   30 year old ammo
  My grandpa gave me his 30-06 and a box of ammo.  The catch is the ammo is 30 years old.  It is high quality.  What is the worst case scenario for firing it.  I would imagine the bullet not exiting the barrel.  But is there a possibility of the powder combusting too quickly, blowing apart the gun?  I would imagine the opposite, but I am not sure.   
Quote:Original post by WitchcravenMy grandpa gave me his 30-06 and a box of ammo.  The catch is the ammo is 30 years old.  It is high quality.  What is the worst case scenario for firing it.  I would imagine the bullet not exiting the barrel.  But is there a possibility of the powder combusting too quickly, blowing apart the gun?  I would imagine the opposite, but I am not sure.I'd be leery of any aged explosives: they can become very unstable, and even just dropping the bullet could set it off.  On the other hand, it could also be totally dead, but I wouldn't be willing to bet my safty or the safty of others on it.   ;  Could fire it with a bit of rope from 15 yars with googles and heavy clothing and you should be ok, i'm just guessing. The gun isn't going to blow apart.Dave   ;  Be sure to point the gun away from you.   ;  Just watch out for hang fire   ;Quote:Original post by ThoughtCriminalBe sure to point the gun away from you.;  gun cannot explode, you are 100% safe. Worst case scenario the bullet doesnt exit chamber, there is only a small amount of gun powder so it cannot blow anything up. Whatever you do though never try on a double barrel or any type of shotgun, the shell WILL splatter.   ;  inspect the bullet casings, if any are rusted or damaged, set them aside. Do not throw them in the trash, you have to discard of them properly.To dispose, fill a bucket full of water and submerse the bullet in the bucket. While submersed, use a pair of plier to remove the warhead. Swish the casing around and clear all the powder out.Do not attempt to remove the bullet in dry air. Friction from twisting with the pliers can create heat and may cause the powder to ignite.   ;  hmm I've used old 9mm ammo in a pistol before, having the slug getting caught halfway through the barrel...so, yeah, i'd be careful.;  Alternatively, make a giant campfire and toss the bullets in*. *Disclaimer: There is a 99.9% chance the bullets will explode and damage you, your surroundings or destroy earth. Don't come see me with your lawyer after you sustained several trauma.Toolmaker   