Old Ammo - Still Usable?

[Maltese Falcon]

I recently was given several ammo boxes of old cartridges / shells by a friend who helped clean up a garage for a neighbor who had passed away.

They are all factory loaded ammo (30-06, 30-30, 12G), except it looks really old. They were stored in ammo boxes and the brass is a little dull, but it looks okay. The time frame could be at least 40 years. One box is marked in pen 1969 and another has a list price of $3.75 for 20 rds 30-30!

Are these still good to use? I don't want to injure myself or anyone else (I can't use the 30-06, 30-30) or hurt my 12 gauge.

If not usable what is the best way to get rid of it?

Many thanks!

[aileron]

naaa, they're bad, send them to me and I will dispose of them.


Thats what everyone is going to tell you.


But of course the truth is they're fine if they're not corroded. Dull colored brass is not corroded.

[maschronic]

its up to you if you want to use it. i have use ammo that are 60 years old without any problems. i have also shot some 9mm ammo that was 20 years old and it had a really hard time firing.

if you want to get rid of them, i'll be glad to dispose of them for you.

[Beelzy]

Unless there is actual physical corrosion on the ammo in question, it is still
good to go.

Good ammo stored properly has a VERY long life expectancy.

I've got some WWII era 30.06 and its still looks like the day it was made.
I'll bet it shoots better than the new stuff too!

[jester]

I shoot 1942 dated .303 in my enfields, no problems..

[Fate]

Do some research. You might find that the cartridges have collector value and are worth (often a LOT) more than modern commercial ammo of the same caliber.

[Maltese Falcon]

Thanks all for your guidance. I am sufficiently convinced and will use some of the 12G shells this weekend for target practice, instead of using my new stuff.

[tcrpe]

Thanks all for your guidance. I am sufficiently convinced and will use some of the 12G shells this weekend for target practice, instead of using my new stuff.

40 year old shot shells?

Are they paper shells?

Go look at gunbroker or auctionarms under ammo - collectors.

Personally, I'd shoot 40 year old brass, not paper shells. Maybe not even 40 year old plastic shells.

[Maltese Falcon]

Actually, there are both paper and plastic shells. I was planning to use the best looking box of plastic shells (25 rds).

So shells are evaluated differently than brass cartridges? ....H'mm, yes all the preceding comments were related to cartridges.

...now not so convinced. Maybe the best idea is to consider them collector items. Hate to see good ammo go to waste...

[Mr. Beretta]

Unless there is actual physical corrosion on the ammo in question, it is still
good to go.

Good ammo stored properly has a VERY long life expectancy.

I've got some WWII era 30.06 and its still looks like the day it was made.
I'll bet it shoots better than the new stuff too!

+100

[CSACANNONEER]

I saw a box of (20 rounds) 45LC dated 1913 shot a couple of years ago. 40 years is still considered newer ammo to many. It really depends on how it was stored.