Is Old ammo safe to shoot???

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  • TomW

    Recreational Shooter
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    Aug 4, 2010
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    Prairieville, LA
    New member here...just getting started with training and gear, etc. but I have 2 old handguns, a .32 and a .38 special. I have a couple boxes of ammon for each, but it is at least 10-15 years old.

    Is this still safe to shoot???

    No physical damage, still in original packaging, discolored/tarnished some but otherwise they seem physically OK. In no hurry to screw up though!

    Any input would be appreciated...
     

    Guate_shooter

    LA CHP Instructor # 522
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    Dec 4, 2009
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    What kind of condition were they kept in??????

    Too much moisture does tend to have an effect on powder, if nothing else you could probably recycle what you have, its nothing to take the loaded bullet apart and load it again with new powder.
     

    TomTerrific

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    Jul 11, 2010
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    Centre, Ky
    We were shooting WW2 ammo in the '60s in the Army. These rounds were sealed in ammo cans, tho.

    We were eating WW2 rats, too.
     

    machinedrummer

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    Apr 5, 2010
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    Should be safe to try. With no physical damage the worst that could happen is that they dont go bang. Just follow your basic safety rules while shooting. You said the guns are old so inspect them before shooting. Have fun and be safe.
     

    TomW

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    All have been stored inside, so no excessive moisture, etc.

    Re-loading is not an option for me..yet! No skills, no equipment to do that.

    Thanks for all the quick answers!
     

    charliepapa

    Clandestine Sciuridae
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    Jul 12, 2009
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    What kind of condition were they kept in??????

    Too much moisture does tend to have an effect on powder, if nothing else you could probably recycle what you have, its nothing to take the loaded bullet apart and load it again with new powder.

    I'm thinking as long as it's already pointed downrange in a barrel it should be OK to try, right? Once during a discussion on the longevity of compressed mag springs, I recall some guy talking about dragging out grandfather's loaded 1911 after he passed away, that had been up on a shelf for 30 years with loaded mags and shot it all with success; mag springs and ammo worked fine.
     

    honestlou

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    Feb 17, 2009
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    Baton Rouge
    I would not be at all concerned about ammunition that is 15 years old. That age is insignificant in my opinion.

    Physical condition is another matter. If it appears corroded, discard it. If the brass is just discolored, that in itself is not an issue, but does raise the question of why did it get that way? If it has been kept dry and not in excessive heat, I would be okay. If you know it got wet, then I would be much more critical of it.

    Ammunition is relatively simple, and you only need to be concerned about structual integrity of the case and primer, and chemical compromise of the powder and primer. Look for bad corrosion or bulging primers.

    If you can post a picture it would be helpful. If you PM me, I'll be happy to look at it. My office is on Siegen Lane, and I'll be in Prairieville Friday.
     

    oleheat

    Professional Amateur
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    May 18, 2009
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    About 8 years back I got a case of 1940's production .45 ACP surplus ammo (various mfgs in the 42 rd stapled cardboard paks). They ran through my Springfield 1911 & Glock 21 / 36 with absolutely no problems.


    I still have lots of Super-X 3" 12ga shells from the early 80's (back when lead shot was legal on waterfowl- the good ole days), and they shoot just fine.

    So like the other guys said- unless they were kept in extremely bad conditions, your ammo should be just fine to use.

    Happy shooting.:)
     

    honestlou

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    As I think your ammo is probably fine, just consider this general knowledge:

    1). If you get a "click", but no "bang", that is a misfire. Keep the gun pointed downrange for a minute or so, to make sure you don't get a late "bang", which would be a "hangfire".

    1). If you get a "pop" or "dud" as opposed to a good "bang", STOP IMMEDIATELY! You could have a bullet lodged in the barrel, which is a very dangerous condition. Thoroughly inspect your weapon to make sure the barrel is clear, and that there is no other damage or obstructions. This is sometimes referred to as a "squib". Regardless of the condition of the gun and ammo, you should always stop immediately if a shot sounds or feels different.
     

    TomW

    Recreational Shooter
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    Thanks for all the input. According to the posts, it seems it would be OK to try it, once I get a "safe" opportunity.

    Since I am just getting started it would seem prudent to run some "new" ammo. through the gun to establish what is normal in my own mind.

    Thanks again to all who posted here...
     

    Snookie

    *Banned*
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    May 24, 2009
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    Lizzard Creek/ Springfield,La.
    1977 Ammo

    Currently shooting Non Corrosive 9mm Largo ammo in a Star Supero A 1950 1911 style Pistola.

    All good in the neighborhood! !!!

    StarModeloASuper.jpg
     

    Storm52

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    Mar 18, 2009
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    Shreveport
    I bought 2 cases of CCI Blazer 9mm in late '80. Still have about 12 boxes and it shoots fine.
    Have another half case of Win Silvertips .357. It shows no signs of degradation and I used a box up last weekend.
     

    Tim67

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    EBR
    As long as there's no other reason for the ammo to be unsafe, the age shouldn't be a problem. Last year, I fired about 20 rounds of 1938 vintage 8x56mm and everything was fine.
     

    Tim67

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    Well I've been shooting some .303 British manf. in the '50's. Love the smell of that Cordite!!!!
    Have you ever pulled one apart to look at the components? The cordite strands are the length of the case and they look pieces of fly fishing line. There's even a little cardboard wad.
     

    Dave328

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    Jul 11, 2007
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    Gretna
    As I was reading through the thread, I decided I should post one of those "I can't believe it has not been said yet" posts. Then, I came to the last post ;)

    LOL!:rofl::rofl:
    I thought the same thing. People are slacking off up in here!!:mamoru:
     

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