ammo question

paintlady · #1 03/10/10, 10:00 AM

I came across a box of 30/30 shells that are at least 10 years old. They have been kept dry. My question is this- do ammo shells go bad? How long will they keep?
Thanks.

57plymouth · #2 03/10/10, 10:02 AM

If they are dry, they are GTG.

**Cabin Fever** · #3 03/10/10, 10:28 AM

I've shot ammo that is almost 40 years old without any problem. As long as it does not appear corroded and has been kept dry, it is fine.

The worst that could happen is you pull the trigger and hear silence.

dairymon · #4 03/10/10, 10:34 AM

I agree with the others ..no corrosion you are good to go.

cfabe · #5 03/10/10, 11:22 AM

I've got a case of 8mm Mauser from 1942 - WW2 surplus. I haven't had a single round fail yet.

Wis Bang 2 · #6 03/10/10, 01:13 PM

I have some .38 special that my father bought b/4 I was born. the unclad lead is all white, They go off every time, the new stuff I bought this summer has misfired 10% of the time. As long as the cartridge is not corroded, you should be good to go.

I still have a few of the shotshells my pappy gave me when he gave me his shotgun over 40 years ago. They go bang every time too...

Cascade Failure · #7 03/10/10, 01:44 PM

Like Wis Bang 2 said...just check for corrosion.

beowoulf90 · #8 03/10/10, 02:39 PM

As others have said and pointed out, as long as it isn't corroded it should be good to go.

I fire a lot of ammo from various warsaw bloc countries dating as far back to WWII all the time.
So we have know idea how they were stored and handled.

Check for corrosion and if none is found use it...

Bret · #9 03/10/10, 04:10 PM

Shoot the ammo and have fun. Just don't shoot at a "tirty pointer". Only then will they misfire.

paintlady · #10 03/10/10, 05:00 PM

Thanks everyone!

columbia,sc · #11 03/10/10, 11:22 PM

keep it and hold it,, do you know a 'brick' of .22 shells cost almost $20.00 now!!
don't waste the old stuff, it will last. I have some that is 40 + years old, it works, Keep it dry.