Very old ammo

[Soccerdad1995]

I recently found a mostly full box of 9mm, 115 gr FMJ bullets. I believe that I purchased these new in 1992, give or take a year. The rounds look a bit discolored, but otherwise look OK (no bulging or anything).

It's maybe $10 worth of bullets at today's prices so no big loss if I just toss them, but is there a reason I shouldn't just shoot them at my next range session? Any chance of a catastrophic failure?

[Middle Age Russ]

If the signs of aging are minor, let 'em out for a little exercise. I have recently almost used up my stock of rounds loaded by my father in law back in the mid-80s with no issues at all so far.

[Rhino1]

I have over 1000 rounds of surplus Greek 30.06 I bought from CMP for my M1 Garand. Some looks pretty ugly but never failed to go bang.

[Skiprr]

It's maybe $10 worth of bullets at today's prices so no big loss if I just toss them, but is there a reason I shouldn't just shoot them at my next range session? Any chance of a catastrophic failure?

Yes! Do not attempt to shoot them. Send them to me and, as a certified small-arms ammunition disposal service provider, I'll render them safe for you.



Seriously, unless the rounds have been greatly abused, 1992 production should be perfectly happy hurling their contents downrange for you. I routinely buy milsurp ammo manufactured in the '80s. Almost all modern, non-corrosive ammo should have a long shelf-life if not exposed to solvents, direct contact with moisture, or lengthy stretches of very high humidity.

[puma guy]

I have center fire ammo from the 1960's that I still use. Also have several thousand rounds of rimfire from the same era that I shoot as well when I'm just plinking. Unless it has obvious signs that there are problems such as corrosion they should be fine. I use old jacketed ammo after shooting lead bullets to help "squirt" some of the lead out for easier cleaning.

[AF-Odin]

I Have Turkish 8mm milsurp with 1930s headstamps. Goes bang every time and hits where I aim it. If no bulges, neck cracks, or obvious water damage, should be just fine.

[joe817]

I bought a full box(50 rounds) of S&W(yes, S&W branded ammo), for my Browning BDA in .380 back in 1984. I found that box with about 24 rounds left in it in 2012. Took it to the range and shot every round thru my Colt Gov't .380. Not a hiccup or ftf, fte, misfire, etc.

Modern ammo doesn't go bad after 5, 10, 20, or 32 years.

[K.Mooneyham]

I've recently shot some surplus Yugoslavian 8mm Mauser from the 1950s. Every once in a while, one of them doesn't go off on the first pull of the trigger. I wait to make sure, re-cock, and it goes bang. Of course, the Mauser is a strong rifle action, so I worry less. But I'd imagine if 1950s ammo still works that well, 1990s ammo should be fine as long as it's been stored properly.

[AJSully421]

1992... Very old???

I have my grandfather's Rem 700 in 270, with some ammo from the early 60's. In the late 90's, it shot fine. Same ammo in 2004 started hang firing, with a 1-2 second delay. Stuff had been stored in a display case drawer in my grandfather's climate controlled closet in the original paper boxes.

[Mick22]

I went to the local gun range and there was someone selling ammo and other items to the range. They had some loose .45 ammo that the range could not take (11 rounds of so) so they gave it to me for free. The ammo was all discolored/weathered and had to be at least 20 years old.

To my surprise, all rounds went bang.

[earlwb]

I would go shoot them at the range the next time you go. The cartridges are likely still quite good and useable. Now on the off chance they don't work, then dispose of them.

[Topbuilder]

"1992... Very old???"

Wow, I better get my affairs in order... I have ammunition I got in the 80's.

[JALLEN]

All the ammo I saw while in the Navy (5" shells) was dated before I was born, WWII. It all went bang, with occasional exception.

[Take Down Sicko]

I have 357 mag ammo for my S&W 686 thats about 40 years old. Thinking about taking that gun to the range for some revolver practice. Havent shot that weapon in about 40 years. Hope its safe to try.

[oljames3]

All the ammo I saw while in the Navy (5" shells) was dated before I was born, WWII. It all went bang, with occasional exception.

I have fired 50 year old ( WWII) separate loading ammo in Army 155mm (that is 6 inch for you squids) M109. Shells were filled with TNT. Everything went bang as it should. More muzzle flash than with modern propellant.