What is the decay date on ammunition? How long would you want to maintain it in storage prior to an ill effect resulting? If it is as long as I expect it may be, I could have quite a bit of ammunition for you fellows. It was removed from our store when we closed it, so I have quite a lot.
Also, I'd love to acquire a rifle.
Lasts many years. Don't listen to any fudds and bubbas that tell you that you have to have it thrown away just because it's 10+ years old. People are still buying up surplus German ammunition from the 40s.Also, I'd love to acquire a rifle.
What you need to look at is the shell to make sure it's not worn down. Cracked, horribly rusted, dented, etc. Discoloration usually doesn't matter.
Next would be how it was stored. Has it been sitting under water for the past 15 years? Those neckings can be pretty air tight, but if they've been under water or sitting out in the weather for years, a little bit of moisture probably made it's way inside. But it sitting out in the rain for years would be apparent by the rust on the shells.
Lastly, how was it stored? You see, there are many different types of gun powder. Some of it is an actual powder, some is more like rice shaped, some very tiny balls, etc (pic below)
The different types of powder are used for different ways the powder burns. Certain calibers work better with certain types, while others don't. There is a science that I won't bother getting into. But the point I'm trying to make is that them constantly being shaken around or vibrating for years can break down the powder into a finer powder. Thus affecting how it burns when it fires. Which might be dangerous in a few instances.
If it's been stored in some boxes/crates in the basement for 30 years, it's perfectly fine.
tl;dr
It's fine unless it's been running in the dishwasher for years. (i.e. horribly treated)
