Author Topic: shell shelf life (Read 829 times)

williamlayton · « **on:** September 30, 2003, 02:20:23 AM »

ok- i've looked thru here and didn't see an answer to a concern of mine so i will ask tha question----if it's been asked then forgive me and point me to tha ans.
i have some factory loads---birdshot--about 15 years old--any chance its still good.
how good is the shelf life of a shell-assuming it has been in a controlled temp.-the house
blessings

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** September 30, 2003, 03:33:06 AM »

If they've been stored properly in a home with heat/AC and not exposed to extreme heat then likely they will outlast you. They should be fine. I've fired much older shells that worked as if new.

GB

Bob_K · « **Reply #2 on:** September 30, 2003, 03:56:57 AM »

Powder breakdown is the main killer of factory ammunition, with heat and mosture the main actors. Under controlled environmental conditions 40 years is not unreasonable. Moisture will oviously swell old paper hulls as another damage mechanism, but that is more obvious when it won't chamber.

rickyp · « **Reply #3 on:** September 30, 2003, 06:15:06 AM »

I had a few boxes of old paper shells, took them out last dove season and they all worked like new.
If you know the history of the shells and they are in good shape i wouldnt worry about them

.45 COLT · « **Reply #4 on:** September 30, 2003, 06:57:09 AM »

Last summer I shot the last of the old Peters "Punkin Ball" loads I had. Worked fine. It's been a LONG time since they were made.

Duffy · « **Reply #5 on:** October 05, 2003, 04:46:57 AM »

My dad has some Peter's and old Rem that he bought in the late 40's and 50"s and they work fine. They do seem to buck a little harder though!