Buying old ammo

[Jericho01]

I was at the Nation's Gun Show in Chantilly yesterday to buy some ammo for my .38 Super. A few dealers/sellers were selling what looked like old stock ammo. One of the sellers I saw had a couple of boxes and the price was $35.00 for Wincester FMJ. The boxes were really old and so were the contents inside. When I asked to check them, there were several rounds missing in one of the box so the seller brought the price to $25. I decided not to buy them; I was concerned that due to the age of the ammo, they may not work. Was my concern justified? Do bullets have a shelf life? What are the chances that they will misfire? A friend of mine told me that the primers on old ammo could deteriorate over time. Is this true? I would appreciate it if there is somebody in this forum who can address this concern.

[allingeneral]

I think "Shelf life" really depends upon the conditions in which the ammo has been stored. If it hasn't been stored in temperature extremes, then it's likely that there's no problem.

If you're looking for 38 Super...that happens to be one caliber that I do have in stock. I have 300 boxes of Fiocchi 38SA (Super Auto) at $19.56 per box.

http://all-in-general.com/product_info. ... s_id=40833

Also some Magtech 38 Super +P

http://all-in-general.com/advanced_sear ... s=38+super

[Hiwaytahell]

I shoot alot of old military surplus ammo dating back to the 70's, 60's, and 50's. NEVER any problems.

[Jericho01]

I think "Shelf life" really depends upon the conditions in which the ammo has been stored. If it hasn't been stored in temperature extremes, then it's likely that there's no problem.

If you're looking for 38 Super...that happens to be one caliber that I do have in stock. I have 300 boxes of Fiocchi 38SA (Super Auto) at $19.56 per box.

http://all-in-general.com/product_info. ... s_id=40833

Also some Magtech 38 Super +P

http://all-in-general.com/advanced_sear ... s=38+super

I might take you up on this when I get back from vacation week after next.

Thanks!