Mell Do 12 gauge shotgun shells have a shelf life?
It’s just smart policy. Fact is, all modern ammo will last more than 10 years if it’s been stored reasonably well.
How long can shotgun shells be stored?
Modern, factory-loaded rounds are designed to function reliably in conditions ranging from the arctic to the tropics. Therefore as long as you prevent exposure to extreme heat, high humidity and temperature fluctuations, your ammunition can be expected to last 10 years.
Is it safe to shoot old shotgun shells?
Unless they are obviously corroded or swollen they are ok. Swollen shells are rare to non existent these days, but they were common years ago, when shells had paper hulls. They are still safe to shoot, but an old swollen paper shell is apt to jam modern semiauto shotguns.
Does 12 gauge ammo length matter?
The length of the shell is another very important number. Not all lengths will feed in all shotguns. The longer the shell, the more shot pellets and powder it can contain. Ne ver use a shotgun designed to load a shorter shell to fire a larger shell, even if the larger shell physically fits within the gun.
How old is the NRA gun ammo?
The gun fired! The ammo is at least 75 years old, if not 100. “I’ve shot factory loads from the 1870s, and they went bang and hit the target accurately,” said NRA Museums Senior Curator Doug Wicklund, affirming that ammo can indeed last a long, long time, and the .303 wasn’t a fluke.
How long does ammo last in a gun?
It’s just smart policy. Fact is, all modern ammo will last more than 10 years if it’s been stored reasonably well. Ammo companies push a conservative message, likely because they don’t want the liability if it fails to fire (and, hey, they’d like to sell more ammo…fair enough).
Where do you find a case of 30 gauge shells?
You’re cleaning out your great-uncle’s garage when you find a box of dusty .30-30 shells. You’re going through basement storage when you find a tote of hunting supplies; among the camo gloves and duck calls, you find a case of 12-gauge shells.
Is it safe to load an old shotgun cartridge?
If you can’t see anything wrong with the cartridge such as corrosion or a split case, and it seems to be the same dimensions as a new cartridge, it ought to be safe to load and [at least try to] fire. If you can be careful and patient, go ahead and shoot the old shotgun stuff unless you can find…