Old ammunition? How old of bullets can you shoot? If they are too old, how do you get rid of them?

Question

Old ammunition? How old of bullets can you shoot? If they are too old, how do you get rid of them?

Answer 1

Yep, as long as they are kept well the bullets can last a very long time. If you do shoot them the worst that will happen is low power, and if it's too low the bullet might not make it out of the barrel. That can be dangerous if you didn't know it was stuck and shoot another ... then BAMO! blows up in your face, so be careful.

The kinetic shaker is the best way to pull a bullet, though you can pull them out with pliers as well, but risk damage to the case and bullet. You can just shoot the primers out in the gun then pop them out with the reloading press, I wouldn't mess with them any other way.

Anyone who reloads would be happy as a pig in pig stuff to have the ammo. They could reuse at least the bullet and the cases, which are not cheap.

Answer 2

If ammo is stored correctly it can last longer than you can.

I have shot ammo made in the late 1890's without a single failure.

If you feel you must dispose of old ammo, find a gunshop or rifle range and ask them to take the ammo, 9 times out of 10 they have a "dud box" where bad ammo is taken.

Answer 3

Ditto what Boker posted.  Also, you could purchase a kinetic bullet puller for around fifteen to twenty bucks and 'pull' the bullet, dump the powder, disable the primer by pouring water into the empty casings or soaking them in water overnight and throw in trash.  Dispose of the water properly as it may contain traces of mercury from the primer (depending on just how old the ammo is).  

H

Answer 4

The recommended storage for ammunition is in a cool dry place.

I shot an original 1890's 30-40 Krag military round. I started out a question similar to yours and I won the bet. Then I had a long clean up with water to prevent rusting out my rifle.

I have also shot lots of Military surplus WW II ammo. M2 Ball made in the St. Louis Army Ammunition Plant 1942. Worked fine. Again water clean up for the corrosive primer salts.