How old is this ammo?

[doc540]

Any have an idea?

It's S&W, .38 Special 125gr jacketed hollow point

Price on the box is $8.25.

This is some of the same ammo I shot when I first got my 642, and it dirtied it up pretty badly, but shot ok.

How old do you think it is?

 

[OldTXCop]

I bought some ammo like that, when I bought my first S&W model 10, in 1977. Haven't seen any for a long time though.

 

[Pumpkinheaver]

Late 70's early 80's.

 

[Hardtarget]

I've got some .22 in the blue S&W box. I think late 70's is about right. It wasn't around very long. I use it as "decoration" in my loading area.

Mark.

 

[doc540]

Ok to shoot it (even if it is dirty)?

Or should I save it as a collectible?

 

[10X]

The ammo is vintage late 1970s to early 1980s.
It is good stuff. I used to get S&W all the time back then. I kept one box for each caliber of S&W I own just because it looks good. I don't think it has any particular collector value or at least I don't see any meaningful premium when I see S&W ammo at the gun shows.

 

[Starter52]

1970's. Manufactured by Alcan in Illinois after S&W bought the company in 1972.

 

[KINGMAX]

I think mid 70's

I got my 686-1 back in mid 70's, S&W 's ammo in blue box ( 74 - 77 ) I think.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

The ammo wasn't known for it's consistency as I recall and they advertised some outrageous velocities. Shoot it and be gone.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I would hold on to it just because it's old. You might want to pass it on to family with an old S&W revolver some day.