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Author Topic: Is old ammo safe?  (Read 404 times)

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Offline jd45

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Is old ammo safe?
« on: September 17, 2004, 12:45:03 PM »
Hello, ......my buddy's stepdad has a model 1917 rifle, with a sport stock on it. We scrubbed the bore out with J-B, & we're ready for the range. He's got a bunch, (a BIG bunch) of 30-06 ammo his dad loaded for it 20-25 years ago & never used. Would this be safe to shoot, or should I pull the bullets & add some Varget powder & Fed 210m primers, just for the extra insurance? He took detailed notes regarding the reloading, for what it's worth. Thanx for the feedback. jd45.
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Offline Leftoverdj

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Is old ammo safe?
« Reply #1 on: September 17, 2004, 01:38:19 PM »
What do the headstamps say?  

I would not worry about the power going bad and you have the loading notes you can check to see if the charge is reasonable, but I would be a trifle concerned if the cases are old enough to have been fired with mercuric primers. If the headstamps are after 1950, I'd shoot the stuff. If they are from before 1940, I'd junk it. In between, I'd so a little more research.
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Offline jd45

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old ammo
« Reply #2 on: September 17, 2004, 02:09:39 PM »
He's using some surplus military powder that I never heard of ......can't think of it right now. I will have to check the headstamps.....one reason I wanted to reprime & repowder. jd45.
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Offline Dand

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Any idea how it was stored??
« Reply #3 on: September 18, 2004, 01:54:27 PM »
If I thought the ammo  was carefully stored and not exposed to high heat or frequent temp swings I'd be more willing to use it.  If I thought it was poorly stored I'd want to at least pull a few (5 to 10)  representative cases and examine (view and sniff) the contents for breakdown.  Also inspect cases visually for case neck cracks, corrosion or other obvious faults.

I've shot some really old ammo that was just fine and I've found some that was really erratic - especially old shotgun shells - buth they're more subject to humidity etc.

Be careful and if firing a few rounds seems ok go for it.
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Offline ajj

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Is old ammo safe?
« Reply #4 on: September 20, 2004, 03:43:45 AM »
25 years is not particularly old for ammo.
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Offline 223Shooter

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Is old ammo safe?
« Reply #5 on: September 24, 2004, 04:57:21 PM »
Earlier this year, I shot about 30 rounds of 30-06 reloads that I loaded about 35 years ago.  I shot them thru my 03-A3. They shot just fine.....
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