Old Ammo

[Gunfighter]

I've got a box of 1970's vintage .38 Special Factory Wad Cutters and was wondering if they are safe to shoot in my S&W 642.
Does Powder degrade to an unsafe condition in time?
Far as I know it's been kept in a climate controlled environment.

 

[dwr461]

Should be fine. I shoot older stuff all the time.

 

[JBP55]

Normally ammunition kept in a climate controlled place will be GTG for many years. Yours should shoot without issues.

 

[Richard in LA]

As long as you don't see any glaring defects such as bad corrosion or cracks, shoot it. I've got quite a bit of ammo from the 40's and it works just fine, and as far as I know it was stored in a cave somewhere in Greece for many years.

 

[Gunfighter]

thanks, I'll shoot it next visit to the range.

 

[Leadfoot]

If they're factory rounds, go right ahead and shoot them. Just be cautious as you should be anyway that you don't end up with a squib load.

Now, if someone gives you a bunch of unknown reloads, take it from experience, smile and tell them no thanks.

 

[Max's Choice]

I had found some WW II ammo from 1943 and wow they still worked. Sounds crazy but all 50 rounds went off.

 

[Crimson]

I've got some old shotshells, and .22 my grandfather gave me I have yet to shoot any of it though, I probably won't.


And yes I realize there is an old fishing reel in that picture too.

 

[hdfinder47]

DON'T BELIEVE THESE YAHOOS! This ammo will explode and ruin your gun. Call me and I'll arrange to pick it up and dispose of it for a nominal fee before someone gets hurt or killed. It's the least I can do for a fellow BS'er. Thank me later.
{seriously - shoot it but be aware of possible (not likely) squib loads}

 

[dwr461]

The ammunition will loose power as time passes. What might've made 850fps might only do 700 fps now. Ammunition doesn't get more potent as time passes. The gunpowder gradually degrades.

Dave

 

[Gunfighter]

Thanks again guys. Heading over to Precision tomorrow. I'll pack these along and shoot them up.