Old 20 Gauge Shells

[film495]

been stored in an unheated garge in new england in a coffee for 30 or 40ish years. If I was thinking of shooting those in October this year, would you do anything to prep them, other than bring the to the range, they don't look visibly corroded particularly. factory loads. I posed this in reloading, but I figured this crowd would have more opinions than general discussion.

 

[Howland937]

Assuming they're plastic hulls, I wouldn't do anything other than give them a visual once over.
If they look fine, try a couple and go from there.

 

[n2omike]

I've shot old paper shells... never a problem.

 

[twistytorn]

As long as there's no corrosion, you should be good. I've taken grouse with 50+ year old "barn stored" shells that looked almost new.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Would be cool if they were brass shells!!!

 

[flightsimmer]

I recently opened a box of 20 gauge Federal 7-1/2 shot shells I had, had for several decades, stored indoors and the plastic hulls were split down the sides exposing the shot. I had push them into the chamber but they fired alright.

 

[Englishmn]

Just make sure the wad leaves the barrel if they seem weak.
Years ago ran into some weak ones and had to tilt the barrel down to let the shot run out then use a rod to push the wad out.

 

[GooseGestapo]

been stored in an unheated garge in new england in a coffee for 30 or 40ish years. If I was thinking of shooting those in October this year, would you do anything to prep them, other than bring the to the range, they don't look visibly corroded particularly. factory loads. I posed this in reloading, but I figured this crowd would have more opinions than general discussion.

Cappachino or Expresso? Ground or whole bean?

If they aren’t swollen to where they won’t chamber or corroded with green verdegri growing on them, they’ll likely shoot.

My father-in-law (Massachusetts) brought his Browning Lt 20 down one time along with about 100rds of shells to Georgia. The ammo had been stored since 50’s in an unheated garage. (Circa 1980’s). They all shot fine.

Btw? How’s the coffee? (I know you meant “containers”).

 

[film495]

OK. ha ha - yea, coffee can ... lol think I'll just wipe them off with a tack clotch quick to remove any dust/grime as as a quick maintenance, and start with the ones that look the best. I don't have any reason to have them in my garage for another 20 years, so - might as well use them or get rif of the. I have some old .22LR that also suffered questionable storage, and I'll probably try some of that during the same trip.