $80...?

FYI, I contacted them about their Small Rifle primers and Winchester said that they are a "different" primer and not on the list.

Hmm, what do I need that costs $80...?

More primers.

Good recommendation.

That's exactly what I did, because I needed primers.

Midsouth has CCI 200's in stock, and since I can't find primers locally here I bought 2000 and figure Winchester paid the hazardous fee for me.

On a bright note Midsouth also has(had) Federal 215's(but only 1 box), and I got them also, been looking for some 215's for a while now.

Received my check from Winchester yesterday. Still have 2 rifles that need to be sent out for repair. The reimbursement was more than what I had expected which was a nice surprise.

I've been using WLR primers in my 25.06 for years and never had a problem with them what so ever. Maybe I've been lucky and I hope it stays that way. I use CCI in the .260 and Fed in the .308

I have about 800 WLR primers from an older lot when they were still making them with the silver primer cups that I will use at some point. Apparently the problems occurred after they stopped making them with the silver primer cups. So if your WLR's have silver primer cups you won't have a problem. If the cups are gold, you might want to check the defective lot numbers listed further up in this thread.

I have some, best check them

I waited until after the holidays to send my bolt to Gre-Tan. I got it back in 2 weeks and the repair really looks good. I borrowed a friends go/no-go guages and the headspace is fine.

Now that I got the new scope and the bolt repaired, I'm ready to put the gun back together and start using it.

If you need bolt work done, you might check with Gre-Tan.

Thanks for the heads up, I have about 3000 of them, though none of the lot numbers match I think I'll give them a call, not worth my bolt face.

I am still waiting for the packaging/shipping materials.

The phone number to check primers no longer works. Anyone know of a current contact? As of now I have emailed Winchester Ammunition's customer service, there is not a phone number listed.

Running low on large rifle primers. Have 3k WLR's with no recollection of date of purchase. They are gold in color. As a side note, it'd be a good idea to start labeling containers with date of purchase.

Yeah a buddy bought a brick of Winchester WLRM primers a while back at a gun show and he has had 3 misfires out of the first 200 primers he has used. I will tell him he needs to call Winchester and give them his lot number.
I'm sure his are from one of the chit lot numbers..Hb

Tag

Seen it twice on WLR’s. Moved on from them.

GreggH