Old Ammunition Question

[Stephen]

I recently came into possession of thousands of rounds of old ammunition, mostly .22, .22LR, 30-06, .44 Magnum, and 20ga shot shells. It's all around 50 years old, all in their original boxes and were stored in a cool dry place.
I'm not really a "gun guy", but I enjoy an occasional day of target shooting. I have rifles that match all this ammo, so it sure would be nice to use it. I'm assuming the brass stuff is fine, but my main concern is the shot shells. They're plastic Sears "Ted Wilson" brand. Look to be in good shape, no corrosion or bulging, but I hear the powder can go bad?
What's to opinion of all the gun nerds here?

 

[jeeper]

It's all bad. Bring it to my house, I will dispose of it for you.

Actually, i'll even come get it.

 

[jeeper]

Old Ammo- Will it Still Work?

Written by Greg Ellifritz In my former job as the police department's armorer, it was my responsibility to dispose of all the old ammunition that people brought in to the department. You would be

www.activeresponsetraining.net

 

[ID Bronco]

shoot it

 

[Spork]

My dad had some powder given to him by his uncle, I'm going to guess easily more than 50 years old, still went bang when we did reloads. As long as it's been stored in a dry location I think you're fine. Avoid anything with corrosion.

 

[DAA]

Chootit!

- DAA

 

[85CUCVKRAWLER]

The only issue you might have is a few bad primers

 

[1969honda]

Before shooting those old shells you may want to research a little online for cartridge collector groups. Old, odd headstamp, no longer in production stuff has a niche market that might net you enough to buy some new ammo and put a little in the bank for projects or hunting trips.

 

[rholbrook]

Toss them into your next campfire one at a time

 

[Kevin B.]

Toss them into your next campfire one at a time

This is a terrible idea.

Throw it all in at once.