Hello All:

I found some "new" old stock British 303 ammo. According to Federal (gave them the lot #), it was manufactured in 1999. The seller is a retired Federal distributor. They say the ammo has been stored all these years in a dry warehouse.

Assuming the price is right, should I be wary of buying 18 year-old ammo? What should I expect the discount to be based on the age?

Any input is appreciated :-)

It might still be a little too fresh to shoot at its optimum, but it is probably nearly as good as 30 year-old ammo.

This would be considered "brand new" stuff in my armory.

It should still be fine. I'm not sure how much ammo I have that is that new.

I shot some reloads that were dated 1980 18 year old stuff is all most brand new.

I appreciate the input. When I spoke with Federal, the tech support folks said they warranty ammo for 1 or 2 years depending. They said a 10 year shelf-life is a pretty safe bet. Longer than that and it can deteriorate (according to them), especially if exposed to chemicals or humidity. But it does not sound like that should be a problem.

Ken
In good conscience I can not allow you to use "old" ammo. FOR YOUR OWN GOOD box up all your "old" ammo and send it to me. If you do this then I will know you are safe.

Perry

I've shot 30-40 Krag ammunition that my father got with his rifle in the early 1930s. Go for it if the price is right.

Why not? I'm still shooting Korean War vintage '06 ammo in my Garand just fine.

HaHa! Love it, Perry! But I'm not quite that pathetic

I still have a few boxes from a case of PMP 303 still around from 1992. And most of a case of 416 Rigby I bought in 2000. All new when I got it and that stuff shoots just fine.

I guess I have not bought much old ammo! So I was a little nervous when the Federal guy started talking about storage near humidity and cleaning supplies

My friend shoots 70 year old 8X57 in his MG42 no problem.

I have some 1919 3oh ammo that still fires
pitty it is cordite as the required cleaning is a PITA