How dangerous is old shotgun ammo

J

jhgreasemonkey

New member
My grandfather gave me 2 old boxes of remington 12 guage "crimp lock" #4 express. It looks like its from the 60's or very old. But it has been stored inside. Think its okay to use or toss it? Thanks.
 
The worst that could happen is a hangfire or possibly a squib. You might try and sell the shells as antiques at a gunshow. Some people are realy into old boxes of shotgun shells.
 
If they are paper shells, definitely try to sell them as collectibles. If they are the old plastic Reminton-Peters, they will be just fine.
 
Shoot them! I just love the smell of old paper cartridges. Just remember that if you get a dud, wait at least 30 seconds before opening the action , and ensure you wear eye protection when using those old timers. A hang fire could be untidy for you.
 
If they are full boxes and in good shape they will bring a good price to collectors. A buddy of mine collects old shotshell boxes, he has a couple of empty boxes with minor wear on them that he gave $40-$50 for. With complete full boxes withthe original ammo some bring quite a lot.
 
If the box says KLEANBORE it's non-corrosive. It probably is even if it doesn't. Remington introduced their non-corrosive primer in 1927.

I buy 28 ga. paper shells from a guy at the gun show for 50 cents each when he has some. I grew up using paper shells and, like the man said, they smell good. :)

John
 
"Keep in mind that they might be corrosive."

American commercial ammunition, except for blackpowder rounds, was almost uniformly non-corrosive by World War II.

Some match rifle ammo has been loaded with mercuric, corrosive primers since then, but the boxes are very clearly marked.
 
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