Shotgun Shells.... Too old?

Question

I also have some shotgun shells purchased by my grandfather some 15 to
20 years ago (back when a box of buckshot ran $2.79 ) and was wondering
whether or not they were safe to use. I have newer ammo I use but I
also would like to know, because he did purchase a sizeable amount of said
ammo and it would save me a few dollars. Remington 12g Buckshot and
Turkey shots.

Also, does anyone know the value of a Remington 1100 12g shotgun from 1968 (VG condition)

Answer 1

Select a sample round from each of several boxes. Look at them for defects such as split cases or water damage, on brass shells look for excess green tarnish or pitting. Try loading and firing a single round from each box. If they fire correctly then i'd say the ammo is ok.

Check the barrel for obstruction after any shot that sounds weak or produces no damage downrange.

There is a myth out there that somehow old bullets and shells gain explosive power over the years. This is crap. The powder charge doesn't "GAIN" anything over time. In fact if anything the moisture is may have accumulated over the years may cause the powder have less explosive power. Lets remember that shotguns fire from a closed bolt. A working shotgun in good mechanical condition will handle these issues just fine.

If you have a misfire or incomplete ignition then follow the manufacturers instructions on how to "clear" that shotgun. That information comes with a new gun and is available at the manufacturers website in most cases.

Use common sense and err on the side of caution. I personally killed a deer with some Remington 00 buck this year that was kept by my father in an old tin cracker box for the last 15+ years. And I know guys who shoot 30+ year old military surplus stuff at the range every month. Ammo with non corrosive primers will last longer then you'll be able to shoot.

Miketyson26

Answer 2

As long as they've beed stored in a cool dry place, they'll be fine for decades. While they may no longer meet the optimal factory specs as when they were new, the degradation will be minimal.

I bought some 30-06 rounds at a swap meet. The head stamp was from 1943 at the Denver Ordnance. They shot just fine. (Yes, I carefully cleaned the barrel in the event the primers might be the corrosive flavor.)

I'd use those old rounds for target practice or critters that don't bite back!

Answer 3

Amo probably works - I have shot amo that old before. I would discard it though, no point in being unsafe just to save a few bucks. An 1100 in brand new (unfired) would proably be around $6-700. Might get $800. If it has been fired a few time $500. Down from there.

Answer 4

If they've been stored reasonably well, they'll be fine. I have some paper shell I won't shoot just because of nostalgia. Anything in plastic should be fine, but if exposed to excessive heat, the propellant may have degraded, causing either a squib or the opposite, an overpressure situation that could be dangerous.
The 1100 isn't really collectible, and you'll do well to get $600.

Answer 5

Old ammo in the original box can be worth a lot more than you save on new ammo.So don't waste it as I shot up a box of Peters pistol ammo and it worked well but I could have sold it to a collector and bought 5 boxes for every one I shot up

Answer 6

as long as the barrels on your gun are proofed, which they are then the shells are safe. Iv used shell that were older than 20 .
The last lot i were given were all cardbord cased and i tryed a few on a days game shooting and what a job tey did at bringing down phesants,
With regards to the remington i cold only advise you on Uk prices, sorry

Answer 7

Get rid of them.....heat can break down the primers and powder. Give them to a person who is a experienced re-loader. He will know how to safely dismantle the shells or surrender them to the police for disposal. Contact the National Rifle Association for more advice Ammunition should be stored in a cool dry place. (Read The Box)

Answer 8

I am still using shell I bought over 20 years ago. Depends on how they were stored. Is the plastic fragile, give a squeeze if it cracks and breaks easy, don't use them. If it is still stiff and firm, fire away.

Answer 9

Probably ok.