Firearm BS thread

Quick question in regards to some ammunition storage concerns. My dad, who passed away May 2021, stored all his trap reloads out in the garage. I can’t even think how long they’ve been out there, maybe a decade? Probably 30+ boxes or so, so quite a bit.

The garage gets really damp in winter, even though they’re in a closed cabinet so not necessary directly exposed.

Any concerns about using these? If not safe to use, safe way to dispose of them? My thinking is they’re probably okay because the wad probably protects the powder well enough, but I don’t want to be wrong either.

 

Should be fine.

 

shoot em

 

The only rounds I have trouble with are Martini Henry British 1948 cordite rounds and those just have a 1 second delay.....

 

Thank you, probably move them inside at some point, as well as the 2 reloaders he left out there that are now both rusted to shit

 

Worst that could happen is the ammo doesn't go bang, but there's no safety issue with firing it.

 

I was in a similar situation and inherited a lot of birdshot that's probably older than I am when my grandfather passed. It was clear from the condition of the brass that they hadn't been stored in ideal conditions. My biggest concern with old ammo is squib loads caused by powder that has degraded from temp or moisture. My personal opinion (which is worth very little) is that with birdshot the risks associated with a squib load are significantly less than with pistol or rifle or even a shotgun slug. You're also going to know pretty quick when it doesn't go back into battery (semiauto) or a bunch of shot falls out when you cycle the action (pump). I've shot about half of the 300 or so rounds I inherited from my grandfather and haven't had any issues. They're a little bit lower power but I don't know if that's powder degradation or how they were loaded. I will say I don't hunt with it. I'd hate to have the first one not fire when I've got a good shot lined up.

 

I'm also in the camp of shoot 'em!

 

Shoot them. Be aware (as you always should be anyway) of a round that doesn't feel right, and check the gun and barrel.

And remember the good times you had shooting with your Dad.

 

Do not look down the barrel from the front! Check the spent case/round or break the action.

 

Didn't realize that needed to be said.

Also, you can use a cleaning rod - push it down the barrel to check for any obstructions.

 

I knew what you meant....but you never know if that is universally understood.

 

You're right.

As one who grew up guns, what is natural, normal and instinctual to me is not always that to others. Sometimes I forget.

 

I’d be shooting over-under so no cycling issues (and sighting down the barrel from the breach obviously not an issue) but it’d be pretty damn embarrassing shooting duds on the trap range

Not trying to sound like an idiot and it’s likely not similar but old dynamite can become volatile, so just asking as a precaution

 

Even better.

Anyone who has spent a decent amount of time on a range has done something embarrassing. Anyone who says they haven't is lying. My favorite embarrassing moment was not seating an AR mag properly while giving a demo to a new shooter on how easy ARs are to use. I pulled the trigger and the mag fell out.

Nah. This is a question that comes up pretty regularly. Not necessarily here but it's common enough that there are tons of YouTube videos on the subject.

 

After a couple of years of ownership, I finally got around to throwing some break in rounds down my .338 Lapua

 

You have to save up money to shoot it? lol

 

No kidding that was a $140 box lol

 

My wallet ran and hid behind the couch just looking at this picture.

 

He had the bullets on layaway