old ammo questions

[jott]

I know very little about guns and most I know I learned from reading forums like this. So I was wondering if anyone can help me out. I recently got my first rifles from a friend whose father passed away. There is also a large amount of ammo that she is trying to sell and we are trying to determine what the value of it is. The ammo is old so my question is what are the concerns of using old ammo? It does not look like it has ever been wet, and it was stored in ammo cans, the paper boxes the ammo is in does not show any sign of mold and there is no sign of corrosion on the ammo. However it was in a house that had a leaking roof and was damp enough for mold to grow over everything in the house. Should I stay away from this ammo or is it probably good?
I’m looking at 7.62x39 that is mostly made in China looks to be surplus, mostly FMJ, some are Russian hollow points that say “built to hunting spec” on the box but no brand name. Other ammo is 303 British and 30-06 that is a mix of different brands and types. Most of it she thinks her dad got back in the 90s to early 2000s but is not sure.
Is there any reason not to use this ammo? If it is good what is a fair price? Would it be about the same as new?

[grumble]

If it's packaged before 1898, it probably has either early smokeless or black powder, and should be used with caution. Anything newer than that, no problem.

I don't know the situation with the seller, but make what you think is a fair deal. I'd think that 1/2 the current price on the ammo would be reasonable, but you're the one making the deal. That 7.62x39 was probably bought during the heyday import sales and was purchased for $.05 per round or less.

Oh yeah -- some of the ammo probably uses corrosive primers. Not a problem, just be sure to use a water patch after shooting it, then clean the gun as normal.

[jott]

Thanks much for the help.

[rice paddy daddy]

That 7.62X39 surplus will tell you right away if there was any moisture damage - it's cases are steel instead of brass and will be rusty if it got wet.

[grumble]

Good point, RPD. If it's only surface rust, it still shouldn't be a problem though, a couple swipes with some steel wool will clean it right up. If it's pitted though, it shouldn't be used.

[rice paddy daddy]

As far as age, in the 1980's I was shooting US surplus 30-06 dated 1918.

[Wyobuckaroo]

Out in the garage, I have a box of old 12 gauge shells, maybe 3 boxes total that I bought for $1.oo at a garage sale. Garage is cold, but dry.

Some are the old paper hull shells. Sorted out about 1/2 box of rifled slugs, and buck shot, and the rest are mixed shot size, 2-3/4" and a few 3" shells. Many of these shells have the brass case head tarnished, a few have a little rust on the head. That means the older paper cases are all brass head. The newer, plastic cases, are brass plated steel heads. As long as there is no rust around the primer pocket, I have chosen to deem them usable.

Have an old 3" chamber gun I keep in the garage. Every once in a while I will grab a shell and go snipe at the pigeons in the old silo, just to keep them nervous. Works well.

Like has been said. I have shot a lot of rifle/pistol ammo from 1918 up into the early 1980s, when it finely ran out. Still have a bunch of rifle ammo from the 1940s that is still good to go.

Key thing seems to be dry storage. If it is not rusted/corroded, it should be OK. Tarnished seems to be no big deal. Also, close inspection before using will always be a good idea.

Have fun
Wyo

[lostinthewoods]

What they said! ;-)

I agree with everything that all the replies had to say. I would also add, watch the 303 stuff especially for corrosive primers. 303 is notorious for being corrosive and it will pit a good barrel in a matter of days if left untreated.


best,
lost

[Mad_Professor]

If they were stored in genuine GI ammo cans, away from heat, with good seals, the ammo should be fine.

[Poonie]

I've fired some pretty ratty ammo over the years. As long as you don't see whitish corrosion growing around the rim of the primers, the ammo should be fine and can be fired safely. If there is reason to believe its corrosive then just clean thoroughly the same day and you won't have any problems.

[rice paddy daddy]

I've fired some pretty ratty ammo over the years. As long as you don't see whitish corrosion growing around the rim of the primers, the ammo should be fine and can be fired safely. If there is reason to believe its corrosive then just clean thoroughly the same day and you won't have any problems.
I reject any old ammo that has corrosion spots on the brass itself on the theory that it might waken the brass and cause it to split. I may be wrong, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

[RobJob]

Those could be worth a little money. I have seen some nice taxidermy displays using old paper shells. Just a thought.

[Teg]

Those could be worth a little money. I have seen some nice taxidermy displays using old paper shells. Just a thought.

True, and there are folks out there who collect old ammo as well.

[docsoos]

True, and there are folks out there who collect old ammo as well.

Here's a few current examples of that on GunBroker:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=211768176

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=211976999

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=212026112

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=212590761

DocSoos

[NHForester]

The ammo should be just fine, though I would second the recommendation about the old surplus stuff. Just make sure you clean the guns right after you use them. I bring a bottle of windex to the range when I am shooting old surplus. I just spray it down the barrel, from the chamber end and let it run all the way through. When I get home I just clean it like normal. The ammonia in the windex neutralizes the corrosive salts.

[Echo2]

I have some ammo from the Korean war....it was stored dry and temp stable (not changing temps rapidly) I personally would have no issues if upon visual inspection it looked to be in good shape. The 80s I would still consider close to new...:)

FYI....do not store ammo and your cleaning kit together....the vapors off your solvent and deteriorate the sealing compound and decrease the life of your ammo.

Also....you can store with dry packs....no need to buy "gun" specific....just buy flower drying media and staple it in to coffee filters....place in ammo can.....once a year toss the pack into a 150-200 degree oven for about 15 mins....like new.