Old Ammo

M

m_calingo

Joined
Oct 13, 2003
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Any suggestions on the safest way of disposing of old ammo (other than taking it out on the range and firing it)?
 
Sounds like you want to throw it away. Why do that if somebody else would like to have it? If that's your plan, though, you might want to dig a fairly deep hole and bury it where it's not likely to be dug up accidentally. You could first drench it with WD-40 on the theory that it will seep into the shells and kill the primers and, possibly, the powder. I guess you could literally soak it for a few days in kerosene or mineral spirits, too.
 
Depending on how many rounds you have, you might just want to buy a kinetic bullet puller. Should run about $15 or so. You can pull the bullets, toss the powder, soak the primer in WD-40 and deprime. The brass can be reloaded, if you reload.
 
Dr. Mudd said:
Sounds like you want to throw it away. Why do that if somebody else would like to have it? If that's your plan, though, you might want to dig a fairly deep hole and bury it where it's not likely to be dug up accidentally. You could first drench it with WD-40 on the theory that it will seep into the shells and kill the primers and, possibly, the powder. I guess you could literally soak it for a few days in kerosene or mineral spirits, too.
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depending on how old it is and how it has been stored, it may not be safe to fire. squib rounds are baaaaad.

havent heard about the wd40 for the primers, good to know.

other than that, maybe the local range could dispose of it.
 
Just for clarification, I don't have boxes and boxes of old ammo, only a couple of rounds of .50 AE that a gun collector friend gave me.

In part, it was to show the friggin size of the rounds, but also these were rounds that didn't go "boom" when he pulled the trigger on his Desert Eagle.

I've kept them as a sort of novelty, but not owning a Desert Eagle myself, they serve me no practical purpose. Considering that they didn't fire, I doubt they'll serve owners of Desert Eagles any practical purpose either.
 
m_calingo said:
Just for clarification, I don't have boxes and boxes of old ammo, only a couple of rounds of .50 AE that a gun collector friend gave me.

In part, it was to show the friggin size of the rounds, but also these were rounds that didn't go "boom" when he pulled the trigger on his Desert Eagle.

I've kept them as a sort of novelty, but not owning a Desert Eagle myself, they serve me no practical purpose. Considering that they didn't fire, I doubt they'll serve owners of Desert Eagles any practical purpose either.
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could be light strikes or b/o primers.

ive seen ammo go bad from exposure to moisture, but i think removing the bullet and dumping the powder is the most reliable way to insure they arent accidentally ignited.
 
MORIMOTOM said:
ive seen ammo go bad from exposure to moisture, but i think removing the bullet and dumping the powder is the most reliable way to insure they arent accidentally ignited.
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From the description here, it seems that two sets of pliers are all I need to take care of this?

If there's more, I'd appreciate any feedback so I don't end up looking like Elmer Fudd (face/hands scorched with black powder burns, etc.) from the classic Saturday morning cartoons.
 
m_calingo said:
From the description here, it seems that two sets of pliers are all I need to take care of this?

If there's more, I'd appreciate any feedback so I don't end up looking like Elmer Fudd (face/hands scorched with black powder burns, etc.) from the classic Saturday morning cartoons.
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pliers should work. it is unlikely you would generate any kind of spark and ignite the powder simply removing the bullets.

maybe put them in a vice and use one pair of pliers to pull the bullet.



or next time your at the outdoor range, toss them in the bushes when no one is looking. :D
 
richard j said:
use a tube flaring tool to hold the case while you pull the bullet.
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how does the tube flaring tool work better than pliers? does it give a better grip?



and we should prolly stop saying "pull the bullet". ;)



never mind, you are talking about the type that look similar to a vice? i was thinking the plier looking kind.
 
the tube flaring tool will hold the case if the rim catches the bottom of the clamp. i have done this before with 357 loads. you clamp the flaring tool clamp in a vise so you can use both hands. a kinetic puller would be ok if you reload but for just a few rounds its not worth the cost.
 
Pick out a garden spot in your back yard and bury the ammo. Wait till spring. Then call the ATF and claim you think your neighbor is burying illegal firearms and pot somewhere in your back yard. By the time they're done, the ammo will be gone, and you'll have your garden plowed up. :p
 
MORIMOTOM said:
pliers should work. it is unlikely you would generate any kind of spark and ignite the powder simply removing the bullets.

maybe put them in a vice and use one pair of pliers to pull the bullet.



or next time your at the outdoor range, toss them in the bushes when no one is looking. :D
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I pull rimfire bullets with pliers all the time- I used to be afraid but I'm not worried at all now.

Reloading supply companies also sell a hammer-like tool for pulling centerfire rounds apart. They cost less than $20 , but if your only going to pull a couple rounds it aint worth it. Maybe a friend who reloads could help you pull them. Dump the powder, reassemble the rounds, and display them- that should settle any fears the OP has of a spontaniuos go-off.
 
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