How old is too old?

[Strick]

I just discovered some of my father's old shot gun shells. What happens to shot gun shells as they age? Are they dangerous to shoot? How old is too old to safely use?

[Synchronizor]

If they were stored properly, they should be fine. Shotshells can last a long time if they're kept in a dry location. If the hulls are bulged or deformed, or the cups are corroded, you may have cycling issues. But if they're in decent shape externally, go ahead and shoot them, they'll probably work just fine. If they are bad, the worst case would probably be either a hang-fire (delayed ignition of the powder charge) or a blooper (full or partial failure of the powder charge to ignite).

As with any ammunition, just pay attention. Very quiet firing and/or weak recoil might indicate a blooper; check the barrel to make sure everything made it out before firing the gun again. If the hammer falls but there's no bang, wait 30 seconds with the muzzle pointed down range just in case it's a hang-fire, then eject the shell.

[Strick]

Thanks Sync. I'll try one out and then clean the gun. I'll try the bird shot first then the 00 buck.