Posted: 4/18/2011 6:48:54 AM EDT
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Is the shelf life of modern shells less than that of centerfire ammunition? I know some times older stuff can be dangerous to fire or un usable. Perhaps it is just a matter of proper storage? Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
| I'm guessing that plastic hull shells will outlast you if stored anywhere near decently. I recently shot some 30-40 year old Remington 00 that was given to me. From the beginnings of corrosion on the base, it wasn't stored to my specs, but it all went off without a hitch. |
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I have not heard of older shotgun shells being unsafe or unstable. Are you referring to smokeless shotgun shells, or older black powder shotgun shells?
For what it is worth, even stored in poor conditions, like an unheated outbuilding, as long as they are dry they will last for many years, if not a lifetime. I have a bunch of paper shells that still perform fine when reloaded, and they have been reloaded many times. If they still crimp they will still work for the double barrel. |
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Quoted:
Shotguns generally use pistol powder, and the priming compound is the same as far as I know. I suppose the crimp on a shell might not be a fantastic seal, but powder sitting in a canister on the shelf isn't exactly hermetically sealed either. Don't forget the wad will act as a seal also. Not completely air or water tight, but for a shell dropped in the water and picked up again, the water will not make it by the wad. |