Ammunition shelf life

Subject: Re: Advice on using old ammo

Originally published March 15, 2002

It goes like this.

1. If the shells are reloads, which in most cases can be
readily determined by looking at the crimp, you should
not use them because some reloads are not made safely.

2. If the shells are very old, (pre 1950s) they may contain
mercury fulminate primers, which leave a corrosive residue
on the barrel when fired. So, you would want to be extra
certain to clean your shotgun the same day you use the
shells.

3. Otherwise, you can use the shells in a gun chambered
for them, such as your 870. They are as safe as when they
were made except for the possibility of a misfire.

4. There is increased risk of a misfire with older shells,
so you don't want to depend on them, and you should be
mentally prepared to wait for 60 seconds minimum before
ejecting the shells if they don't fire, keeping the barrel
pointed safely, as you should do with any misfire. Hang
fires do happen and people get hurt that way.

5. As a rule I don't use older shells when hunting, and
I don't use 3" magnums for trap out of respect for my
shoulder.

My two cents

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