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aged ammo

1stforce

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Apr 2, 2007
16
0
56
Mundelein, Ill
Gents,

Not sure where to post this, so I figure go to the experts on ammo.
Was given several cans of belted 7.62. Concern is the date stamp is 75. My intention was to run it through an AK I have. Any feed back?

 
Re: aged ammo

Hell, I just picked up 750 rounds of CMP 30.06 date 68. I won't even think twice about running it through my '43 Garand.

Mostly depends on how it was stored. Is it all corroded? If not, I wouldn't worry about it.
 
Re: aged ammo

The volume of powder in small arms cartridges is too small to spontaneously deflagrate under normal earth-surface temperatures if the stabilizers are all depleted.

Degraded powder loses power. The only ill effects I am aware of from old ammo are duds and stuck bullets if it gets too bad.

The QUALITY of USGI ammo is such that I would not worry a bit about anything less than 100 years old (with the exception of WWI production with cupro-nickel jackets that can cold-solder themselves to the case necks. = dangerous pressure spikes!).

If any such ammo had been stored in such hot conditions that the cases are almost black, I'd sample 100 from the lot and inspect the powder. Do NOT!!!! sniff it before looking at it, as the red-residue stuff is quite toxic!!!. IF the powder is not chalky or red, fire away.
 
Re: aged ammo

Thank you for the info I willl check a few and start running them Saturday. Appreciate the help. Love this Site.