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The universal recommendation is ten years, although there’s no doubt that ammunition can last longer if stored properly.What is this? It’s safe to store ammo for ten years or less, as a general rule of thumb. Ammunition that’s stored for more extended periods of time runs the risk of going bad, particularly if it’s exposed to humidity, high temperatures, or other conditions that could damage its quality.Shotgun shells may not look so attractive when discarded at the shooting range, yet they can be reused to create many practical and decorative objects.
Contents
How long will ammo last if stored properly?
What is this? It’s safe to store ammo for ten years or less, as a general rule of thumb. Ammunition that’s stored for more extended periods of time runs the risk of going bad, particularly if it’s exposed to humidity, high temperatures, or other conditions that could damage its quality.
Are shotgun shells reusable?
Shotgun shells may not look so attractive when discarded at the shooting range, yet they can be reused to create many practical and decorative objects.
Do shotgun shells rust?
Be careful with soaked shells, if they are sealed you’re fine. Steel pellets can rust into a slug, if given enough time.
Can you shoot old paper shotgun shells?
If it doesn’t look safe to fire, you probably shouldn’t shoot it. If you’ve bought the old ammunition in its original packaging, it doesn’t hurt to inspect that as well. Vintage boxes in good condition are a good sign; if the shells inside don’t look damaged either, it might just be good to go.
Does gun ammo expire?
Ammunition doesn’t “expire” per se, but the gunpowder looses potency over time. The largest risk to shooting old ammunition isn’t a failure to fire, it’s the risk that you will actually fire the shot and it doesn’t have enough momentum to make it out the barrel.
How long can you use ammunition?
And if it’s ammo that you may trust your life upon–such as rounds for your concealed carry gun–shoot it for practice after three to give years and buy more. It’s just smart policy. Fact is, all modern ammo will last more than 10 years if it’s been stored reasonably well.
Do shotgun shells decompose?
Shotgun wads are commercially available that will decompose, dissolve or bind to soil colloids in nature. Both literature studies and labora- tory experiments indicate that wads made of PVAL will both decompose and dissolve in all types of environments relevant for shotgun hunting.
Can you reuse shotgun shells for reloading?
Reloading is a great way to save money, especially during this time of high ammo prices. It is most common to reload rifle and pistol brass shells, but you can also reload shotgun shells. The experts advise to always follow a recipe to avoid accidents and always wear protective eyewear.
Can you reuse shotgun casings?
The brass casings are reusable. So after the shooting is done, reloaders like Payne and Petersen get to work, scouring the gun range floor for good brass. Between them, they have about 70 years of combined reloading experience.
How much damage does a 12 gauge slug do rust?
Originally posted by Red: Nah. Slug deals 75 damage to naked (bodyshot).
Do bullets rust?
Casings are comprised of copper or a mix of copper and zinc. Because these minerals contain little-to-no iron, the damage you see on most bullets probably isn’t rust, but a different form of corrosion.
How much do shotgun shells scrap for research?
The 12 Guage Buckshot Blueprint can be researched with: 75 Scrap.
Can 20 year old shoot ammo?
Generally, yes. If factory centerfire cartridges are stored in a dry, cool place with low humidity, preferably in an airtight container, they can have an amazingly long shelf life. Many ballistics experts who have shot tens of thousands of rounds over the years report shooting 20- to 50-year-old ammo with no problems.
Do shotgun cartridges go out of date?
4. Stored carefully, shotgun cartridges will work for a lifetime. This is true and it’s worth considering where you keep your cartridges as in ideal conditions, they will last and last. This means somewhere not too warm and not too cold (because they will underperform).
How long do rifle shells last?
Ammunition isn’t a perishable good – if stored correctly, it can last almost indefinitely. Whether it was stored correctly or not is another matter. Ammunition isn’t like the still-edible 5000-year-old honey found in Egyptian tombs; ready to eat and spread on toast.
Can stored ammo explode?
“When a fire comes through and when that ammunition gets super heated to ignite, if it’s stored in a steel container, that can create quite an explosion within the steel container.” And the the container itself can become dangerous bits of shrapnel, in addition to the bullets and casings.
What is the shelf life of 5.56 ammo?
The Shelf Life Of Modern Ammunition Is Actually Theoretical
Manufacturers usually say ten years, but it’s basically for lawyer reasons not for anything relating to any of the materials used to make cartridges.
Does it damage a magazine to keep it loaded?
According to Aimingexpert.com, it’s generally fine to keep magazines loaded without ruining them. This is the consensus among notable gun experts who’ve voiced opinions on this topic.
How much ammo should I stockpile?
A good rule of thumb is to consider a 500-round stash your starting point for your handgun. That might seem high but it does go fast. Of those 500 rounds at least 150 should be defensive, not target rounds. If you can afford to stash mostly defensive ammo, do it.
How Long Does Ammo Last? (And How Tell if It’s Bad) – Survival Freedom
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- Table of Contents:
Does Ammo Go Bad With Age
How Long Is It Safe To Store Ammo
Is 30-Year-Old Ammo Still Good
How Long Does Corrosive Ammo Last
How Long Do 9mm Bullets Last
What Is the Shelf Life of 556 Ammo
How Long Does Hollow Point Ammo Last
Are Old Bullets Worth Money
Parting Shot
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Seven New Uses for Old Shotgun Shells – RecycleNation
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Do you shoot rusty shotgun shells? | Rokslide Forum
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Is Old Shotgun Ammo Safe to Shoot? – IFA Tactical
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- Table of Contents:
The Basics Don’t Load the Wrong Shells
On Paper
A Matter of Age
Disposal Methods
Final Thoughts
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Error 403 (Forbidden)
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- Summary of article content: Articles about Error 403 (Forbidden) Ammunition has a fairly long shelf life, if it is kept in a cool, dry place. Modern plastic hulled rounds with the brass bases can last for decades, if properly … …
- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Error 403 (Forbidden) Ammunition has a fairly long shelf life, if it is kept in a cool, dry place. Modern plastic hulled rounds with the brass bases can last for decades, if properly …
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Life Expectancy of Shotgun Ammunition | The High Road
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- Summary of article content: Articles about Life Expectancy of Shotgun Ammunition | The High Road A really long time. My oldest shells are over 30 years old and I still pull from them for upland game. Folks routinely use shells a lot older … …
- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Life Expectancy of Shotgun Ammunition | The High Road A really long time. My oldest shells are over 30 years old and I still pull from them for upland game. Folks routinely use shells a lot older … I had bought some Winchester and Remington shotgun shells to stash away with my food storage. You know, in case of a rainy day. Anyway, I was told…
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How Long Does Ammo Last? (And How Tell if It’s Bad) – Survival Freedom
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- Summary of article content: Articles about How Long Does Ammo Last? (And How Tell if It’s Bad) – Survival Freedom Shotgun ammo lasts more than ten years when stored in eal conditions. When stored in hum or wet environments, it doesn’t last as long. …
- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How Long Does Ammo Last? (And How Tell if It’s Bad) – Survival Freedom Shotgun ammo lasts more than ten years when stored in eal conditions. When stored in hum or wet environments, it doesn’t last as long.
- Table of Contents:
Does Ammo Go Bad With Age
How Long Is It Safe To Store Ammo
Is 30-Year-Old Ammo Still Good
How Long Does Corrosive Ammo Last
How Long Do 9mm Bullets Last
What Is the Shelf Life of 556 Ammo
How Long Does Hollow Point Ammo Last
Are Old Bullets Worth Money
Parting Shot
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Can Ammunition “Go Bad”? | NRA Family
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- Summary of article content: Articles about Can Ammunition “Go Bad”? | NRA Family Fact is, all modern ammo will last more than 10 years if it’s been stored reasonably well. Ammo companies push a conservative message, likely … …
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Shotgun cartridges – there’s some rubbish talked about them
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- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Shotgun cartridges – there’s some rubbish talked about them This is true and it’s worth consering where you keep your cartrges as in eal conditions, they will last and last. This means somewhere not … There’s a lot of rubbish talked about shotgun cartridges and I think I’ve heard most of it. So here I clear up some of the myths and state the realities.
- Table of Contents:
Product Overview
1 Shotgun cartridges are very expensive
2 Fast shotgun cartridges are better
3 Brass it isn’t
4 Stored carefully shotgun cartridges will work for a lifetime
5 Fibre or plastic wads
6 Shot size
7 Your cartridge is likely to be at fault
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Is Old Shotgun Ammo Safe to Shoot? – IFA Tactical
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- Summary of article content: Articles about Is Old Shotgun Ammo Safe to Shoot? – IFA Tactical New, factory ammunition can fail long before reaching one year past the manufacture date, and it’s common for decades-old ammo to fire just as … …
- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Is Old Shotgun Ammo Safe to Shoot? – IFA Tactical New, factory ammunition can fail long before reaching one year past the manufacture date, and it’s common for decades-old ammo to fire just as … In theory, shotgun shells produced 100 years ago could theoretically be chambered and fired in your modern-day shotgun. Is Old Shotgun Ammo Safe to Shoot?
- Table of Contents:
The Basics Don’t Load the Wrong Shells
On Paper
A Matter of Age
Disposal Methods
Final Thoughts
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How Long Does Ammo Last and How to Store it For Max Shelf Life
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- Summary of article content: Articles about How Long Does Ammo Last and How to Store it For Max Shelf Life Most manufacturers guarantee that their ammunition will last for at least a decade. That sa, ammunition can easily last beyond 10 years if it is stored under … …
- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How Long Does Ammo Last and How to Store it For Max Shelf Life Most manufacturers guarantee that their ammunition will last for at least a decade. That sa, ammunition can easily last beyond 10 years if it is stored under …
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How Long Does Ammo Last
Do Different Types of Ammunition Have Different Shelf Lives
How to Store Ammo
Ammo for Concealed Carry
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How long are shotgun shells good for?
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How Long Does Ammo Last? (And How Tell if It’s Bad)
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Ammunition doesn’t have an infinite shelf life. In fact, some types of ammo last only one year from the date of manufacture before they should be discarded as unusable, according to guidelines issued by NATO armies and the U.S.
Most manufacturers guarantee their ammo to last as long as a decade. In general, most ammunition will last for at least ten years if it’s stored in ideal situations. Ultimately, the shelf life is strongly influenced by storage conditions.
Ammunition is available in a wide variety of calibers, bullet types, and manufacturers. As such, not all ammunition will last the same length of time. If you’re looking to buy your first gun and some ammo for it specifically, or you’re worried about ammo you have in storage, read on to find out how long different types of ammo usually lasts.
Does Ammo Go Bad With Age?
Manufacturers recommend getting rid of old ammunition after ten years. Any older, and it can negatively affect your firearm or even cause injury or death if fired from a gun. However, this is only an estimate based on optimal conditions being met—such as always being stored at room temperature with virtually no humidity change.
Ammo does go bad with age. More specifically, ammo will lose its effectiveness over time. There could be any number of reasons for ammo going bad, such as rusting bullets, powder that won’t burn, corrosion on casings due to humidity, etc. It’s recommended to replace your ammo every decade or so.
The majority of manufacturers advise against using ammunition over ten years old. Again, this isn’t because it’ll necessarily become unusable within that set period. But it’s still preferable to be cautious rather than sorry. If you have older rounds sitting in storage, be sure to use them as soon as possible, perhaps by getting some shooting practice at the range.
Depending on the type of ammunition you use (e.g., for hunting, self-defense, target practice), you must pay attention to its age and replace it when needed.
How Long Is It Safe To Store Ammo?
As with most things, age alone doesn’t determine whether ammo has gone bad. There are other factors that must also be considered. Generally speaking, though, some types of ammunition do eventually go bad if left unused for too long, but it’s preferable to be cautious rather than risk it.
It’s safe to store ammo for ten years or less, as a general rule of thumb. Ammunition that’s stored for more extended periods of time runs the risk of going bad, particularly if it’s exposed to humidity, high temperatures, or other conditions that could damage its quality.
How To Tell if Ammo Is Bad
If your ammunition seems rusted, corroded, or otherwise damaged in any way – it has likely gone bad. If there are signs of mold on the casing, this also means the cartridge should be discarded without delay.
Powder cartridges should never feel damp or wet. Symptoms may vary depending on what type of ammunition was affected by storage problems—bullets, rifle rounds, and shotgun shells all have their own unique signs that they’re no longer fit for use.
Generally, you can tell ammo has gone bad if it:
Has rust, corrosion, discoloration, or any other damage on the outer casing.
Feels misshapen when handled. This can be a sign that moisture got into your ammunition and has begun to freeze in cold temperatures.
Is making strange noises when shot. This could mean there’s something blocking the path of the bullet inside the cartridge. In this case, the primer is most likely faulty and should be discarded.
There are a few simple forms of testing you can perform yourself in order to determine if any given piece of ammunition is fit for use. Here are the ways to test bad ammo:
Check that the length of the cartridge is how it was when you first stored it. If not, then there’s a chance that the bullet has shifted in its casing and might have come into contact with other cartridges—potentially causing ignition problems or an explosion.
Take a closer look at the primer of the cartridge to make sure it hasn’t been compromised in any way.
How To Dispose of Old Ammo
You can dispose of cartridges either at a recycling center or on public property, as long as you’re certain it’s legal to do so where you live. Disposing of ammo in the trash is dangerous because it could potentially be found by children or others who don’t know it’s still a potential explosive.
Disposing of cartridges in this manner has the potential to create environmental hazards, particularly when it comes to lead (which will contaminate soil and water supplies). Recycling centers for ammo are fast and easy to find, but you can also search for public hazardous waste disposal sites. It’s important to verify the area accepts small arms cartridges before disposing of them in this way.
It’s critical to check for bad ammo regularly. By performing this simple test of your stored ammunition, you’ll be able to ensure your guns are ready to fire when the need arises. If you’ve been storing away ammunition for a long period of time and determine it has gone bad, make sure there’s no more ammunition like it—one explosion could cause a chain reaction and lead to serious injury or property damage.
Is 30-Year-Old Ammo Still Good?
Many people are wondering if their outdated ammunition is still good. The simple answer is that it depends on how you store it. Ammunition can deteriorate with time, but this process is slow and often imperceptible to the average user.
30-year-old ammo is more than likely not good. Most manufacturers recommend only keeping ammo for ten years. To get the most life out of your ammo, be sure to store it correctly. Factors that affect how long ammo lasts include damage from sunlight, extreme heat or cold, and the type of casing.
Keep these tips in mind when storing your ammunition:
Store the rounds flat with the bullet tip up if possible—bullets tend to deform more easily if they’re left standing on end
Keep your ammo in a cool, dry place
Avoid storing your ammunition next to solvents or other chemicals
Never store ammo in an airtight container
How Long Does Corrosive Ammo Last?
Essentially, any ammunition with a nitroglycerin-based primer is considered corrosive. While these rounds were originally created for use in surplus rifles and cheap handguns, it’s not uncommon to find them loaded into modern weapons as well. Some of these rounds can be very dangerous and make cleaning your firearm a complex procedure, while others are more akin to standard ammunition—just a bit messier.
Corrosive ammo lasts until it comes into contact with moisture, which includes–but isn’t limited to–water, saltwater, sweat, and humidity. After coming into contact with such elements, ammo will begin to rust. Corrosive ammo can potentially last from 10 to 25 years.
How Long Do 9mm Bullets Last?
9mm ammunition has been around for nearly a century. When it was first developed, no one could have foreseen that it would be as popular as it is and used in such a wide variety of firearms so many decades later. This ammunition continues to see widespread use in military, police, and self-defense situations where their small size and high stopping power make them an ideal choice.
9 mm ammunition can last for 10-25 years and continue to function correctly if it’s stored in a cool, dry place. The only way for them to become ineffective is if they become corroded.
Corrosion happens when one of two things occurs: either foreign matter gets inside of them or they come into contact with water. When they’re manufactured, most corrosive ammunition will have a lacquer coating applied to prevent corrosion and make it easier to load.
The exception to that rule is military surplus ammunition that was loaded before these safety measures were put in place. If your 9mm ammo was produced before 1970, it’s probably not coated, which means it can suffer corrosion if stored in a humid environment for long periods of time.
What Is the Shelf Life of 5.56 Ammo?
5.56x45mm NATO rounds, commonly known as 5.56 ammo, have a shelf life of up to 30 years if stored properly. As with any ammunition or explosive, however, improper storage conditions can increase corrosion and degrade performance over time.
5.56 ammo can last for decades after purchase when:
Kept in a cool and dry environment
Not exposed to oxygen or moisture (especially salt water)
Sealed in an airtight container when not in use
Kept away from heat sources like radiators or baseboard heaters
How Long Does Hollow Point Ammo Last?
To prevent unspent hollow point rounds from becoming damaged or unsafe to use, store them in a separate container from your non-hollow point ammunition. Keeping them in different containers will also make it easier to organize your inventory of ammunition.
Hollow point ammunition can last anywhere from 10 to 25 years, depending on storage conditions. A cool, dry place with limited light exposure and high humidity will prolong its shelf life.
Be sure to inspect your hollow point ammunition before use. Hollow points can occasionally become crushed and unusable, so be sure to check each round prior to firing it. It’s better to find a dud than risk an injury at home or in public.
Properly stored hollow point rounds should function as well as they did when they were manufactured. Notably, they should fire and feed smoothly through your firearm without any hiccups. If you notice a problem with a specific round, that particular projectile may need to be replaced before you continue using that box of ammunition.
How Long Does Shotgun Ammo Last?
There are many different types of ammo available for different guns, but most are available in three common calibers: .22, .380, and 12-gauge. Corrosive shotgun shells have been around for a long time and are still found in limited production. Most manufacturers produce non-corrosive shotgun shells.
Shotgun ammo lasts more than ten years when stored in ideal conditions. When stored in humid or wet environments, it doesn’t last as long. Shells that have been loaded into a gun and not shot will last longer than shells that have been fired.
Shotgun shells should be stored in a cool, dry place. They should also be placed in a ventilated container and not stacked directly on top of each other. Keeping ammo in a bag or case helps to protect it from moisture. Metal-type ammunition, including shotgun shells, will eventually rust if not taken care of properly.
Are Old Bullets Worth Money?
While old bullets aren’t typically worth a whole lot of money, there are still some exceptions to that rule.
Old bullets may be worth money if still within shelf life. If not, they still may have value if they’re antique or collectible. Notably, ammunition collectors who specialize in certain areas (such as Vietnam-era military ammunition or antique rifle ammo) may pay a pretty penny for older cartridges.
The bottom line is if you have old bullets lying around, it might be worth seeing if any gun collectors are interested in buying them from you. You can also check out websites like eBay to see what kinds of prices other ammunition collectors are charging for different kinds of cartridges and boxes of bullets.
Parting Shot
Most ammo can last for decades or more. Understanding how corrosive and non-corrosive ammo works, as well as understanding how to store it properly and safely can help you to lengthen its lifespan.
If you’re purchasing your ammunition online, be sure to check with the retailer about how they package their ammunition. Some retailers will ship their rounds in watertight containers with desiccants to ensure no moisture reaches their rounds, but you may need to request this from them.
For more, check out Cleaning Bullets | How To Do It Correctly
Hey, I’m Jim and the author of this website. I have always been interested in survival, fishing, camping, and anything in nature. In fact, while growing up I spent more time on the water than on land! I am also a best-selling author and have a degree in History, Anthropology, and Music. I hope you find value in the articles on this website. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or input!
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Seven New Uses for Old Shotgun Shells – RecycleNation
Image via geekologie
According to a national survey, nearly 200 million guns and rifles are in private hands in the United States, being used for recreational purposes. That means there’s a whole lot of ammunition and shotgun shells that need to be disposed of. Luckily, artists and commercial retailers have come up with innovative, everyday items that can be purchased by consumers, armed or unarmed, to stop the waste. Alternatively, you could use them as inspiration for a host of do-it-yourself projects to get your creative juices going and help decimate that stock of shotgun shells. Calling the shots has never been so much fun!
7. Candles
Image: Sunbanks
For those who might feel a bit uncomfortable spending too much money on items made out of old shotgun shells, this could be just what you’re looking for — and it’s light on the wallet! This DIY project could even make the perfect gift for Father’s Day! Instructables has a step-by-step set of instructions — just make sure to remove any lead residue on the inside of the shotgun shell case to avoid it getting into the melted wax and thus into the air when the candle is burning. In any case, it may be a good idea to open a window when burning these candles or to use them outdoors only.
6. Light string and garland
via morethanchristmas
Tired of the old plastic chili pepper light chains? No problem; use old shotgun shells instead. You can get an authentic shotgun shell light string of 35 or 50 lights, which even bear the manufacturers’ names, still on the casings. They come in a mix of three colors, but for an additional $10, customers may request up to five colors of their choice.
Image via morethanchristmas
Alternatively, you can try the garland; each is 9’2″ long and made up of 200 shotgun shells. The garlands are available in red or multicolored and retail for $99. It shouldn’t be difficult for a shotgun aficionado to produce this many shells in no time at all, before getting creative to produce their own garland. A great gift, too!
5. Wreath
Image via morethanchristmas
This festive season, shooting fans need not hide their passion; with a wreath made of recycled shotgun shells, they can show the entire world that ‘tis the season to be a jolly shot. The wreath is made out of 150 recycled shotgun shells and costs a proud $99.
4. Handbag
Image via scrantoncentralhigh
This cool handbag was made by artist Nancy Ziegler Nodelman out of dozens of recycled shotgun shells and lipstick cases. An explosive combination!
3. Shot glass
Image via wellpromo
This item gives “having a shot” a whole new meaning! Though the shot glass in the shape of a shotgun shell here is recreated from plastic, this could be another great DIY project — just use the biggest shell size possible as the base of a shot glass. Do make sure to clean the casing really well before using the glass for the first time, though! Cool stuff to keep your guests entertained, but make sure to advise them that shooting and drinking do not go well together. If you have more shotgun shells than you could possibly ever recycle, note that most shells are made of plastic that can be recycled. And for the metal component, our next recycling project might give you an idea.
2. Jewelery
Image via cutoutandkeep
These cool rings, necklaces and bracelets were made by Stefanie Girard out of the metal parts of old shotgun shells. Here’s the complete process behind this amazing upcycling project.
1. Chair
Image via geekologie
In our last entry, artist Alexander Reh created a shotgun chair called “Fully Loaded” from 450 .12-gauge shotgun shells. It is available for purchase and said to be comfortable, though some people may be uncomfortable knowing that they’re sitting on ammunition. Regardless of whether your thing is jewelry, furniture, candles or light strings, recycled shotgun shells are a surprisingly versatile material for many cool products. Let us know of any others you’ve come across! Sources: 1
Do you shoot rusty shotgun shells?
I usually don’t but I rarely have rusty shells and we hunt the coastline here in Texas the majority of the time as well. That said, this past hunt my blind bag got knocked off of its perch and into the water soaking three boxes of shells. Needless to say we ended up shooting some of those shells that as you know rusted almost immediately. I don’t like doing it because I don’t like getting salty water/moisture in the action of my shotgun but nearly everything is PVD coated on it and I sprayed the crap out of the action with Rem Oil to help prevent any further corrosion. So while they work and have always gone bang, I personally don’t like doing it unless otherwise necessary.
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