12 Gauge ammo question

[Depick]

So about 6 years ago I purchased quite a bit of buckshot and slugs. I stored it in my basement in a metal container it wasn’t airtight and my basement is pretty dry. I know I didn’t store it right but it all looks the same as when I bought it. Am I overthinking this and should I just run it through my shotgun or should I dispose of it. Any thoughts are appreciated thanks.

 

[dsdmmat]

Send it

 

[GUNSICK]

It’s going to blow your shotgun up or might go off in your hand if it’s become unstable from improper storage. Let the police know and they will send the bomb squad over to remove and dispose of it.

 

[HighlandLofts]

Send it to me, i have a device with a wood handle and a long tube i can dispose of all that 12 gauge ammo through.

 

[Darth]

Send it to me, I will test fire it for you.

 

[Mk44]

I wouldn't worry about it. I found a couple boxes of my dad's 12ga shells from over 20yrs ago. I used them. didn't have any problems with them.
As others have stated... if you don't want to use them, I'm sure one of us will be happy to take them off your hands. lol

 

[Depick]

It’s going to blow your shotgun up or might go off in your hand if it’s become unstable from improper storage. Let the police know and they will send the bomb squad over to remove and dispose of it.

Ha Jesus I should’ve expected a response like this.

 

[Depick]

Well thanks for the reply’s! I’d be happy to share if anyone wants to meet up at Niagara Gun Range.

 

[Criticalt]

Dang, ive got 30 year old 12 gauge shells I still use. Last fall I shot a turkey with 30 plus year old shells.

 

[Deplorable Me]

If it's in paper boxes, look at the condition of the paper boxes. It's more prone to humidity and storage damage than plastic shells. Look for gross fuzzy corrosion on the brass-steel. Discolor is fine. Gross corrosion, use up.

I've shot 30 year old shells that passed the above visual test, no problems. Buck, bird, slugs. This was generic field ammo. High end waterfowl rounds are generally sealed to make water tight and would probably store even better.

 

[squib]

Shotguns are my Kryptonite

 

[HighlandLofts]

If it is old some of it might have collector value.

 

[wizrd]

Relax, shoot & enjoy.

 

[repete]

I've got tons of old paper shells and they all will still go bang. As said above some of the old boxes are worth money especially if full and not faded and the end flaps aren't beat or torn.

 

[Acer-m14]

if the shells are not swelled up or split .. send it ..

 

[Curmudgeon]

Choot it

 

[Depick]

I went through it all. Boxes are still crisp, shells look normal and all the brass is nice and shiny with no corrosion. All seems good to go. Thanks again.

 

[Acer-m14]

Look at the crimp on the buck shot .. is it sealed .. slugs are they white and dusty .. might just want to shoot then at targets .. not hunting .. here are some old bad shells I came across @Depick

 

[Depick]

Look at the crimp on the buck shot .. is it sealed .. slugs are they white and dusty .. might just want to shoot then at targets .. not hunting .. here are some old bad shells I came across @Depick

View attachment 42225

@Acer-m14 thats some nasty looking stuff. Thanks for the reference!

 

[Acer-m14]

@Acer-m14 thats some nasty looking stuff. Thanks for the reference!

no prob .. just had to run out to the shop and get them out of the drawer and snap a pic and check on the brass in the tumbler getting shiny .

 

[Acer-m14]

the 2nd one from the left .. i'd shoot it at a target is all .. will chamber .. .. the rest .. not gunna fit .. lol

 

[Acer-m14]

@Depick that white color on the lead is lead oxide .. way worse then just normal lead ,.. think of paint chips ..

 

[repete]

Look at the crimp on the buck shot .. is it sealed .. slugs are they white and dusty .. might just want to shoot then at targets .. not hunting .. here are some old bad shells I came across @Depick

View attachment 42225

Being split like that changes my mind, I wouldn't even try to use them. I'd cut them open remove the lead for smelting later and dump the powder on the lawn for fertilizer and toss the hull.