Old components

[Doom]

Powder doesn't have an infinite life as the nitrocellulose will degrade in nitric acid but there are stabilizer in it to neutralize the acid. The rate is related to temperature so that is why the powder has recommended storage temperatures. A friend just recently shot M1 Carbine ammunition from 1943!

The current Lead styphante primer compound is pretty much inert at any reasonable storage. As I recall the problems occur when stored above 135F as the compound becomes brittle.

 

[Fire Dog]

Powder doesn't have an infinite life as the nitrocellulose will degrade in nitric acid but there are stabilizer in it to neutralize the acid. The rate is related to temperature so that is why the powder has recommended storage temperatures. A friend just recently shot M1 Carbine ammunition from 1943!

The current Lead styphante primer compound is pretty much inert at any reasonable storage. As I recall the problems occur when stored above 135F as the compound becomes brittle.

Hope he cleaned well… That WWII stuff is corrosively primed..!
I have seen WWI ammo fired that was stored well but cases were splitting as the brass had apparently hardened..
If your friend is going to reload that brass tell him to deprime, and wash in hot soapy water {just like cleaning a barrel after firing corrosive ammo} as the residue in the case will remain and cause corrosion problems in the future… Ask how I know…!!
Brass will also need to have the crimp removed before re-priming.. Just like all military brass.

 

[Brian.Egeberg64]

I have shot old stuff for literally decades, powder, primers and sometimes ammo. Still have some from the early 70’s and guess what? All shoots like new stuff.

I live in reality most of the time and don’t listen to much to the armchair experts who likely have not been reloading for 40 years. Now, if it’s visually looking bad and doesn’t have the correct smell I will toss stuff that looks contaminated but that is really rare. Thanks for sharing, your results mirror what i’ve seen.

 

[snert]

Hope he cleaned well… That WWII stuff is corrosively primed..!
I have seen WWI ammo fired that was stored well but cases were splitting as the brass had apparently hardened..
If your friend is going to reload that brass tell him to deprime, and wash in hot soapy water {just like cleaning a barrel after firing corrosive ammo} as the residue in the case will remain and cause corrosion problems in the future… Ask how I know…!!
Brass will also need to have the crimp removed before re-priming.. Just like all military brass.

Not 30 carbine

I regularly shoot some 1942-43 LC carbine

 

[DShortt]

I suppose it all depends on how lucky you feel.

If you feel lucky, load some ammo and have it it.

If you aren't interested in the potential failure, get rid of it.

Your skin in the game. Your choice.